Devon Holidays

Devon has an oceanic climate (also known as a maritime climate or marine climate) which means that it generally features mild summers and cool but not cold winters. Oceanic climates can be found in both temperate and subtropical areas (which explains the Torbay Palm) and this basically means that it’s a bit warmer than the rest of England. Although temperatures are milder they can, like the rest of the country, be unpredictable and severe, however generally speaking it’s unlikely you’ll see snow in winter and or boiling hot temperatures in summer (we’re fine with mid 20’s thank you!) If you’re planning a visit and don’t mind the rain, January, October, November and December are on average the wettest months, with June being the sunniest and July being the warmest and driest.

Devon’s family friendly attractions are varied and numerous with many indoor and outdoor adventures to choose from. We love getting our young ones in touch with nature so places like Occombe Farm in Paignton or Pennywell Farm in Buckfastligh rank among our favourites. There’s also the World of Country Life in Exmoor which promises an action-packed day out filled with lots of opportunity to pet the resident farm animals. The zoos at Paignton and Dartmoor are extremely well run and well-worth visiting as is The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth which is home to over 4,000 species of marine life. The zoos and aquarium offer an immersive experience for both children and adults alike, and you’ll be supporting their extensive conservation work by simply visiting these wonderful places. For more outdoor fun the seasonal and award-winning Orange Elephant Ice Cream Parlour near Exeter offers outdoor play areas, slides and a corn maze with tonnes of ice cream flavours to choose from, and Crealy Theme Park (also near Exeter) with over 60 rides and attractions, means you’ll be able to enjoy adrenalin-charged fun out all year round.

Yes many many! On your travels through Devon you’ll discover some of the Trust’s best historic homes and beauty spots which are dotted all along Devon’s coastline and strewn within its countryside. On the South Hams coast alone are places like Coleton Fishacre with its 24-acre garden and a house in the Arts and Crafts style, Agatha Christie’s holiday residence at Greenway which she said was “the loveliest place in the world” and Overbeck’s hidden paradise of subtropical gardens near Salcombe. There’s also the magnificent Saltram near Plymouth and Ale Ronde, a unique 16 sided house that was built in the 18th Century in Exmouth, with an ostentatious interior of decoration and collections, to name but a few.