INCREDIBLE
Weekend Breaks in Devon
Why weekend in Devon?
It's blissfully invigorating
Straddling the UK’s southern peninsula, Devon is a lush, juicy county with wildly different coastlines to the north and south, and a huge windswept centre, in the form of Dartmoor National Park.
It is home to five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest national trail.
There are must-see maritime cities, such as Plymouth and Exeter, cute coastal villages, like Salcombe and Appledore, and ancient market towns, including South Molton and Axminster.
So, whatever kind of weekend you want, Devon delivers on all fronts. For foodies looking for incredible local culinary experiences. For water babies in search of giant swells and meandering rivers. For walkers craving fresh sea-flecked air and open space. And for culture vultures who love music, theatre, history and art.
Brace yourself, Devon has it all.
Where is Devon?
INSPIRED PLACES TO STAY IN DEVON
Well, these are gurt lush
So, what will it be: cute cottage, campsite with a view, unique Devon glamping, boutique hotel or fabulous B&B? Devon has the pick of the bunch for all types of budget and tastes. Here are some Devon accommodation gems that all come with our official seal of approval.
The Ultimate Coastal Spa: Wildwood Spa Devon
Wildwood Spa Devon - an incredible luxury stay. Architecturally unique, sleeps 2, includes personal heated infinity pool and sauna.
- Ilfracombe, Devon
- https://ravendere.co.uk/hb_accommodation/wildwood-spa/
Sleepy Owl Devon Treehouses: Canopy-Topping Rockstars!
Rockstar treehouses for romantic, dog-friendly weekends by the sea. From the sublime Sleepy Owl Devon. Sleeps 2, Hartland North Devon. From £360pn
- Hartland, Devon
- https://www.sleepyowldevon.co.uk/
Harta Retreat Luxury Tipis: For Hazy Mornings and Lost Afternoons
Gorgeous next-gen glamping near Woolacombe. Choose you luxury tipi: Sitting Bull, Dancing Deer, Crazy Bear or Moon DAnce. Perfect couples' retreat. Secluded and rural. From £125pn.
- Barnstaple, North Devon
- https://www.harta-retreat.co.uk/
Drop anchor at this luxury glamping boat in North Devon
Supremely gorgeous houseboat glamping in North Devon. VIP interiors, private freshwater lake, sleeps 2, separate luxe bath house. Adults only.
- Holsworthy, North Devon
- https://www.tregullandandco.co.uk/blackbird/
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa: An enchanting Devon escape
A five-star luxury hotel, award-winning wellness spa and Michelin recognised restaurant: Boringdon Hall Spa has the whole package!
- Plympton, Devon
- https://www.boringdonhall.co.uk/
The Loft Treehouse at Pickwell Manor, Devon
Stunning dog friendly Devon treehouse with a sea view. Adults only - sleeps 2. Hot tub. Sleeps 2. Set in Pickwell Manor. From £280pn.
- Braunton, Devon
- https://www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/the-loft
The Hideaway Treehouse at Pickwell Manor, Devon
Gorgeous dog friendly Devon treehouse only half a mile from the sea. Hot tub. Sleeps 2. Set in stunning Pickwell Manor. From £280pn.
- Braunton, Devon
- https://www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/the-hideaway
The Den Treehouse at Pickwell Manor, Devon
The fabulous Den treehouse in Devon is more 'earth ship' than treehouse. Removes you from the stresses of the modern world. Sleeps 4, from £420pn.
- Braunton, Devon
- https://www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/the-den
ILFRACOMBE
Luxury adults only treehouse for grown-up stays
Enviously luxe interiors, private spa facilities and exquisitely sheltered spot are not the stuff of childhood.
EXE VALLEY
Safari tent Devon heaven!
Foxes Earth, Badger Sett, Heronry and Otter Holt - 4 fabulous safari tents perfect for families.
DARTMOUTH
Ship loads of maritime charm awaits at the Royal Castle Hotel
Fabulous river views, beautiful rooms, delicious food - this historic hotel has it all!
EWORTHY
High and mighty: welcome to Yeworthy Treehouse
An off-grid retreat for 2, tucked away in a small, quiet Devon hamlet.
TRIED & TESTED
It's bed without the breakfast at Just B, Dartmouth
A cosy and homely room for the night, hold the fry up!
Read more
INSPIRATION
10 Devon glamping spots open all year
Independent glamping escapes, run by passionate owners and open for Devon escapes all year long.
Read more
HOT TUB BREAK
Try The Linney Cottage for a bubbling good weekend
2 bedroom, modern cottage that's part of Cofton Holiday Park – an award-winning camping and carava...
