When you think of great spots for adventure travel in the United Kingdom, the pretty Devon county may not make the top of your list straight away. However this part of England is actually home to lots of great places to be active. From surfing and kayaking, to bike rides, hikes and more, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in and around Devon. Read on for some fun ways you can see this part of the world and get your exercise in at the same time.
Explore Dartmoor National Park
If you’re a keen hiker, cyclist, climber, horse rider or kayaker, book flights to the United Kingdom and enjoy some time spent exploring the scenery within Dartmoor National Park. One of the best spots not to miss in rural Devon county, the park contains around 450 miles of public footpaths you can wander, plus numerous bike trails such as the popular 11-mile-long Granite Way. Dartmoor is also the perfect place to enjoy some white-water kayaking and challenging climbing. In addition, it’s actually the only place in the country where wild camping is legal (though it pays to do some research, as some restrictions exist on exactly where in the park this is allowed).
The park is one of the largest and wildest areas of open land in England’s south, and features a striking landscape that you won’t forget in a hurry. Within Dartmoor you can take in the sight of ancient woodlands; rolling, honey-tinged moors; high and exposed granite hills, known as tors; crystal clear rivers; carpets of heather in fall; and hedgerows of wild flowers in spring. The area is also home to plenty of creatures who add to the scenery. Keep an eye out for lambs running around, ponies wandering, and sheep grazing as you explore the national park.
Go Surfing at Croyde
If surfing is one of your favorite activities then head to the little laid-back village of Croyde. This cheerful spot is considered by many to be the best spot in Devon to surf, and is suitable for beginners due to the consistent waves.
If you’re new to the sport, you can even take some lessons with the company Surf South West. The business has been teaching people how to surf since 1996, and was the first school of its type in the area, as well as the first in the whole country to be awarded a Level 4 status by the British Surfing Association.
Catch Your Own Dinner at Beer
If you like nothing better than whiling away the hours fishing, and reeling in your own fresh catch for dinner, pay a visit to the town of Beer. Although the spot was once well known for smuggling, these days it’s renowned for its stunning, protected cove, and fantastic mackerel fishing.
You can venture out on your own, or join in on a local fishing trip. Local fisherman/guides (who have been fishing the coasts around Beer for generations) will introduce you to the best spots in the area, like the white cliffs at Branscombe, and even gut your catch if you feel a bit squeamish doing it yourself. During your outing you’re also likely to get the chance to see many marine animals in their natural habitat. For example, turtles, dolphins, whales, and many sea birds are frequently spotted.
Take a Kayak or Canoe Tour around Salcombe/Kingsbridge
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or are new to the sport, Devon county is also the place to enjoy some time spent outdoors in a kayak or canoe. Local operator Singing Paddles runs tours of the area around Salcombe and Kingsbridge that range from family-friendly safaris to whole training days. The company has canoed with a diverse range of ages, from 18-month old children to 80-year olds, meaning tours can be found for any age or ability.
Apart from enjoying the water and stretching your muscles, you should also keep an eye out for wildlife as you paddle. The area is home to creatures such as grey seals, kingfishers, mallards, herons, mute swans, rooks, jackdaws, shell ducks, little egrets, baby coots, and more.
Book a Historical Walking Tour
If you like to learn about an area’s history while also being in the great outdoors, check out the Exeter-based Red Coat Tours. The company runs entertaining and informative 90-minute walking tours around the city which introduce visitors to Exeter’s history and sites. Different walks are available, including evening ghost tours, plus outings that are themed on murder, trade, religion, the Exeter Blitz, or the Tudors.