Best Devon Tours & Vacations 2023/2024

Welcome to Devon – the perfect place for a coastal-meets-rural adventure.

With dramatic coastlines, untamed national parks and cute country villages, Devon is an outdoor lover’s playground. Our local guides will help you discover the county's most spectacular scenery and a few hidden gems along the way – including where to find the best cream tea! From rambling along the awe-worthy Jurassic Coast and getting lost in the beauty of Dartmoor National Park, to swimming in natural swimming pools, you'll soon discover why Devon is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of England.

Our Devon tours & vacations

Highlights of Devon

A scenic view of Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast, Devon

Explore the stunning Jurassic Coast

Stretching 95 miles (153 km) from Exmouth to Swanage, and littered with rugged cliffs, soul-stirring rock formations and beautiful beaches, the Jurassic Coast is nothing short of magical. One of the best ways to experience it in its full glory is with a pair of hiking boots. Feel the salty air on your skin, listen to the sea crashing against the rocks, and if you're lucky, maybe even find a fossil or two on the beach.

The golden hour sun shining on Portland Lighthouse

Visit the unique Isle of Portland

Although the Isle of Portland is next door in Dorset, it's well worth the detour if you're exploring the Jurassic Coast. Not only does it boast gorgeous coves, beaches and coastal walking paths, but there's lots of history to uncover in eerie pirate graveyards and old smuggler hotspots. Not to mention Portland Castle – one of Henry VII’s finest coastal forts. Portland is also a great spot to go kayaking, rock climbing or stand-up paddleboarding.

A person swimming in Sharrah Pool in Dartmoor National Park

Swim in Sharrah Pool

Tucked away in Dartmoor National Park, Sharrah Pool is a woodland oasis. After winding along a path through dense forest, you'll hear the tranquil sound of the River Dart and smell the fresh scent of forest fern as you reach this natural swimming pool. The water is cold all year round, but we promise the skin-tingling sensation will be worth it – in fact, you might not want to get out!

Cows grazing in the Moorlands in Dartmoor National Park

Explore Dartmoor National Park

With wild moorlands, lush river valleys and fairytale-like forests, Dartmoor National Park showcases Devon's rugged beauty. Explore the tors (large free-standing rock formations), marvel at ancient stone circles, or kayak through the park along the rushing River Dart. After your active adventure, enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea at one of Dartmoor's quaint village teahouses.

Devon tour reviews

Devon FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip in Devon?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

How do I get to Devon?

Devon is easily reached by car, train, coach or bus. The two main train lines into Devon are the Paddington line (operated by Great Western Railway) and the Waterloo line (operated by South Western Railway). The National Express run coach services to Devon from all over Britain with stops in Exeter, Tiverton, Plymouth, Bideford, Barnstaple, Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe. If you're coming from further afield, the closest international airports are Exeter and Bristol. No matter how you get here, the best part about travelling to Devon is that you’ll be treated to fabulous views along the way.

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How do I get around Devon?

Getting around Devon is easy thanks to a reliable public transport network. Most of Devon’s major towns and villages are connected via bus routes with Stagecoach South West. Devon also has some stunning scenic rail journeys like the English Riviera, Dartmoor and Tarka lines with incredible views of the Devonshire coast and countryside. Rural areas might have limited public transport or no services at all, so make sure you plan ahead.

What is the weather like in Devon?

Devon has similar weather to the rest of the UK. The county has a temperate maritime climate and rarely experiences extreme hot and cold weather. This means winter is chilly and wet (with a few beautifully clear and crisp days thrown in there too), and summer is warm with some occasional hot days. Spring is usually mild and wet, while autumn experiences mild weather in the day with cooler nights.

What should I pack for a trip to Devon?

What to pack for your trip to Devon depends on the season. The summer can be warm, so t-shirts, shorts, skirts and pants are all suitable. You’ll still want to bring some warm layers such as a light jacket or fleece as the temperature can drop in the evenings or it might feel chilly if a sea breeze rolls in. For winter trips, it's best to bring warm clothes that are going to keep you dry and snug such as long-sleeved tops, a wind-proof and waterproof coat, scarves, gloves, etc. It’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella no matter the season in case the heavens open (which happens quite a bit in the UK!).

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Is Devon accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid