If you were to ask us when our favourite time to visit Devon is, we wouldn’t be able to give you an answer… Summer has those incredible days at the beach, the winter gives us a whole new dramatic atmosphere, the autumn has those amazing colours and spring, well, spring is full of baby lambs and pretty flowers. We know, we’re biased, but we think Devon is spectacular all year round! If you are someone who likes spotting the babies in the fields and seeing the spring flowers, like carpets of bluebells and fields of snowdrops, here are our suggestions for places to stay where you can really see the season change.

  1. Where to stay in North Devon
  2. Where to stay in East Devon
  3. Where to stay on Dartmoor

Where to stay in North Devon

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North Devon is known for its rugged coastline and the beautiful Exmoor National Park, where rolling moorland becomes a haven for spring flowers.

Barnstaple

Just outside of Barnstaple is Marwood Hill Gardens, a 20 acre space that has three lakes and is even dog friendly! It’s a lovely place to go for seeing the spring flowers, including magnolia, narcissi, wisteria and camellia.

Ilfracombe

Near the harbour town of Ilfracombe, you’ll find Borough Woods which is the place in North Devon for seeing bluebells and orchids, especially in the later spring months. The woods are home to several rare species of plant, so those of you that love your gardens, will want to spend a few hours exploring here.

Cairn House

Cairn House

Carin House  Built in 1890 as a victorian gentlemans residence Cairn House has been lovingly…

Croyde

We’re going to bunch these together as they are neighbours, but another place to enjoy the changing of the season are the Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands areas. Aside from the award winning beaches, there are several popular walking routes around here and of course, you’re right next to the Biosphere, where you’ll find more than 100 species of flowers starting to bloom.

Hartland

Did you know Hartland Abbey’s gardens are a haven for wildflowers? They are even holding a special Mother’s Day event where you can explore among the daffodils. Later in the season when they open up properly, you can enjoy snowdrops and bluebell walks too

Where to stay in East Devon

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Blackbury Camp

Located close to Exeter and Honiton, this former Iron Age settlement is famous for the bluebells that cover the area during the spring months. You’ll find a couple of walking routes around the site and its also a popular picnic spot.

Sidmouth

Every year, Sidmouth is awash with dafodils thanks to their Valley of a Million Bulbs project. During the autumn, community groups come together to plan 1million bulbs across the town comprising of mostly spring flowers, like daffodils, and then they enjoy the colour come the spring months!

Where to stay on Dartmoor

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Dartmoor is one of the best places for a spring stroll. Not only do you have woodland but also wide open spaces, hills and tors and just about everything in between.

Heathercombe

Located within the National Park, Heathercombe has over 30 acres of gardens, which feature a woodland, a bog garden, a fern garden and a wild flower meadow and as we get into April and May, you’ll see plenty of spring flowers. Just be aware that Heathercombe isn’t open all year around, so make sure to check before heading out.

Dunsford Reserve

This is one of the best places for daffodils. The Reserve is managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust, so make sure to pay attention to any signage you might see in relation to dogs and any areas that are closed to the public. The Reserve is also home to several rare butterflies which will also start to make an appearance at this time of year.