Devon is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England, and it’s because of its exquisite beauty. Luckily, as business development professional Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains, it’s not just a destination for adults, couples and those with a lot of money.
There are a lot of great attractions for families or those who are on a budget, making it a very accessible holiday destination. Here are 10 free things you can do in Devon.
Beaches
Devon is home to many beaches, and they make for great family fun. There are sandy bays, secluded coves, and even piers and amusements. There’s something for everyone on a beach in Devon.
Wild Camping
If you’re a little more adventurous, you could go wild camping in Dartmoor. The region is designated as a camping area. That means you can camp on your own, for free, wherever you’d like inside the National Park. Just make sure to burn fires carefully and take all your trash out with you.
Donkey Sanctuary
In Sidmouth, you can visit a Donkey Sanctuary. This is the home for many rescued donkeys, and you can see them roaming free among nature in the fields. The sanctuary also has a maze and even themed trail sheets for children.
The Box
Plymouth is home to The Box, an interactive heritage and art museum that you can visit for free. There are digital displays and interactive exhibits that wow visitors of all ages. Here, you can even see a life-size woolly mammoth set up.
Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey isn’t the original one that stood on the grounds in South Devon. Unfortunately, that one was levelled under the rule of Henry VII. Today, this abbey serves as a working Benedictine Monastery. It’s a very peaceful place to wander around and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Harbours
Along with beaches, Devon is home to many beautiful harbours you can explore. The harbours themselves don’t cost anything to visit, though you may have to pay for parking. Some of the most picturesque harbours are Dartmouth and Salcombe in South Devon, Ilfracombe and Hartland Quay in North Devon, and The Barbican and Royal William Yard, located in Plymouth.
Towns
One of the most delightful things to do while visiting Devon is to stroll through the villages and towns in the region. There are plenty of opportunities for gentle strolls, window shopping and grabbing a treat. Try Cockington Village, Branscombe Villa and Totnes.
Tours
If you want some more intricate knowledge of the region, there are free tours you can book, especially in Exeter. These guided tours are entirely free, and you can learn a lot of fun facts about the area. Some of these tours last 90 minutes or even as long as two hours.
Wildlife
Devon is a fascinating place to relax, enjoy nature, and spot amazing wildlife. In many places in the region, you could see rare birds and even mini beasts. Some of the best locations to spot this wildlife are the Dawlish Nature Reserve, Seaton Wetlands, Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and Barry Head Nature Reserve.
Fossils
Take a trip back to ancient history at the Jurassic Coast. You can search for plenty of natural artefacts at this World Heritage Site, as Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains. Many people believe that the best area to discover fossils is in Charmouth, but there are 100 coastal miles to explore here on your search.
About Fahim Imam-Sadeque
Fahim Imam-Sadeque is a business development professional with proven experience in the asset management industry. He has a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the City University of London and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. Fahim’s top skills include asset management, hedge funds, investment management, sales, and consultant & client relationship management.
