What You Need to Know Before a Devon Trip

Devon in England is a wonderful county, filled with ancient woods, beaches, moor hikes, castles, museums, … you name it! There’s lots to see and if you only have a short amount of time, here are the best tips for a Devon trip I learned while I stayed in Devon.

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What You Need to Know Before a Devon Trip

How do I get around Devon?

First, you can rent a car, which is the best option. Many places aren’t connected to public transport. Especially if you want to see as many bluebell spots in England and around Dartmoor as possible.

There are day rates for bussing all over Devon, which are a really good deal and can be purchased on the bus. I have some more tips on public transport in Devon if that’s what you’re deciding on. It’s possible, but a little harder to get around like that.

What are the best places to visit in Devon?

What to Pack for Devon

As the weather can be fickle and umbrellas don’t last long, bring a water- and windproof jacket or a rain poncho. And of course, hiking boots.

For walks in nature, especially in forests and through grassy landscapes, you have to be prepared to encounter ticks. They can transmit diseases and if you get one, you need to get them out as soon as possible. That’s why you should bring your own tick tweezers or tick card. Not all pharmacies stock them.

To have detailed information on activities, restaurants and museums, have a travel guide to Devon on you. If you’re mostly planning on doing coastal walks, bring walking maps and guides with you.

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entrance to Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon, England

garden with Japanese maple trees in Dartington Hall, South Devon

Are there things to do in Devon for kids?

Yes, there are lots of things for kids. Not only can you take them out to Dawlish Warren to hang by the beach, do some Devon activities such as painting and water sports.

Moreover, there are adventure, theme and water parks in Devon. There’s a dinosaur world in Torquay, zoos and aquariums as well.

When is the best time to visit Devon?

Devon is beautiful all year round but really, spring is one of the best times. Late April and early May are beautiful with lots of sunshine, green all around and flowers popiing up everywhere. If you’re lucky like I was, the temperatures can be really mild to warm on better days so you can enjoy a day out on the beach.

Should you want to traverse Dartmoor, be prepared for colder temperatures, more wind and rain. As a result, spring comes later as well. Therefore, early summer is your best bet for Dartmoor as you might catch the best weather without the summer holiday crowds.

Autumn is beautiful too thanks to the colourful trees around South Devon and at the fringes of Dartmoor. In the early mornings, you can experience haze and fog creeping up epic places in Dartmoor, such as the Postbridge or the sublime Wistman’s Wood.

Where to see bluebells in late spring

How many days in Devon should I schedule in?

A good amount is 5 days in Devon. This way, you are more flexible weather wise and can adjust your itinerary for South Devon depending on that. I would travel no less than 3 days in Devon. A week is totally sufficient.

Coastal weather and climate up on the moors can be fickle so always check the forecast the night before and again on the day and make your decision based on that.

Catch sunrays on the shoreline, hike the ancient forests and castles near Totnes on cloudy days and evade the rain in Plymouth’s museums on a rainy day.

Where should you base yourself?

One of the best connected places in Devon to stay in is Newton Abbot. The town itself isn’t too exciting but its central coach station allows you to easily travel South Devon with ease. Just always double check bus times (especially the last one) to not get stuck.

I stayed in an airbnb in Ashburton and totally loved it. The town is small and there’s a supermarket, a renowned cooking school, buses heading down to Plymouth an up to Newton Abbot and Exmouth.

To be nearer to the coast and still have smooth access to buses around Devon, try the harbour town Torquay. For some inspiration on where to stay, I gathered the best hotels in Torquay.