Five things to do on short breaks in Devon

Ahhh, what can be better than relaxing short breaks away from daily life in your glorious corner of Devon. There’s simply nothing better than Devon’s sandy beaches, tasty homemade food and stunning scenery right on your doorstep – we should know, we’re lucky enough to experience it every day.

But if Devon’s a little further afield for you, why not pop back on any of our short breaks to reacquaint yourself with the smell of the salty sea air and the sound of the moorland wildlife waking up to another sunny morning.

We’ve chosen our top five picks of all the many amazing things you can experience on short breaks in Devon.

1. Glorious beaches

Devon is famous for its beaches. The recognisable red Devon sand is just part of the history of the Jurassic coast. Any short break should definitely include a beach visit or two. Whether the weather is offering glorious sunshine so you can break out the flip-flops and sun cream or it’s raining and you’re under cover with some tasty fish and chips, short breaks in Devon aren’t complete with Devon’s beaches.

Short break to Torquay Beach in Devon — Come rain or shine, Devon’s beaches are simply glorious.

2. Scenic Dartmoor

Dartmoor offers some of the most stunning scenery on offer in Devon. The iconic granite rock and the rolling hills undulating between the tors are breath-taking to behold. The native wildlife is diverse and thriving and as soon as you drive onto Dartmoor, you can feel you’re in a different environment. But be careful, you’re likely to encounter sheep or a Dartmoor pony on the roads.

Short breaks in Devon. Hound Tor Dartmoor Devon Photo — Breathe in the clear Dartmoor air and be revived by the stunning scenery

3. Historic Exeter City Centre

One of the oldest cities in Devon, Exeter has stood on the River Exe since around 200BC when it began as an Iron-age settlement. Over the centuries the city has grown and evolved and you can experience this first hand throughout the historic streets. Exeter Cathedral and Cathedral Yard are two of the oldest parts of the city yet just a few steps away is the modern Princesshay shopping centre. Don’t forget to check out the house in that moved in the city centre on your short break to Devon.

Short breaks in Devon should include Exeter City Centre — Marvel at Exeter’s historic city centre on your short break to Devon.

4. Cycle Devon’s lanes

With winding lanes, breezy seaside cycle paths and plenty of cycle-friendly attractions to visit, a short break in Devon could be the perfect cycling break. Bring your bikes and explore the Exe Estuary Cycle trail, which features several off-road sections. Or go a further afield to North Devon and get on the Tarka Trail from Braunton to Meeth – a completely traffic-free cycle route. You can check out more Devon cycle routes here.

Short breaks in Devon Cycling Devon Lanes — Enjoy the glorious cycle routes in Devon.

5. Walking the Coast path

What better way to enjoy Devon first hand than on foot. Experience the stunning countryside scenery, the tranquillity of the coast and the warm reception of our local Devon pubs on a short break walking holiday. At Cofton, we’re ideally placed on several walks that you can start right at your home from home with us. The South West Coast path is right on the doorstep and you can choose walks as short or long as you like. Why not start with a circular walk taking in Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary or walk up to nearby Powderham Castle to visit the farm shop and sample the treats from the on-site café.