Planning a trip to Devon over the summer months? Looking for suggestions for things you can’t do anywhere else?

Here are our suggestions of some of the more unusual things to do in Devon this summer.

Take a train journey with a view

We appreciate that getting the train isn’t unique to Devon but we can guarantee that the views outside the windows are more special in Devon. Jump on the train to get to Torquay and the English Riviera, the train takes you along the seafront and is a truly amazing way to start your Devon adventure!

Already in Devon? Head to South Devon Railway where you can enjoy a heritage steam train ride through the beautiful countryside!

 

Explore the region’s literary history

Did you know that Devon is a haven for writers and poets? The Queen of Crime herself was born in Torquay and her holiday home is nearby in Brixham. You can see a host of the places that inspired Agatha Christie’s works by following the Agatha Christie mile around Torquay or why not spend some time on Dartmoor which inspired the Hound of the Baskervilles and also epics like Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse.

Elsewhere in Devon, Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes had a home, Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born in Ottery St Mary and he and his friends spent a lot of time in North Devon, particularly places like Lynton and Lynmouth which was nicknamed Little Switzerland. While you’re in North Devon, you can follow Kipling Tor, a walk that was enjoyed by Rudyard Kipling, writer of the Jungle Book while he was at school in the region and the whole of Westward Ho! is a literary connection – it got its name from a book by local author Charles Kingsley.

Exmoor is also the inspiration for Lorna Doone, one of the greatest romantic epics in the British literary canon.

Meet some interesting animals

Aside from several zoos and farm attractions, Devon is home to some pretty unique creatures that you can see while you go about your day.

For instance, if you take a walk alongside the River Otter in East Devon, you might spot one of the otters that the river is named for or one of the resident beavers that were introduced a few years ago. Both the National Parks are havens for wildlife, on Dartmoor there is the Dartmoor Pony and Exmoor has its own equivalent. Also on Exmoor you can enjoy wild mountain goats, particularly around the Lynmouth area.

There are also incredible animal-centric days out available at places like The Big Sheep where you can watch the famous sheep racing; Pennywell Farm which is home to very cute mini pigs and places like Paignton Zoo, Exmoor Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo and the National Marine Aquarium.

Enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea

There are few things better in life than enjoying a Devon cream tea and having one actually in Devon surrounded by beautiful countryside makes the whole thing an even greater experience.

Wherever you go in Devon you’re surrounded by places offering cream tea – the hotels, cafes and even some attractions offer them!

See the Jurassic Coast

Devon is full of beautiful places to visit including the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, which can be found in East Devon. Experience coastal walks, gorgeous views and incredible beaches, full of pebbles and even a fossil or two!

Here are some of the best places to visit for seeing the Jurassic Coast:

Learn to surf

The North Devon coastline forms part of the UK’s first surf reserve, which makes Devon a great place to learn how to surf and during the summer months, you’ll find pop ups offering everything from equipment hire to tuition – so everyone can have a go at getting out on the waves.

Enjoy a unique day out

There are some things that you can only do in Devon, like getting a lift from a horse drawn barge, taking a trip on a water powered cliff railway or exploring the Victorian Tunnels Beaches near Ilfracombe. Or how about catching a sea tractor between Burgh Island and Bigbury on Sea?

There’s a never ending list of unique days out to enjoy in Devon!

Dramatic walks

If there is one thing Devon does well its drama and there are plenty of places to experience the region’s dramatic walks and views. You can pick up the South West Coast Path at various points around Devon and all of them offer amazing walking routes with amazing views. You’ll also find some amazing walks around the Hartland Peninsula and the Valley of Rocks which is on Exmoor.

 

Looking for more suggestions of things to do this summer? Click here.