A Natural Playground for All Seasons

Whether you’re hiking the South West Coast Path, paddling through tranquil estuaries, or enjoying a cream tea with a view, South Devon National Landscape offers something for everyone. It’s not just a beautiful place to visit; it’s a living, breathing classroom of Earth history, ecology, and cultural heritage.

With charming coastal towns like Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge, and landscapes ranging from wild moorland to hidden coves, there’s no better place to reconnect with nature, history, and yourself.

Spring in South Devon

As winter loosens its grip, South Devon bursts back to life. Hedgerows brim with wild primroses and bluebells, migratory birds return to the estuaries, and the countryside begins to hum with activity. It’s the perfect time for peaceful hikes, birdwatching along the River Dart, or exploring flower-filled woodland trails.

Local farmers’ markets are filled with spring produce, and towns like Totnes and Modbury offer a great base for exploring the area as it reawakens. The quieter roads and footpaths make it an ideal season for those who want a gentler, more introspective encounter with nature.

South Devon Summers

In summer, South Devon truly comes alive. Sunlight sparkles on the water, the beaches are warm and inviting, and the countryside is a rich tapestry of greens and golds. It’s the ideal time for kayaking along the coast, stand-up paddleboarding in Salcombe, or picnicking on grassy headlands with panoramic sea views.

Summer also brings festivals, local seafood feasts, open gardens, and lively events. Whether you're swimming in secluded coves, walking cliff-top paths to the sound of gulls, or enjoying a long evening meal by the harbour, there’s a relaxed, joyful energy that defines South Devon’s sunny season.

Autumn in South Devon

As the crowds thin and the light softens, autumn paints the landscape in warm tones of rust, amber, and gold. This is a fantastic time for walking, photography, and wildlife spotting, especially along estuaries where wading birds arrive in large numbers.

Woodlands in places like Sharpham Estate and Loddiswell offer spectacular displays of autumn foliage, and you’ll find cosy pubs with roaring fires just around the corner. Local harvest festivals, apple pressing events, and foraging walks make this a delicious and enriching season to visit.

South Devon Winters

Winter in South Devon is quieter, wilder, and often profoundly beautiful. Dramatic skies over windswept cliffs, stormy sea views from places like Prawle Point, and empty beaches offer a raw, powerful experience of nature. It’s a time for brisk coastal walks, spotting seals, and warming up with a hot drink in a quiet café overlooking the surf.

Historic villages like Stoke Gabriel and Dittisham take on a cosy, storybook quality in winter. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch the landscape dusted with snow, a rare but magical sight in this usually mild corner of the UK.