Days Out in Devon

Cream or jam first? After dining out in Cornwall last week, we had to try some Devon scones for a fully balanced diet (it’s cream first this side of the border). With so many places in Devon to discover, we recommend you pack a picnic: the hours will simply disappear exploring rock pools and smugglers' caves, historic houses, gardens and hidey-holes.

Known as “Mother Nature’s Playground”, Devon is home to two coastlines and two National Parks. The gorgeous Jurassic Coast and dramatic cliffs line the East of the county, a great place for rockpooling, sailing and fishing, while North Devon’s unparalleled coastal views and rolling waves make it a haven for surfers and those that love watersports. From the bustling historic cities of Plymouth and Exeter, with live music, active nightlife and lots of culture, to the varied coastlines and abundance of AONBs, whether you’re looking for adventure, experiences, culture or some R&R, this diverse county has everything you could think of and a little more besides!

Cann Woods Segway

Fancy giving walking a break and seeing nature on two wheels, but not in the mood for pedalling? Welcome to Cann Woods Segway, Devon’s only full forest Segway experience. Years in the planning until just the right site was found, close to Plymouth, it’s the perfect tour around the perfect forest location. The friendly team offer a range of tours, all away from any traffic and with a maximum of 10 people, giving you lots of opportunities to learn new skills, chat, head off down smaller tracks, and just enjoy the tranquil woods, wildlife and “floating” experience.

Built by Segway tour operators with over 13 years’ experience, and suitable for ages 10+, the relaxed Adventure Tour is perfect for first time Segwayers! Comprising mainly smooth surfaces, with a little off-roading and a few gentle hills to glide effortlessly up, this route show cases the panoramas of this quiet “secret forest”. Take it up a gear with Safari & Skills, offering more undulating off-roading and the chance to show off your prowess around the Segway Skills area, or the 3-hour Segway Extreme Tour for hardcore Segway fans! Whichever you choose, you’re in expert hands, uniquely experiencing the glorious beauty of Cann Woods.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Summer is the perfect time to stroll amongst blooming gardens, and they don’t come more beautiful than RHS Rosemoor, nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley, near Great Torrington. Rosemoor’s 65 acres are an enchantment of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valleys. With formal and informal gardens, as well as woodland walks, water features, self-guided adventure trails, two natural play areas, plus tempting Plant Centre and Gift Shop, there’s plenty for children and adults alike to enjoy.

The garden also features inspiring planting schemes and displays, including the largest rose gardens in the South West, just coming into perfect bloom, the stunning Hot Garden, the RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winning Cool Garden, Devon Cottage Garden, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, plus natural flower meadows. The backdrop to flower shows, plant, craft and antique fairs, art and sculpture exhibitions, music events and outdoor theatre, there’s usually something on, including fun family activities during the upcoming school holidays. Luckily Rosemoor’s traditional Tea Room and award-winning Garden Kitchen Restaurant are on hand for rest, refreshment and rejuvenation!

Coastal Adventures

When the weather’s just too good to stay on dry land, take to the water with Coastal Adventures! This family-run business, based in Barnstaple, is dedicated to delivering the most enjoyable experience along beautiful stretches of the North Devon coast. Employing years of knowledge and skills, friendly instructors and guides will show you hidden gems of the rocky shores which have taken years of searching to find. All levels are catered for, whether you fancy a gentle paddle, exploring hidden caves, or launching yourself off big cliffs!

Enjoy stand-up paddle boarding on specially-designed large and very stable boards, perfect for learning this relaxing pastime while exploring North Devon rivers, estuary, coast and wildlife. Adrenaline junkies can opt for coasteering, with jumping off rocks, exploring caves, swimming through gullies, and walking along cliff bases on the bespoke menu, tailored according to your group’s experience and preferences. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed an amazing adventure boasting incredible views and scenery, with professional photographs captured by the team as mementoes of an unforgettable day.

Go Ape Haldon Forest

Set against Dartmoor’s stunning backdrop, discover Go Ape’s most southerly adventure at glorious Haldon Forest, then quest emphatically northwards as you scale the heights of the treetops! The whole family can enjoy the classic and original Go Ape Treetop Adventure experience, suitable for all age of dare devils over 1m tall. A breath-taking zip line that soars between the hill tops and a variety of tree-high crossings; whether traversing the course or getting your breath back amongst the treetops, you’ll appreciate breath-taking panoramas of the dramatic Dartmoor landscape.

Or rise to new heights with the Treetop Challenge; this tricky circuit of high ropes crossings atop the towering Scots Pines will leave you with the ultimate sense of accomplishment. Step carefully as you complete the precarious Log Balance or trip across the Button Bridge. Who can be quickest to scale the mighty rope course before buckling on for the brilliant 200-metre showstopping zipwire finale? Just 15 minutes from Exeter and nestled in 3,500-acres of woodland, the whole park contains walking and cycling trails, bike hire, children’s play area discovery trails, plus Ridge Café for essential refuelling!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

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We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Days Out in Devon and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out