Top free things to do in Devon

We all know that holidays can soon become expensive, especially when you have to entertain the kids. The costs can mount up for activities, food and transport. But did you know just how much you could do nearby that won’t cost you a thing?

To help your holiday budget stretch that little bit further we’ve put together some of our favourite top free things to do in Devon. From beach walks to city visits, there’s so much you can do without spending a penny – and it’s all close to our Devon holiday park!

Explore the Jurassic Coast

• At nearby Lyme Regis a new sea wall has been built to further protect the area from coastal erosion and landslips. Not only does this new defence help preserve this historic coastline but it now means you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the new section of sea wall.
• Turn detective and go fossil hunting! The Jurassic Coast was given its name for a reason – it’s one of the best places in the UK to find and collect fossils, just remember to be a responsible fossil hunter!
• Walk the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs: Between Axmouth in East Devon and Lyme Regis in Dorset the geology of the coast has helped create one of the great wilderness areas of southern England, now a National Nature Reserve. Sandstone and chalk slipping over clay and limestone has left a ragged coastline dissected by some of the largest coastal landslides in the country.

These boots were made for walking…

If there’s one thing that you can do in abundance in Devon its enjoy the great outdoors and, more specifically, go walking. You are surrounded by some of the most dramatic coastline and moorland peaks in the UK; there’s simply no excuse not to get your walking boots on! Whether you prefer a gentle stroll along the beach or a more challenging hike across rugged moorland, it’s all right here on your doorstep…

• One of our favourite walks is Salcombe Hill, which starts high above Sidmouth and eventually brings you to a viewpoint over Lyme Bay.
• One of the top free things to do in Devon is walk the South West Coast Path, which meanders its way along the Devon coastline. There are dozens of sections to walk but one of our favourites is the Sidmouth Coast and River, which is a spectacular walk along the red cliffs.
• Visit Dartmoor: This beautiful landscape really is a must visit for any keen walkers. There’s so many moorland and woodland walks here, not to mention the stunning places to visit in this region.
• The Blackdown Hills: To the north of our Devon holiday park lies this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for walkers, here you can enjoy breathtaking views across East Devon, Dorset and Somerset and there’s dozens of picturesque places to visit, with tea rooms and pubs aplenty.

Discover beautiful beaches

Devon is blessed with an array of stunning beaches, from golden sandy stretches to long expanses of pebble and stone.

• Just down the road form our holiday park is the beach at Beer. This is a lovely pebble beach, with high cliffs at either end. It’s great a spot to relax and watch the waves roll in. Well worth a visit…
• Seaton, only a short drive away, also has a long pebble beach with a mile long esplanade – perhaps combine this with a visit around this coastal town?
• Sidmouths Jacobs Ladder is another popular local beach. When the tide has receded it leaves golden sand and an abundance of rockpools – perfect for families.
• Lyme Regis has a mixture of sand and pebbles, and you will find an esplanade lined with places to eat, which leads to a busy town centre.

Must-see destinations

As well as the outstanding natural beauty, there’s also many places that have to be on your must-visit list for any holiday in Devon.

• Visit Branscombe, one of the most relaxing and picturesque villages on the East Devon’s Jurassic Coastline. Believed to be the longest village in the country, it sweeps down along a spectacular valley, past colourful cottages down to the sea. There are pretty rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets and climbing roses, a picturesque dovery and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county, if not further afield. Life centres around the two pubs, the Fountain Head and the Masons Arms.
• Colyton is a picturesque town with a tramway linking it along the Axe Valley to Seaton. Nearby the pretty villages of Colyford, Southleigh, Northleigh and Farway lie nestled in the heart of the Coly Valley, set in East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Visit Seaton: This coastal town is only a short distance from our holiday park and is well worth a visit. It welcomes thousands of visitors each year who come for it’s beautiful coastline, peaceful landscapes, traditional seaside activities; shops and businesses.
• Exeter is a beautiful city and is not too far from our park. It’s a vibrant, bustling place filled with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. But you can equally refrain from getting your wallet out and instead enjoy walks along narrow streets, visit the stunning Cathedral and historic quayside.

Other activities

• Bring your surfboard! If you enjoy nothing more than jumping in, getting wet and catching a wave then head to Beer Point, Salcombe or Sidmouth beaches for some adrenaline fuelled action! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there’s a beach near us for you…
• Visit the Donkey Sanctuary: Located close to our Devon holiday park is the Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to enter! Visit the refuge which is home to hundreds of rescued donkeys, many of whom have been neglected or unwanted.

There’s so many great free things to do in Devon and this guide is only the start. For more information or to enquire about a stay with us, call us today on 01297 680387 or drop us an email.