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Leave the kids behind this autumn

30th September 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Image credit: Tony Cobley.

Devon is a wonderful family friendly location but if you’re looking for a break away from the children, don’t look elsewhere. Devon is also ideal for anyone wanting a relaxing retreat, there are spas, incredible adult only accommodation options and plenty of distillery and brewery tours all offering the best entertainment for grown ups only.

We’ve put together a few suggestions for adult only holiday options in Devon, so get your itineraries ready!

First up, somewhere to stay

In Torquay, you’ll find Heathcliff House B&B which is exclusively for adults. This multi award-winning bed and breakfast is right in the heart of the English Riviera and prides themselves on a relaxing stay, with free parking and wifi. The B&B is set within a historic Victorian villa that was once frequented by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. With an extensive, locally sourced breakfast, a bar and rooms that are equipped for relaxing, this is a great choice for anyone wanting to explore south Devon in a quiet environment.

Another adults only accommodation option in the English Riviera is the Driftwood Boutique B&B in Brixham. Set right in the famous harbour and with breath taking views from each room, this is a luxurious and comfortable place to call home for the duration of your stay. Of course, all of Devon’s accommodation caters for adults and the best way to guarantee a quieter stay would be to go out of season. Many accommodations offer lower rates and last minute deals during the shoulder season so do keep an eye on our special offers and bag a bargain.

Alternatively, for a truly peaceful stay without a child in sight, why not book a cottage or house? With coastal and rural properties available from houses that sleep six to accommodate a group or cosy little cottages for the perfect, romantic break there is something for everyone.

Image: Ocean Reach

Ocean Reach Holiday Homes have an incredible view and is located at Bolberry Down, one of the most picturesque places in south Devon. Served by both countryside and coast, this is a good choice for anyone who can’t make their mind up when it comes to the scenery. With three different homes onsite, you can find the one that best suits your break and there is an onsite restaurant too, so you can even have a break from the cooking. Or give the team at Toad Hall Cottages a call, they have over 900 properties to choose from and the majority of their holiday homes welcome dogs for those of you who fancy giving your four legged friends a change of scenery too.

Looking for more accommodation options? See a whole host of hotels, B&Bs and self catering properties here.

Once you’ve found somewhere to stay, here are a few things you can do to amuse yourselves.

From Escape Rooms to museums to vineyard and brewery tours, there are plenty of things to do in Devon without having children in tow. With its rich heritage, there are plenty of attractions allowing you to enjoy some nostalgia, like the steam railways, or further back in time, like the stately homes and National Trust properties.
In Plymouth there is Plymouth Gin, the oldest working distillery in England. They have been making gin to their own original recipe since the 1700s and the medieval building dates back to the 1400s! There are three tours of the distillery to choose from where you find out more about the history of the region as well as the production of the gin and even taste a few samples. Their Master Distiller’s tour even gives you the chance to create your own hand crafted gin which you can take home with you!

Image credit: English Riviera BID.

For the more energetic of you, head to Canoe Tamar. This relaxing trip along the Tamar Valley is the best way to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery, though you’ll be in charge of your own canoe, there is a guide that goes with you and are well versed in the history of the river.

If you’re leaving the kids at home for an adult only break, or perhaps you’re on a girl’s or lad’s weekend one thing that is a must is to treat yourself at one of the county’s spas. There are spas and leisure centres offering beauty treatments all over Devon and many of the spa hotels allow non guests to use the facilities.

Image: Gara Rock

Gara Rock is famous for the quality of its food, but the spa is also well loved. All the products are natural and organic, many of them are even handmade and come from Totnes, which is nearby. In Exeter, the Devon Hotel’s fitness suite is superbly equipped and fully air conditioned, so you can enjoy a total body workout. If you choose to stay at the hotel, you also get free use of the spa facilities at their sister hotel. Speaking of Gara Rock, it is a great place to enjoy a meal out for couples and groups. With menus created using locally sourced and foraged food and incredible views out of the floor to ceiling windows.

For a cultured meal full of incredible French menus, book a table at the Bistrot Pierre in Torquay. Located near the Princess Theatre on the seafront, overlooking the bay, it is a stylish and relaxing place to enjoy affordable, tasty dishes that are freshly prepared by chefs every day.

Find more dining options here. Inspired to take a child free break in Devon? Make sure to follow us on Instagram to find picturesque places to spend your time.