Fresh air, great views, and timeless moments.
Devon is blessed with wide open landscapes, sweeping coastlines and timeless towns, offering endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From clifftop paths and cathedral greens to forest trails and fossil-filled beaches, some of its most memorable experiences don’t cost a thing. These handpicked ideas are all about fresh air, great views and slowing down to savour what’s around you. Whether you’re exploring with kids or enjoying a quiet solo stroll, these are Devon days worth discovering.
Enjoy panoramic views from Haytor, one of Dartmoor’s most iconic granite tors. It’s a short, family-friendly climb with open skies, rugged beauty, and plenty of space to roam freely at the top.
Explore woodland trails, ornamental lakes, and peaceful meadows in this beautifully kept country park. It’s completely free to enjoy and ideal for gentle walks, relaxed picnics, and watching wildlife with the family.
Pick the smoothest pebbles and see how far you can skim them across the crystal-clear water. This sheltered cove is perfect for relaxed afternoons, gentle paddling, and simple seaside pleasures with children.
Look out for wild Dartmoor ponies grazing freely among gorse and granite boulders. These hardy little icons of the moorland are a delight to spot, especially for curious kids and animal lovers.
Wander the peaceful paths through Saltram’s grand parkland and well-kept gardens. Entry to the grounds is free, and the mix of ancient trees, open space and history makes it a lovely stop.
Watch fishing boats, yachts and trawlers come and go in Brixham’s busy harbour. There’s always something happening here — from seagulls squawking to artists painting the colourful houses along the hillside.
Follow the peaceful towpath along the Grand Western Canal, past waterbirds, willows and old bridges. It’s ideal for a quiet family walk, gentle cycle ride, or wildlife spotting by the reeds.
Bring a bucket, magnifying glass and a sense of wonder to this fossil-rich beach. As part of the Jurassic Coast, it’s a fascinating place to find traces of ancient prehistoric life.
Totnes Market is packed with personality, offering vintage finds, handmade goods and colourful local produce. It’s a great way to soak up the town’s creative energy without spending a penny.
Climb the soft dunes above Bantham Beach and wait as the sky turns gold. It’s a peaceful, breathtaking way to end the day, with stunning views of Burgh Island in the distance.
Discover jagged cliffs and roaming goats in this wild coastal setting near Lynton. The dramatic views and strange rock shapes feel like something out of a storybook adventure.
Bigbury’s gentle shallows are perfect for a safe paddle and beach games with kids. When the tide’s low, you can walk across the causeway to the legendary Burgh Island.
This scenic woodland path beside the River Teign is ideal for a gentle family ramble. The mix of trees, bridges, and riverbanks makes it peaceful and full of nature.
You can admire the castle ruins from outside without needing a ticket. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot that’s perfect for a quiet picnic or a bit of storytelling.
Exeter Quay is a lively spot with a relaxed feel and beautiful riverside views. Watch paddleboarders float by and enjoy the buzz of cafes and street performers around you.
This fantastic city museum is home to ancient artefacts, natural history, and art. It’s free to enter and packed with interesting things for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Bellever Forest has wide-open clearings, winding trails and plenty of trees to dart behind. It’s perfect for a simple game of hide and seek or an imaginative forest adventure.
Spread a blanket beside the river and enjoy lunch next to one of Dartmoor’s oldest bridges. The views are peaceful, and kids love hopping across the ancient stones.
Stand beside the famous seawall and feel the rumble of trains as they pass by. The beach and views make it a brilliant mix of engineering and coastal charm.
This traffic-free trail winds through peaceful countryside, ideal for family cycling. It’s flat and easy, with lots of lovely places to stop and enjoy the views.
Relax on the wide green outside this magnificent building in the heart of Exeter. Locals and visitors alike gather here to soak up the setting and share a peaceful lunch.
At low tide, Wembury reveals a treasure trove of rock pools teeming with life. Kids can safely explore and discover crabs, shrimp, and all kinds of sea creatures.
Wander cobbled lanes and stand where the Pilgrims once set sail in 1620. The Barbican has a real sense of history mixed with colourful harbour life and seaside charm.
At low tide, stroll the sandy causeway to this dramatic tidal island steeped in mystery. It’s a short but thrilling walk that feels like stepping into another world.
This wide open space offers some of the best sea views in the city. It’s perfect for kites, scooters, picnics, and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
This sweeping beach gives you all the space you need for creative sandcastle building. Even on busy days, you’ll find a peaceful patch for buckets and spades.
This dramatic headland walk gives you uninterrupted views of the wild North Devon coast. With seals below and wind in your hair, it’s a true adventure.
This short walk takes in rolling hills, sea views and pretty coves. With a tearoom at each end, it’s as rewarding as it is scenic.
This old-school seaside town has a character all of its own. Hunt for shells, splash in the shallows, and enjoy the retro charm of the promenade.
Sidmouth’s red cliffs and gently shelving shore make it a great place to explore. At low tide, the rockpools are full of tiny sea creatures waiting to be discovered.
Find a flat rock or grassy hollow and enjoy a lunch with wild views. Dartmoor’s open spaces feel like a world away, and you may be joined by a pony.
These beaches have safe, shallow waters ideal for little ones and big kids alike. Bring a towel, a net, and your flip-flops for proper seaside fun.
Pick up a trail sheet or follow clues around narrow lanes and old buildings. It’s a fun, free way to explore and discover local history as a family.
From Croyde to Bigbury, there are endless sandy spots to dig and play. All you need is a bucket, a spade, and some imagination.
Dappled sunlight, birdsong and soft mossy ground make woodland picnics feel magical. Look for quiet glades in Haldon, Bellever or Stover to settle down and snack.
Cycle across ancient tracks, bridleways and forest paths with a backdrop of wide moorland. It’s a fantastic way to cover ground and see wild Devon up close.
These remote, dark sky areas offer brilliant stargazing on clear nights. Lie back, bring hot chocolate, and try spotting constellations or even a shooting star.
This green oasis offers woodland trails, a lake, a fantastic playground and even a splash area. It’s a great place to burn off energy and get close to nature.
Haldon is perfect for a full day out, with trails, wildlife hides and a treetop viewpoint. Families love the mix of gentle walks and outdoor discovery activities.
Stover’s mix of woodland trails, quiet lakes, and poetry-lined paths makes for a gentle adventure. There are bird hides, sculptures, and sensory surprises along the way to keep families engaged and curious.
Crabbing here is a classic South Devon pastime that delights kids and adults alike. All you need is a line, some bacon, and a bit of patience on the peaceful village quay.