Read moreEPIC THINGS TO DO IN DEVON
Marvellously different
With more things to do than you can possibly manage in just a weekend or on a midweeker, Devon will lure you back again and again. From fabulous food and drink to the outdoor adventures, whether you’re on the North Devon or South Devon coast you won’t be twiddling your thumbs. Here are a few suggestions to add to My Weekends.
WHY NOT TRY?
Splish splash: Dartmouth boat trips you'll love
Super-boost your Vitamin Sea with these 7 boat trips from Dartmouth.
INSPIRATION
Namaste North Devon: yoga & surf with Swell
New friends, new skills and a new you - Swell Yoga is about to restore you back to factory settings.
WHY NOT TRY?
Exhilarating red stag safari on Exmoor
Adventure awaits with Red Stag Safari – a locally-run company that takes you to see the famed Exmoor red stags.
EAT & DRINK
Nom nom: a foodie break enjoying Devon's award-winning gems
We headed to Devon for a 2-night foodie break - and were very glad we packed elasticated pants.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN DEVON
Weekend Guides & Itineraries
Spending 24 or 48hrs in Devon? Let us help you squeeze the best out of your time in the region – here are our top guides and itineraries for you to use, all tried and tested by us. If your chosen Dorset village or town guide isn’t featured yet, we’re on the case. We update content all the time, so sign up for The Weekend Edit to be the first to hear about new guides.
EASY PEASY WEEKENDS
Exploring Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Bigbury-on-Sea
Ready to spend 24 hours in three of South Devon's prettiest spots? Let's go!
EASY PEASY WEEKENDS
Local and loved: Things to do in Teignmouth
Get closer to the Teignmouth's top spots and historical allure with our 24hr guide.
INSPIRATION
South Devon delights: 7 weekend-friendly things to do
Pull on your boots and embrace the adventure in South Devon.
INSPIRATION
6 Dartmouth beaches for good times and tan lines!
Quiet and secluded coves, family-friendly stretches of golden sand, Dartmouth is a spot to easily try them all.
WORTH THE DETOUR
Devon towns and villages you’d be crazy to miss
Truth is, you’re going to need longer than a weekend. Devon is home to two historic buzzing cities – Plymouth and Exeter – for those who like the throb of urban life – as well as laid-back villages and chilled out market towns.
One of our favourite towns, sat on the banks of the River Dart, is the famous maritime port of Dartmouth. Expect boutique shopping, fabulous independent food, and festivals all year long.
Trendy Salcombe also gets our vote (especially out of season when it’s quieter), as does it’s less well-known counterpart Kingsbridge, both on the southern-most tip of Devon. Bigbury-on-Sea is a stunning beach that’s beautiful all year long where you can try windsurfing, surfing and kitesurfing.
On the north coast, Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe are perfect for riding the waves. And for a real wildlife adventure, try the fabulous Lundy Island. If you prefer your thrills inland, then make a beeline for South Molton, Barnstaple or Clovelly.
GOOD TO KNOW
The best time to visit Devon
Spring: Devon is home to some beautiful gardens including Rosemoor and Marwood Hill and spring is the perfect time to see them burst into bud. Alternatively, the Dartmouth Steam Railway Round Robin trip reopens in May and is a wonderful way to explore the area by rail and boat.
Summer: From surfing to music festivals, Devon is a summer paradise with gorgeous beaches and average temperatures of around 21°C. It’s also something of a tourist hotspot so plan ahead and make plenty of advanced bookings if you’re taking a summer jaunt.
Autumn: Summer in Devon can be busy and bustling so if you fancy a quieter break, an autumn trip might be for you. The area’s beautiful beaches and scenery are still at their best at this time of year and Dartmoor National Park becomes a fabulous blaze of colour that must be explored.
Winter: Many of the area’s attractions close for winter but there is still plenty to enjoy in Devon during the colder months. Cream teas, Christmas markets and an abundance of first-rate bars and restaurants make the perfect spots for those who prefer to explore indoors.
NEED TO KNOW
Getting to Devon
Distance from London: Devon is just over 170 miles from London making it the perfect weekend road trip destination.
Nearest airport: Exeter
By rail: GWR operates trains to Exeter from stations across London, the south-west of England and Wales including from Paddington, Gatwick, Reading, Bristol, Brighton, Portsmouth and Swansea.
By bus: National Express runs up to eight services per day between London Victoria Coach Station and Exeter, calling at Heathrow and Reading stations.
By road: The M5 runs from West Bromwich to Devon while the M3 and A303 connect London to Devon with a journey time of just over four hours.