Devon, the outdoor playground of the South West. Famous for Dartmoor National Park, a beautiful North and South Devon coastline and wonderful countryside.
With endless adventure activities on offer, it was hard to compile a list of things to do in Devon. Enjoy our Top 8 Outdoor Activities with your partner, friends or family.
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Canoe or Cycle Exeter Quay
Discover Exeter Quayside, one of the top things to do on your trip to Exeter. The best way to explore the River Exe and Exeter canal is by bike or boat! Saddles and Paddles is a local business offering bike and canoe hire for a day out. Situated on Exeter Quay it has the best location to begin your journey. They have bikes and boats suitable for children and adults alike, journey down to double locks, a quaint local pub situated next to the water.
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Paddle boarding in Devon
Where can you SUP in Devon? The short answer, just about everywhere! Devon has some of the most beautiful beaches and rivers in the country so you are not short for choice.
The best beach for paddle boarding in Devon is Exmouth, part of the Jurassic Coast, this beach has naturally shallow waters which provide a safe place to paddleboard. Book your lesson at EDGE watersports.
Can you paddleboard in Dartmoor? Yes! Westaway Adventures provides bespoke river coaching and confidence building on the water. White Water Paddle Boarding is a growing sport which you will be learning on the River Dart, one of the most beautiful places in Devon.
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Hot air balloon ride Devon
An unusual activity to do in Devon is to go on a Devon hot air balloon ride. Soar the skies and see this wonderful county from a different perspective. Fly Away Ballooning offer private and shared hot air balloon rides out of Exeter, at the lovely location of Winslade Park. If you wish to hot air balloon from another area of Devon, be it from your own property or the accommodation where you are staying on holiday, then contact the helpful team at Fly Away Ballooning to organise. There is no better way to see the beautiful countryside of Devon. Mark a special occasion with memories to last a lifetime. This is the perfect adventure activity to enjoy with your partner, friends or family.
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Yoga, Hike and Wild Swim in Salcombe
Why not try a retreat near the charming seaside town of Salcombe, one of the most visited places in South Devon. Yoga field and Sea provide a luxury glamping retreat by the sea on a beautiful farm. Combine a wonderful stay in Devon with some fantastic outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the English countryside and practice yoga, hike and try out wild swimming. A wonderful solo adventure or something to do with friends. Their retreats always sell out so book in quick!
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Coasteering in South Devon
A top activity for things to do in South Devon is coasteering with Reach Outdoors. Discover Devon's hidden coastline of turquoise waters and secluded caves one exhilarating jump at a time. This is a real adventure activity in Devon you must try! All safety equipment will be provided and you’ll feel safe with an expert guide.
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Surf North and South Devon
Surfing is one of the top things to do in Devon, we have highlighted our 2 favourite surf spots, one in North Devon and one in South Devon.
Croyde is situated in North Devon and it is world famous for surfing. It has consistent waves year round and for this reason it is very popular! You can book a lesson with Surfing Croyde Bay with friends or family. They have great instructors who will hopefully have you standing up in no time!
Bantham is a South Devon surf spot and one of Devon's premier beaches. Bantham Surfing Academy provides beginner lessons, this activity is one of the best things to do locally. Keep the kids busy, or try something new with a group of friends. Don’t forget to visit Bigbury-on-Sea, a lovely beach where Burgh Island is located, catch the sea tractor over for an exploration.
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Climbing and Hiking, Dartmoor
Devon is most famous for Dartmoor, its breathtaking National Park. Situated in the heart of Dartmoor is Crag 2 Mountain, a family run business in Princetown. Learn the ropes (literally) and climb the iconic Tors of Dartmoor. You will have the chance to witness the stunning scenery from height!
They have sessions available for beginners and intermediate climbers, so everyone can enjoy this adventure. They also have navigation days available if you want to hone your nav skills and explore Dartmoor by foot. Enjoy the vast landscape of this national park in all its glory, a place not to be missed on your Devon getaway.
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Sea Safari Boat Tour, North Devon
You won’t be short of adventure activities in North Devon, we recommend a boat tour with Ilfracombe Sea Safari. A fantastic way to see the North Devon coastline from a different perspective, search for secret smugglers caves as you flit atop the ocean in this Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Teeming with wildlife, spot seals, dolphins, porpoise and birdlife. There are different tour lengths available from 1 to 2.5 hour boat rides. This is a great way to get outdoors on your trip to Devon.
