6 things to do in Devon in winter

In the deep midwinter, it’s so easy to spend days indoors, sheltering from the weather, never going far – a 21^st century hibernation. But on those quiet days between Christmas and New Year or to cheer myself when January rolls around, I’ve discovered it’s an unexpectedly wonderful time to explore the UK in winter.

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Wrapped up warm, under pale gold and blue winter skies, it’s perfect to roam the coast and the countryside and uncover the less well-known temptations. Last year took us to the border of Essex and Suffolk, but Devon is always one of my favourite counties for a quick break – especially without the peak season crowds if you visit Devon in winter.

I’ve already come up with a list of 30 things to do in Devon with kids including attractions which are ideal for winter, plus nine free days out and ideas of what to do in Devon when it rains. So to complete the set, here are my top five things to do in Devon in winter.

1. Take a winter walk

Whichever coast you’re staying on, there’ll be walks galore – the stretch to Watersmeet on Exmoor has been called one of Britain’s Great Winter Walks, with the dramatic river valley and thick ancient forest. There’s a National Trust tea room or warm up in the remote 17^th century Rockford Inn pub.

For an easier wander that’s great for families, you could spot seals on the National Trust’s Baggy Point easy access walk and it’s a perfect place to gaze out to sea.

2. Hit the beach

Sunbathing might be off the cards, but the endless long stretches of sand are still perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, rockpooling or simply running at full pelt to blow away the cobwebs – and are usually dog-friendly in winter.

Woolacombe ticks all four boxes nicely, but you won’t be short of options – and you don’t need sun to enjoy some of these great beach activities.

For the really daring, the county’s wild swimmers head into the waves off Tinside Beach, Plymouth year-round, while winter surfing has become something of a trend on the beaches of North Devon.

It goes without saying to check the weather conditions and make sure you’ve got the proper gear. I think I’ll stick to dry land until summer…

For more ideas of great Devon beaches, check out my ultimate guide to Devon for families

3. See the illuminations

Plan ahead for this as, unsurprisingly, most of Devon’s festive illuminations are all done and packed away by New Year – but Devon has some spectacular ones. Coleton Aglow at Coleton Fishacre has a 20s theme this year, or check out the winter wonderland at Knightshayes.

Killerton also has a Christmas trail that’s lit after dark while RHS Rosemoor has its own Glow garden event until January plus a winter sculpture trail until February.

Or picturesque Clovelly is lit up for Christmas as well, stretching through the village to the harbour, while Plymouth hosts the Illuminate festival at Royal William Yard – 2020’s event has been postponed from its usual November slot to February 2021.

For natural sparkle that’s hard to beat, wrap up warm, embrace the dark and head out to star-gaze at one of the UK’s best dark skies locations in Exmoor.

4. Add some spice

Nothing beats a warming drink after a chilly day – so how about mulled chilli apple juice at the South Devon Chilli Farm in December, as well as chilli hot chocolate and chilli jam for your cream tea at the café?

There’s also a play area for kids, mini tours in school holidays, and other options to see and learn more about the chillis grown there at different points of the year. Plus plenty to taste… depending how brave you are!

Or the Dartmoor Chilli Farm makes its own chilli chocolate which you can buy at shops across Devon (or online).

If you prefer your hot chocolate without any extra kick, award-winning Chococo in Exeter is the perfect spot for a treat, or the Chocolate Teapot in Bideford has a dipping platter with various treats to dip into melted chocolate.

5. Head indoors

Brisk blue winter days are one thing but it’s less fun exploring in the rain… Fortunately there are still some very fun places to head indoors if you’re visiting Devon in winter.

Kent’s Cavern is the UK’s oldest home of humans in the UK – not to mention woolly mammoths and rhinos… And while we visited Kents Cavern in summer, exploring the woodland walks as well, it’s a constant 14C in the cavern year-round, with a little museum to explore and some activities for kids too.

You can even meet Santa there in the run-up to Christmas

If your kids love animals, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is fabulous, including the deepest tank in the UK, trails for kids, plus around 400 different species of marine creatures to spot.

Plymouth is also home to The Box, a new £47 million opening for 2020. And with a museum and gallery, the arts and heritage complex is ideal if you’re visiting Devon with kids – there’s plenty of interactive fun, and who doesn’t love a mammoth?

On the edges of Dartmoor, the House of Marbles is always one of my top picks for a rainy day in Devon – it’s free to look around, with some fantastic marble runs, glassblowing, a little museum and plenty of stocking fillers to pick up in the shop.

That’s not forgetting the county’s museums too – the Torquay Museum, RAMM in Exeter, plus Bygones in Torquay (where Santa has also been known to drop in) and a string of others dotted across the county.

6. Curl up by a log fire

The cosiest end to a winter’s day exploring has to be coming back to a roaring log fire or wood burner – which means one of the fabulous cosy cottages which Devon seems to specialise in.

Marsdens Devon Cottages has a whole luxury collection – after all, this is supposed to be a treat – including plenty with an open fire to snuggle next to. Or you could always go for one with a hot tub… or both. 

Holidaycottages also specialises in self-catering accommodation in Devon (and the South West), with options in Woolacombe and lovely Brixham, where we explored the Golden Hind when we visited.

Or Sykes Cottages has a whole set right on the coast, so you can scamper from a bracing walk back indoors to warm up. Perfect for Devon in winter.

And what better way to brighten the year’s darkest days?

For more ideas, check out my ultimate guide to Devon for families

*first published 2017, updated 2020*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN DEVON IN WINTER

 

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