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  1. Free Days Out in Devon

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The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary

No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner…

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Free Days Out in Devon

Watching the pennies? Holidaying on a budget? Don’t worry – visit Devon and you’ll find an abundance of things to do…for free!

Yes, free. Devon has plenty to do and see that won’t cost you a penny, so if you’re trying to keep those holiday costs down but don’t want to skimp on the enjoyment, then Devon’s the right destination for you.

National Parks

We have two glorious National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Both have their own unique characters – while Dartmoor is a wild, wide-open place filled with mystery, towering granite Tors and dramatic scenery, Exmoor (although it too has its open spaces), is filled with secret, hidden treasures such as Tarr Steps. And if you’re into star-gazing, Exmoor is now designated as a Dark Sky Reserve (one of only two in the world) so on a clear night you’re guaranteed to see the Milky Way in all its true splendour without any light pollution masking the view!

Over on Dartmoor you’ll be able to grab the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and stumble across Neolithic monuments, dramatic gorges and beautiful sights, such as the Dartmoor ponies. Both moors have their legends too – on Exmoor you can discover the world of Lorna Doone, while on Dartmoor be careful not to get caught in the ‘Grimpen Mire’ or chased by the dreaded Hound of the Baskervilles! 

I love to go a-wandering…

Ramble the length of Devon for free on the South West Coast Path, a fantastic route which will introduce you to some of the finest views and bring you all the way around to the Jurassic Coast, where you can hunt on the beach for fossils. Throughout Devon a network of paths and bridleways will take you off the beaten track and into the heart of the countryside – and there are plenty of local pubs on the way to grab some well-earned refreshments too.  For a free walk in the city, try one of Exeter's Red Coat Guided Tours, a must on any visit to Exeter.

Try geocaching - otherwise known as a digital treasurehunt. Hunting for hidden 'caches' using a smart phone for navigation is becoming increasingly popular, and is a great way to get children out on a walk. It's also surprisingly easy to get started; read our guide to geocaching in Devon.

Surfers are spoilt for choice, with easier peaks on the south coast and at the sandy expanse of Woolacombe beach on the North Devon coast, while more capable board-jockeys can head to Croyde for some challenging waves. If you’re not a surfer, there are lots of rock pools to discover here too.

Back on the south coast you can grab a bucket and spade for a few pennies and go crabbing at Dittisham, and if the weather is at its best then you can head to any one of the numerous Blue Flag beaches around Devon for a splash in the waves. If you don’t fancy the idea of open-sea swimming then pack your costume and head to Shoalstone Open Air Pool.

Culture vultures

If you like a bit of culture, there are plenty of freebies on offer too. Wander around west Devon’s castles at Lydford, or visit the West Devon UNESCO World Heritage. You can visit the fascinating herb gardens at Buckfast Abbey (and pick up a bottle of their famous fortified wine while you’re there) or follow the Agatha Christie Literary Trail through Torquay and Torbay for a glimpse into the Queen of Crime’s life.

No matter what you want to do, there’s plenty of choice in Devon, and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny!

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Number of results: 22

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  1. The Donkey Sanctuary

    Add The Donkey Sanctuary to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

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    The Donkey Sanctuary

    Sidmouth

    No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary.

  2. Royal Albert Memorial Museum Queen Street Exeter

    Add Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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    Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM

    Exeter

    Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum reopened after a multi-million pound refurbishment with the galleries & facilities of a modern museum.

  3. Thelma Hulbert Gallery

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    Thelma Hulbert Gallery

    Honiton

    Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is an acclaimed public art gallery featuring an inspiring programme of contemporary art & craft exhibitions.

  4. Beer beach

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    Beer Beach

    Beer

    Picturesque fishing village with high chalk cliffs.

  5. Branscombe Beach

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    Branscombe Beach

    Branscombe

    The beach at Branscombe is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

  6. Exeter Custom House (c) Philip Vile Photography

    Add Custom House Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Custom House Visitor Centre

    Exeter

    The Custom House Visitor Centre is in the centre of Exeter's historic quayside & occupies one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront.

  7. Blackdown Hills Culmstock Beacon (c) Diana Elliott

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    Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    Cullompton

    The Blackdown Hills form a tranquil, beautiful, and relatively isolated landscape on the Devon and Somerset border.

  8. Exe Estuary

    Exmouth Local Nature Reserve

    Exmouth

    Exmouth Local Nature Reserve consists of tidal sand & mud at the South end of Exe Estuary – it’s one of the biggest Nature Reserves in Devon

  9. Seaton Wetlands

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    Seaton Wetlands

    Seaton

    Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife.

  10. Cannington Viaduct Uplyme

    Add East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to your Itinerary

    East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    East Devon

    The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty landscape is characterised by intimate wooded combes, vast areas of heathland, fertile river valleys and breathtaking cliffs…

  11. Part of Exeter Medieval Trail

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    Exeter Medieval Trail

    Exeter

    Discover Exeter's medieval past, find out about many of Exeter's surviving gems and the events that helped to shape this period of Exeter's past.

  12. Matford Marsh landscape

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    Matford Marsh

    Exeter

    Matford Marshes is a small, relatively new site halfway between Exeter and Exminster - just 3 miles (6 km) from the city centre. It's one of our Exe Estuary reserves.

  13. Exeter Woollen Trail - cartoon image of walking sheep. Copyright: Tony Howell

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    Exeter Woollen Trail

    Exeter

    A self-guided tour exploring the buildings and history of Exeter's woollen trade.

  14. Budleigh Salterton (Copyright: Tony Howell)

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    Budleigh Salterton Beach

    Budleigh Salterton beach is a long pebble beach extending for 2.5 miles along the Jurassic Coast, from Littleham Cove to the west, to Otterhead in the east, where the River…

  15. Part of the Exeter Green Circle

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    Exeter Green Circle Walk

    EXETER

    The Exeter Green Circle is a 12 mile walking route which takes you around Exeter. It caters for those of all walking abilities.

  16. Seaton Wetlands

    Add Seaton Wetlands to your Itinerary

    Seaton Wetlands

    Seaton

    Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife.

  17. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve pathway

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    Dawlish Warren Nature & Wildlife Reserve

    Dawlish Warren

    Dawlish Warren's most valuable ecological asset appears outside of the summer months - the descent of thousands of wildfowl and wading birds who use the mudflats to feed.

  18. Ludwell Valley Park Trail

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    Ludwell Valley Park Trail

    Exeter

    A one and a half-mile route around Ludwell Valley Park

  19. Exmouth Beach & seafront

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    Exmouth Beach

    Exmouth

    Two miles of golden sand and fascinating rock pools

  20. Exe Estuary - Andy Hay

    Add Exe Estuary to your Itinerary

    Exe Estuary

    Exeter

    The Exe Estuary is of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl, supporting 1000s of birds. One of the best opportunities to view the wildlife of the…

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