Sail, surf, hike, climb, fish, farm, forage… The outdoors is where it’s at in Devon. A major chunk of its Jurassic coast is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to sheltered bays, shingle beaches, sandy stretches and clear, clean waters that lap against prehistoric rock formations. Hike along the loop of the South West Coast Path and find hidden swimming spots and sea views. The Salt Path, the moving memoir by Raynor Winn, traces the length of the trail, revealing its history and healing nature with every chapter.
Inland, Dartmoor National Park’s wild-heather moorland and rolling landscape draw walkers up, over and in between gorges, tors and steep hilltops, while Liberty Trails invites riders to explore the area on horseback. Some of the UK’s best climbing and bouldering takes place on Lundy island, or you can find adventurous sea cliffs to conquer on the Culm coast. Cobbled Clovelly is the West Country’s answer to medieval Rye in East Sussex and looks out over Bideford Bay with views of secluded Burgh Island (only accessed by foot at low tide). Kayak across the estuary from Appledore to Instow and feast on lobster at The Glorious Oyster, or work up an appetite on your longboard at Bantham beach before a cream tea at the Gastrobus.
Where to stay for the weekend in Devon:
Gara Rock’s sensational sea views give way to an uncluttered hotel with a restaurant that the locals love. For a steps-from-the-sand stay, it’s hard to beach Harbour Beach Club. For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Devon.
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