Off the Track Places to Visit in Devon
Red Rock Brewery
Hidden away in picturesque South Devon, Red Rock Brewery near Bishopsteignton is the place to go for artisan brews. From their Higher Humber Farm HQ, the team’s master brewers harness the best natural ingredients and local spring water to craft the finest beers around. For a delicious foray into their hoppy masterpieces, head over to Red Rock’s onsite tractor-barn-turned-taproom, The Workshop, and choose from an award-winning range of traditional cask ales. With its welcoming atmosphere and impressive repertoire, this hidden jewel is sure to win you over.
Hallsands Ruins
Set under dramatic cliffs on the South Devon coast, Hallsands was once a thriving community home to dozens of villagers. Following a long battle with the elements and the encroaching sea, the village was swamped by a huge storm in January 1917, when monstrous waves destroyed many of its buildings. Thankfully all villagers survived the storm, but the village itself was abandoned.
Today, the remains of its crumbling cottages, pub, stables, shops and more can still be seen from a fenced viewing platform, offering a haunting glimpse into the lives of Devon’s residents in years gone by.
Avon Estuary River Walk
The county of Devon is well-known for its dreamy countryside scenes. Making its bucolic landscapes all the more inviting are a huge number of paths and trails hidden with its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, river valleys and sprawling fields.
One of the best for leisurely and fast-paced walks alike, the 7.5-mile Avon Estuary river walk leads you on a tranquil journey along the banks of the River Avon as it makes its way to sea. Grab your map, lace up your boots and walk as much or as little as you please, enjoying the opportunity to hop aboard the seasonal ferry from Bantham to Cockleridge for the full experience.
Lundy Island
One of the county’s hardest-to-reach attractions, Lundy Island is one of the best off the track places to visit in Devon. A seabound island off the coast of North Devon, this beautiful nature reserve is as remote as can be. A real sanctuary for wildlife including seabirds and seals, it is managed by the Landmark Trust and the National Trust and can only be reached via boat. If you would like to see Lundy for yourself and savour the peaceful, secluded setting of the island, join up for a guided day trip. Despite being just 3 miles long, it is home to a huge array of wildlife, as well as 42 scheduled monuments, and boasts something to see at every turn.
Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a long-distance trail running through 180 miles of unspoilt north Devonshire scenery. The UK’s longest traffic-cycle multipurpose trail, it follows a circular route and offers a seemingly endless reel of smooth, tarmacked surface for breath-taking walks and cycles. And, being so long, this place to visit in Devon always offers somewhere quiet to escape the crowds for a while. Whether you are running, cycling, jogging, or walking with the dog, pick up the Tarka Trail and make the most of its scenic pathways for an unforgettable day out.
Arlington Court
Perched on the edge of Exmoor, Arlington Court has been the home of the Chichester family for more than 500 years. Starring a formal Victorian garden with flowering borders and glistening fountains, a conservatory overflowing with exotic plants, a historic deer park, wilderness ponds and more, the estate’s grounds radiate wonder. Explore the Carriage Museum or meander along some of the estate’s 20 miles of footpaths, before rounding off your trip with a bite to eat in the onsite Old Kitchen tearoom. If you have a dog with you, then you’ll find added incentive for four-pawed friends in the form of dog-friendly ice cream at the nearby Vine Café too!
Owens Coffee Roastery
What better way to enjoy a flavoursome pick me up than with a new favourite blend? If you love all things coffee, then one of the best off the track places to vitit in Devon is Owens Coffee Roastery. Located within a purpose-built, low-carbon roastery, this contemporary coffee haven in Ivybridge is well worth a trip during your holiday in Devon. As well as its shop selling bundles of signature blends, it’s also popular amongst coffee connoisseurs for its tasting tours and masterclasses. Sign up and fine-tune your coffee making skills, ready to wow friends and family with your aromatic creations.
Hound Tor
Set within the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, Hound Tor is an idyllic place to visit in Devon for walkers looking to get off the beaten track. Reputedly the inspiration behind Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, it can be reached following a stunning 5-mile walk. The route, which is challenging in places, follows a satisfying circular loop that affords stunning vistas overlooking the surrounding moorland. For an atmospheric detour, make sure you pay a visit the isolated remains of intriguing 13th century longhouses at Hound Tor’s deserted medieval village.
Exeter Tunnels
For an intriguing reveal into the city of Exeter, get ready to venture underground and uncover its hidden passageways with this historic place to visit in Devon. Dating back to the medieval times, these incredible underground passages are easy to miss, yet contain a wealth of stories and provide a captivating glimpse into the city’s yesteryears. Intertwined with stories of wars, sieges and plagues, they weave throughout the heart of the city and inspire debate and wonder in all those who encounter them. To find out all about the history of the tunnels for yourself, sign up for a guided tour and relish an unmissable insight into the flipside of the city.
Lincombe Hall
After a day exploring off the track places to visit in Devon, rest and relax at Lincombe Hall Hotel & Spa. Dive into soft beds and enjoy a sound sleep, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures. Fancy a day of pampering and luxury instead? Enjoy Lincombe Hall’s luxury spa and maybe even treat yourself to an indulging treatment.
