10 Reasons to Visit South Devon

Planning a UK getaway often comes down to a trade-off between coastal beauty, countryside charm, and family-friendly activities. South Devon is one of the rare places in the UK that delivers all three without compromise.

Whether you are looking for peaceful natural spaces, vibrant seaside towns, or rich local food, here is why South Devon should be at the top of your travel list – along with insider tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

1. Exceptional Beaches for Every Type of Day Out

South Devon’s coastline offers remarkable variety of beautiful beaches, ranging from broad golden sands perfect for sandcastle building to sheltered turquoise coves framed by dramatic cliffs. Whether you want a full day of seaside entertainment or a peaceful spot for rock-pooling, there is a stretch of coast to suit every family’s style.

For Easy Access & Award-Winning Quality: Dawlish Warren Beach is an ideal choice for families with young children or mobility considerations. It boasts Blue Flag status, gentle slopes into the water, seasonal RNLI lifeguard patrols, and level access to nearby amenities.

For Wild Coves & Scenic Views: Head towards Hope Cove or Soar Mill Cove for dramatic coastal scenery, or explore Sandy Bay near Exmouth, where towering red cliffs line the Jurassic Coast.

Local Insider Tip: Visit popular spots like Dawlish Warren in the late afternoon (after 4:00 PM). Day-trippers begin heading home, parking frees up, the sea stays warm from the daytime sun, and you get to experience the beach during the golden evening hour.

Planning a coastal day out? Safety and clean bathing water make a huge difference when traveling with children. Check out our detailed guide to the 7 Best Blue Flag Beaches in South Devon to discover where to find lifeguarded waters, scenic rock pools, and the best post-swim ice cream spots across the region.

Looking for more than just sunbathing? Right behind Dawlish Warren beach lies a nationally important nature reserve packed with sand dunes, migratory birds, and rock pools. Read our guide on wildlife and nature activities for kids around Dawlish Warren for practical tips on birdwatching, shell collecting, and crabbing at Coryton Cove.

2. A Microclimate That Earned the Name ‘The English Riviera’

South Devon enjoys one of the mildest and sunniest climates in the British Isles. Thanks to the natural shelter of Dartmoor National Park to the north and the warm currents of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, the 22-mile stretch of coastline encompassing Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham has earned the official title of the English Riviera.

It isn’t just about warm weather – the region’s distinct geography and 400-million-year geological history earned the entire area status as an official UNESCO Global Geopark, making it one of only a handful of urban geoparks on Earth.

• Seaside Charm Meets Mediterranean Style: Stroll along harbour fronts lined with exotic palm trees (Cordyline australis), watch yachts glide into the marinas, or take the historic cliff railway down to secluded bathing coves.

• Why the Shoulder Months are Best: While July and August bring vibrant holiday energy, visiting in late spring (April–May) or early autumn (September–October) offers warm, clear days with far fewer crowds. The sea remains surprisingly warm well into September.

Discover local events and town highlights: Whether you want to visit Agatha Christie’s historic birthplace in Torquay or check out harbourfront seafood dining in Brixham, explore the official English Riviera tourism portal for up-to-date regional event listings and town guides.

Explore the region’s unique natural history: South Devon’s unique geology has shaped everything from prehistoric caves to rare marine habitats. Learn more about the region’s protected coastline, ancient limestone caverns, and guided walking trails via the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark website.

3. Wild Exploration on Dartmoor National Park

Just a 38-minute drive inland from Welcome Family Holiday Park lies Dartmoor National Park – over 368 square miles of rugged moorland, ancient oak woods, rushing river valleys, and iconic granite tors. It offers a dramatic contrast to the coastline and makes for an unforgettable family adventure.

Whether you’re taking on ambitious moorland hikes or looking for gentle, child-friendly walks, Dartmoor delivers open air and big skies in spades.

Highlights for Families:

• • Haytor: One of Dartmoor’s most famous and accessible tors. It features a gentle walk up to Haytor Quarry—a peaceful hidden lake surrounded by old granite tramway tracks that children love to follow.

  • Dartmeet & Badgers Holt: Where the East and West Dart rivers meet, offering lovely waterside paths and famous spots for traditional cream teas.

  • Wistman’s Wood & Lydford Gorge: Discover ancient, moss-covered oak trees and dramatic river gorges that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

Planning your route from Dawlish Warren? With so much ground to cover, having a clear itinerary helps you make the most of your time. Read our step-by-step guide to planning a day trip to Dartmoor for top route recommendations, historical tales (including the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles), and easy parking tips for iconic spots like Haytor and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

Spotting wild moorland ponies: One of the highlights for kids is seeing the semi-wild Dartmoor ponies roaming freely near the tors and roadsides. Read our complete guide to the best places to spot wild Dartmoor ponies to discover the best viewing locations – such as Postbridge and Bellever Forest – and essential advice on observing these native animals safely and responsibly.

Pirate tales and fresh seafood: From stepping aboard a Tudor ship to sampling line-caught fish on the quayside, Brixham makes a brilliant day trip for all ages. Read our guide to fun family things to do in Brixham for top recommendations, including the annual Brixham Pirate Festival and walks around Berry Head.

Step back into maritime military history: Guarding the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary for over 600 years, Dartmouth Castle offers heavy artillery displays, climbable towers, and panoramic sea views. Check opening times and ticket details on the official English Heritage page for Dartmouth Castle.

UK’s largest aquarium: Located on Plymouth’s historic harbour front, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust. It is an extraordinary rainy-day or family attraction featuring over 4,000 ocean creatures, deep-tank shark exhibits, and interactive conservation zones.

5. World-Class Local Food and Drink

Devon’s combination of fertile agricultural pastures and a rich fishing heritage makes South Devon a haven for food lovers. Eating locally here isn’t just a luxury – it’s a way of life, with beachside shacks, cosy village pubs, and harbour front restaurants serving ingredients harvested just miles (or meters) away.

• Fresh off the Boat Seafood: Brixham Harbour lands some of the finest fish and shellfish in Europe. Look out for sweet South Devon brown crab, line-caught sea bass, scallops, and fresh mussels served straight from coastal fishmongers or local fish and chip shops.

• The Famous Devonshire Cream Tea: A non-negotiable holiday ritual! Warm, freshly baked scones served with sweet strawberry jam and rich, golden clotted cream. Just remember the golden local rule: Devon is Cream First, Jam Second! (The jam-first method belongs across the border in Cornwall).

• Artisan Dairy, Cider & Spirits: From award-winning Quicke’s clothbound cheddar to crisp traditional farm ciders (scrumpy) distilled in ancient orchards, the region’s climate produces world-class regional produce.

Discover local culinary highlights: Want to know where to find the best local ice cream, artisan cheeses, and traditional bakeries near Dawlish Warren? Explore our complete guide to famous South Devon food and drink to plan your local food tour, including nearby favourites like Gay’s Creamery and Ryder’s Bakery.

Eating out with family and pets: Looking for a relaxed pint or a casual dinner with a view? Read our guide to dog-friendly pubs and beachside dining in Devon for top local recommendations, including The Boat House Tavern & Grill located right on the doorstep at Dawlish Warren.

Locally sourced quality guaranteed: Look for the “Food Drink Devon” seal when choosing farm shops, cafes, and restaurants. Browse the Food Drink Devon official directory to discover certified local producers, farm shops, and award-winning dining spots across the region.