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No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner…
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.
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!
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.
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!
Number of results: 22
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Exeter
Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum reopened after a multi-million pound refurbishment with the galleries & facilities of a modern museum.
Honiton
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is an acclaimed public art gallery featuring an inspiring programme of contemporary art & craft exhibitions.
Branscombe
The beach at Branscombe is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
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.
Cullompton
The Blackdown Hills form a tranquil, beautiful, and relatively isolated landscape on the Devon and Somerset border.
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
Seaton
Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife.
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…
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.
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.
Exeter
A self-guided tour exploring the buildings and history of Exeter's woollen trade.
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…
EXETER
The Exeter Green Circle is a 12 mile walking route which takes you around Exeter. It caters for those of all walking abilities.
Seaton
Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife.
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.
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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