The ultimate guide to Mid Devon

Rugged moorland and quaint villages make up this exquisite South West region. There’s always the opportunity for adventure in Mid Devon, whether that’s out exploring the dramatic national park or having fun at one of the many attractions throughout the area. If you prefer a little peace and quiet on your holidays, no worries, as there are always idyllic gardens and cosy corners where you can enjoy serene holiday moments.

Seek new adventures and the chance to relax on a getaway to Mid Devon. Read on to discover a few top things to do and the best places to visit throughout this fantastic landscape…

Things to do in Mid Devon

This region is full to bursting with fun activities and epic adventures for you and your guests to enjoy while away on a Devon break.

Families are well catered for with tons of outdoor spaces where children can get close to wildlife or get sporty, enjoy theme parks or dine out in family-friendly pubs - from country parks and reserves and elegant country manors with activities for kids to the Diggerland Theme Park where youngsters can get a thrill on Stack Attack.

Get up close to some beautiful birds at Yarak Birds of Prey where you can book a unique holiday experience handling and flying hawks, owls, falcons and eagles. Groups, families and holidaymakers of all ages can have a wild time on The Bear Trail assault course – be prepared to get muddy! Take a ride on the train and journey across this extraordinary landscape with Devon Railway Centre.

Did you know you could paddleboard in Dartmoor? People often think of the stunning coastline when considering a water sports holiday, but Mid Devon has lots of opportunities you may not expect. Consider heading to this breathtaking national park if you’re a lover of kayaking, canoeing, white-water rafting or wild swimming.

There’s plenty to keep you and your guests occupied during your escape to Mid Devon. Take a look at our list of top attractions in Devon to discover more great things to do.

Where to visit in Mid Devon

Make a trip to one or two of these scenic country towns and areas of interest during your time in beautiful Devon, visiting the rural landscape is a must during your holiday to the South West.

Take in the dramatic and breathtaking moorland of Dartmoor National Park and explore the ancient streets in the cathedral city of Exeter. Pop into Cullompton for a taste of Devonian history, then relax by the riverside in waterfront Topsham. Where will you go first? 

Bovey Tracey

Proclaiming itself to be ‘The Gateway to the Moor’, beautiful Bovey Tracey is a great place to start when seeking a place to visit in Devon.

House of Marbles is a fun, FREE attraction to visit where kids will have a great time trying the different marble runs while adults may be interested in the elegant glassworks. Explore the wonderful estate of Parke, where woodlands, gardens, even a pond and beehives, offer a magical taste of what Dartmoor’s landscape has to offer.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Haytor Vale Lodge, sleeps 4
• Little Bovey Farmhouse Retreat, sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
• Kira, sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Use this quaint market town as a base for exploring Dartmoor as you’re just 5 miles from iconic Haytor Rocks, and the Dartmoor Cycle Route passes right by the town.

Crediton

Just 9 miles out of Exeter, the town of Crediton offers a rural holiday setting within reach of all the vibrancy of the city.

Make the most of the tranquillity of this quaint market town, wandering the high street and countryside before enjoying a day trip into the cathedral city. Uncover its long history during a town walk, tee-off at the parkland golf course, or head off on a river cruise along the wildlife-rich River Exe. 

We’d recommend staying at:

• 2 Gosses Cottages, sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Friar's Cottage, sleeps 5 + 1 dogs
• Waie Cottage, sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Pop along to the weekly farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday and pick up some tasty fresh produce to cook up one evening (check the site for details).

Cullompton

Within 3 miles of this bustling market town, you’ll find family favourite, Diggerland Theme Park, while the scenic walkers' destination of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is 10 miles away. Affectionately known by locals as ‘Cully’, this town also offers a wealth of intriguing history from the grand Killerton Estate to the wool museum. Friendly pubs and cafes offer places to sit and relax after busy days exploring the local area.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Pigsfoot Lodge, sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
• The Annexe At Colebrooke Court, sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Head to the unassuming Pony & Trap for a drink – a traditional pub that has won awards for its real ales.

Dartmoor

Venturing across this breathtaking moorland, climbing tors and gazing out over endless views, Dartmoor is just the place for walkers and explorers. The iconic Haytor Rocks should be your first stop before you visit the crashing waterfalls of Becky Falls.

Besides the rugged beauty of this part of Mid Devon, you may be pleased to find that there are plenty of fun attractions to entertain adult groups and children on their holidays. Dartmoor Zoo, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Castle Drogo are all popular places to visit among holidaymakers in this fantastic national park.

We’d recommend staying at:

• The Pod Overlooking Dartmoor, sleeps 2
• West Nymph Holly Hock Cottage, sleeps 6
• Rock Barn, sleeps 10

Local's tip: Dartmoor’s best, worst kept secret has to be Froggintor Quarry, an old pit filled with clear water. It’s a delightful place for a picnic and can be used for wild swimming but be careful as it’s often shrouded in the famous Dartmoor fog and mist, making this region potentially treacherous. 

Exeter

With a magnificent cathedral at its heart, the River Exe running through the centre, and fantastic shopping centre to browse, this ancient city is a wonderful holiday destination.

It feels a million miles away from the atmospheric countryside which usually draws people to the South West, however, Exeter does enjoy a range of attractions including the Underground Passages, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery and, of course, Exeter Cathedral.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Cobb Cottage, sleeps 2
• Kenniford Cider Steps, sleeps 4
• Hilltop, sleeps 8

Local's tip: Wander down Gandy Street, rumoured to be J. K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Tavistock

Set on the banks of the River Tavy, this idyllic town offers the working village of Morwellham to discover, a peaceful riverside walk for when you fancy stretching your legs, as well as two National Trust properties within the local area: Buckland Abbey and Cotehele.

If you enjoy exploring, ensure you walk Brent Tor where you can take in breathtaking views from St Michael’s Church.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Colcharton Old Forge, sleeps 2
• Higher Manor Garden Apartment, sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Heron Lake Barn, sleeps 6 + 3 dogs

Local's tip: There are plenty of delightful cafes in Tavistock, but drop by Trudy Scrumptious for a range of sweets treats and artisan ice creams – great for children!

Tiverton

Venture into historic Tiverton Castle, investigate Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life and browse the independent shops in the Pannier Market where a farmer’s market is also held once a month.

Pretty National Trust-owned Knightshayes Court and Gardens is set on the outskirts of this busy Devon hub, and Tiverton even offers the opportunity for you to head 15 miles north to Exmoor National Park or 21 miles up the M5 to Taunton.

We’d recommend staying at:

• The Art House - West Ridge Farm, sleeps 4 + 1 dog
• Twyford Farm Cottage, sleeps 6

Local's tip: The Grand Western Canal Country Park is a unique outdoor day out with barge trips, cafes, a playpark, boats for hire, and even a gift shop.

Topsham

South of Devon’s cathedral city, Topsham is a pretty waterfront town wonderfully located for days into the city, down to the coast, or simply relaxing amidst beautiful countryside. Exeter Golf Club and leisure centre is just 1.5 miles down the road from Topsham, while the city centre is 5 miles.

The real reason people visit this scenic waterside town though, is the stunning estuary that runs past. RSPB Bowling Green Marsh is to the south of the town and there are a couple of delightful pubs and a museum beside the water’s edge – dine out and enjoy wonderful river views.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Courtyard Barn, sleeps 4
• Highfield Topsham, sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Local's tip: If you enjoy birdwatching, stop by the Lookout Hide to see what birdlife you can spot. The area’s known for their migrating birds including waders, ducks and geese.

Start planning your escape to the magnificent South West by browsing our collection of cottages in Mid Devon.