When it comes to getting in the water in Devon, the sea is not your only option. Devon has so many fun ways to spend the day in the water, for those looking to get their adrenaline pumping, to those looking for a cooling and calming dip.
Here is our list of some of our favourite finds for getting into the water in Devon. We’d love to hear what you choose to do
- Cruise along the North Devon coastline
The Ilfracombe Princess cruises the coast to see seals, porpoises and dolphins.Enjoy one of the most dramatic landscapes in England aboard this safe comfortable vessel the ‘Ilfracombe Princess’. They have been serving Ilfracombe tourism for more then 20 years and are licensed to carry 100 passengers, inlcuding dogs!
www.ilfracombeprincess.com
- Canoe, kayak or paddleboard to one of Exeter’s best pubs
Explore the calm canal waters, enjoy the unique wildlife and visit great pubs. S&P provide all you need to get paddling – basic tuition, buoyancy aids and paddles are all included in the price.
Stop by Double Locks, a canalised pub known for it’s large garden, good food, real ales and friendly welcome.
Hire Centre – https://www.sadpad.com/hire-centre.html
Double Locks Pub – https://www.doublelocks.com/
- Unique Coasteering
For a truly unique South Devon coasteering adventure join Adventure South in Salcombe, Start Point, or Gara Rock and spend the day traversing rock, swimming through waves, exploring caves and gullies and jumping from cliffs.
www.adventuresouth.co.uk
- Exhilarating Raptor Rib Ride
The “Raptor” is a custom built 12 metre fast accellerating RIB built to offer you a thrilling and fun voyage on the water in comfort and safety. A coastal explore stopping at some wonderful places and giving opportunities for photos. It guarantees you an experience you will never forget!
www.torquaywatersports.co.uk
- Swim with seals at Lundy Island
For the ultimate wildlife experience try this 4 hour Safari around Lundy Island. Join in as the boat makes it’s way 20 miles west of Ilfracombe to Lundy Island in search of dolphins, porpoise and occasionally whales before a close encounter with the Island’s large Atlantic grey seal colony.
www.ilfracombeseasafari.co.uk
- Surf the famous waves of Woolacombe
Woolacombe Surf Centre is Woolacombe’s highest rated and qualified surf school and water sports provider. Professionally run and based in the heart of the seaside village. The surf centre is open to people from 8 years old with no previous experience required and flexible session times.
www.woolacombesurfcentre.com
- Dartmoor’s Outdoor Swimming Pool
Chagford Swimming Pool is a beautiful, community-run, open air pool set on the banks of the river Teign. Rolling green hills surround this magical 1930s lido which is situated about half a mile outside Chagford on the Two Moors way. The soft river water that fills the pool is UV treated and filtered with a minimal use of chlorine to keep it sparkling, healthy and safe.
www.chagfordswimmingpool.co.uk
- Learn to Dive in Devon
Teign Diving Centre Is One Of The Largest PADI Diving Centre’s In The UK We Offer A Full Range Of PADI Diver Training, From Learning To SCUBA Dive With The PADI Open Water Diver Course, Right Through To PADI Instructor Training. The Diving Centre Offers Regular Diving, With Dive Boats Visiting The Wrecks And Reefs Of Lyme Bay And Torbay, As Well As Great Shore Diving In Torbay.
www.teigndivingcentre.co.uk
- Jet Ski Safari
Join AquaJets for an exhilarating jetski tour! Ride solo or share the experience with a friend and explore the coastline like never before, taking in all the sights and wildlife of the English Riviera. Each safari trip is tailored to the individual or group requirements so that every rider is comfortable and leaves with a smile.
www.aquajetstorbay.co.uk
Enjoy the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach. 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, Short Breaks or longer.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Traditional single storey cottage on a small farm with calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies. The 2 bedroom cottage boasts a wonderful inglenook fireplace complete with logburner. A Gem!
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties. Enjoy your stay on a family run working livestock farm
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Wing of traditional 17th century farmhouse. Working beef & sheep farm close to beaches, moors, coastal path and town of Barnstaple. Master double with en-suite & tv, one twin, one double and family
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Stunning location on the North Devon Coast, escape to this beautiful award winning cottage, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe on our doorstep! Games room, garden, Couples & families welcome.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Stay in our granite cottages. Climb the hill, you'll love the view. Relax by our heated pool or cycle the beautiful Wray valley trail to Moretonhampstead. Great places to eat in town.
Gatcombe is a family run working dairy farm 5 minutes drive from World Heritage Coastline. Fully equipped, spacious, comfortable rooms, guest lounge and dining room.
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Secluded 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by countryside with outstanding views over Exmoor. Abundant wildlife. Close to the coast. Garden, play area. Woodburner. Dogs & horses welcomed. Short breaks.
Close to Jurassic coast on a working farm. Orchard Meadow - an individual converted barn with a large open living space, 3 bedrooms (1 ground floor) 3 bathrooms and enclosed dog friendly garden.
This well equipped Camping Barn is completely self contained and has panoramic views across the farm to the sea. Bigbury on Sea is one mile away and a fantastic location for beach holidays.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Newly converted barn conversions in Mid-Devon. 20 minutes from the M5 and mainline railway. Peaceful farm stay with wildlife walks on equestrian farm. Hot tub and courtyard. Luxury fittings.
4 newly renovated cottages & cabin sleeping 2-6 in beautiful East Devon hills. Heated outdoor pool, tennis court, games room. Dog friendly. Close to Jurassic Coast/Sidmouth/Lyme Regis.
Award winning cottages set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea - minutes from the golden sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton & Croyde and a short walk from Lee Bay and the Grampus village pub
Four charming apartments in our converted farm barns. Set in the heart of Devon within our working farm, our luxury apartments, sleeping between one and four people are cosy and quiet.
Ground floor apartment will own entry and parking. Superking/twin bed, cooking facilities, TV, settee and ensuite with shower and bath. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible. Breakfast Platter available.