Trains to Devon

Devon is a wonderful getaway – perfect for a relaxing retreat, an action-packed adventure or a fun-filled family holiday. You’ll love the historic buildings, museums and gardens of its stunning market towns and the great outdoors of the two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor. The county is full of interesting heritage attractions including working museums, castles and of course, stately homes managed by the National Trust, so there really is something for everyone.

Exeter Cathedral is a spectacular gothic cathedral, the heritage fishing village of Clovelly is unique, while Agatha Christie’s holiday retreat Greenway can fill many with a sense of nostalgia and inspiration. Meet a huge range of friendly farm animals at Pennywell Farm or make friends with donkeys at Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary or if farms are your thing take the family to Diggerland. Parents and kids alike will also love the variety around Torbay, spending time at Paignton Zoo or Kents Cavern.

Devon is blessed with some fantastic restaurants, cafes, pubs and lively food festivals, making it the perfect place for anyone with a love of good grub. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a Devonshire Cream Tea - with cream on the scone then jam, unlike in Cornwall where it’s jam first, then cream! Michael Caines MBE Michelin star restaurant at Lympstone Manor over-looking the tranquil Exe Estuary provides the ultimate in fine dining and make sure you stop off in Brixham for tasty fresh sea food or head to Ilfracombe’s Fore Street for a real culinary treat.

If you love sport and the great outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice in Devon. Hop on a bike and ride the Tarka Trail, the South West Coast Path covers most of the county, or head to Dartmoor where you’ll find a huge range of activities like horse riding, canoeing, climbing and even wild swimming for the brave. The Middle Dart Valley Walk is also a good option in all weathers and starts and ends in the medieval town of Totnes in the south of the county. The coastline of the North Devon is perfect for watersports and is one of the UK’s top surfing spots, so grab your boards and get out there.

There’s no shortage of live music on offer across the region, from local acts performing in pubs to events like the annual three day Dart Music Festival, Sidmouth Folk Week, and Croyde Bay’s GoldCoast Ocean Fest. Then there’s the various live music events held in the beautiful grounds of Powderham Castle throughout the year.

Enjoying a shopping experience that’s a refreshing change from the norm is easy in Devon. The region is packed with quirky, independent stores, with Dartmouth and Totnes among the most popular places to visit. For big-name retailers, Exeter and Plymouth are your best bet. Barnstaple is the home of the region’s historic Pannier Market where you can find regular markets full of local produce.