As lockdown eases, yet flights remain grounded, now is the prime time to indulge your inner wayfarer in a more domestic sense. It can be easy to forget that on our global doorstep lie a plethora of fascinating destinations to explore, and there are few better staycations than Devon. Here at Plum Guide, we go above and beyond to provide the very best accommodation and advice, so heed our expert suggestions and you're guaranteed to have a staycation to remember. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or beach recliner, the Devonshire coastline has everything you could possibly want from a seaside holiday. Here's how we recommend you enjoy the best staycation Devon has to offer on England's South Coast this summer.
Take a trip to Dartmoor
No excursion to Devon is complete without exploring the 365 square miles comprising Dartmoor National Park. A verdant paradise, this wild and brittle landscape boasts the very best of Britain's native scenery. Bask in the mists of Venford Falls, take a stroll around Haytor Quarry, or ramble along the historic Clapper bridge as you allow your surroundings to invigorate the senses. A day trip to Dartmoor is the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life.
The Chaplain, Plum Guide home in Devon, UK
Enjoy your staycation in Salcombe
Salcombe has a reputation as an area that caters to luxurious tastes, and in the summer season, you can expect to find yachts bobbing off its coastal waters. This gorgeous town lies on the edge of the Knightsbridge Estuary, and is a truly classy destination to luxuriate in. If chic bars, farm-to-table food, and great stretches of stunning Devonshire coastline are your thing, Salcombe is a must-see. Be sure to grab a scoop of its renowned organic gelato whilst you’re there.
Year Of The Ox, Plum Guide home in Devon, UK
Travel down to Torquay
Often voted the UK's top seaside resort, Torquay sits comfortably within a UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark. It plays host to major events, festivals and town-wide jamborees, and with a coastline as beautiful as you'll find anywhere in Devon, it’s ideal for families, couples and parties of friends. Agatha Christie fans will find a trove of inspiration in the author's home-town, whilst animal lovers can explore the award-winning Coastal Delights, a marine zoo with an abundance of life both regional and exotic. Alternatively, cave exploration, a model village, and spectacular scenic trails are also on the menu, some of the many aspects that make Torquay the place to be when discovering the Southern British seafront.
Cream Tea Mill, Plum Guide home in Devon, UK
Have an adventure at Lundy Island
To experience an Anglican island untarnished by the modern world, look no further than Lundy. A rugged natural paradise, and preserved to the hilt, a foray here is a great way to get back to the basics. Located only ten miles from the North Devonshire coastline, Lundy Island is a veritable haven for sightseers and adventurers. Owned by the National Trust, and home to only 28 inhabitants, don’t let the humble proportions of this island trick you into thinking it lacks any potential for exploration. The waters contain some of the most varied biodiversity outside of the tropics, and birdwatchers flock here regularly to witness the largest single island seabird colony in southern England. For the adventurous explorer, the opportunities to test your abilities as a bouldering enthusiast are unparalleled in the UK.
Out Two Sea, Plum Guide home in Devon, UK
Try caffeinated wine at Buckfast Abbey
Despite its rather notorious associations with Scottish binge-drinking culture, the caffeinated-wine drink Buckfast in fact originates from the eponymous abbey found on the outskirts of Dartmoor, circa 1018. A discovery of the Benedictine monastery and grounds is highly recommended for those seeking an afternoon of calm revelry in the history and architecture of this captivating monument. You can taste the drink at its source. And the best bit? It’s free to attend.
Ride some waves at the beach
A quintessential Devonshire sport, surfing is enjoyed year-round by locals and tourists alike. Whether you're donning a wetsuit for the first time, or have spent years riding the waves, there are few better places to hone your skills than along Devon's rural coastline. A worldwide destination for surfers of any age, no staycation in Devon is worthwhile without taking to the seas. Especially popular haunts include Putsborough, Saunton Sands, Bantham, and Woolacombe beaches, although there are many quieter alternatives nearby within walking distance.
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