The south west of England has an irresistible magnetic pull for dreamers, lovers and creatives. Surrounded by turquoise waters and golden beaches, with rugged moorland at its wild heart, Devon's natural beauty is no secret. Here, we handpick our top romantic experiences and nearby homestays in Devon.
Wild Swimming
Devon offers a wealth of dramatic backdrops to set the scene and tempt ramblers in for a refreshing dip in cool waters. Heading out into the wild provides a change of scenery and a welcome sense of seclusion for those looking to avoid the county's popular beachy coves. Sharrah Pool in Dartmoor is a large, open river surrounded by enchanting woodland and gently swirling basins. With small sandy spots and flattened stones to rest upon riverside, this stretch of softly cascading waterway is just as great for sunbathing as it is for a wilderness splash.
Where to stay: Peacock Blue
Stargazing
The first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, Exmoor delivers a spectacular performance come nightfall. Once twilight has faded to black, turn your focus to the skies and watch in awe as a sparkling display of the cosmos appears before your eyes. Plan a visit around a new moon and you may even be able to observe the faint glow of the Milky Way.
Where to stay: The Pomegranate Tree
Enjoy a tipple at Salcombe Distillery
If gin is your thing, this award-winning distillery and bar is a must. The only distillery directly accessible by boat, this picturesquely placed destination sits in the traditional shipbuilding quarter of Salcombe; a charming coastal town at the heart of the South Hams AONB. Set within a vibrant and growing arts scene, there couldn’t be a more perfect spot to indulge in your very own bespoke gin school experience followed by an ice-cold sundowner with unrivalled views over the water.
Where to stay: Dusky Cottage, Maberly
Walk through waterfalls at Lydford Gorge
The Whitelady Waterfall is a majestic force of nature, tumbling down the steep sides of Lydford Gorge at over 28 metres tall. Naturally, the flora changes with the seasons here, yet the atmosphere is unceasingly ethereal. With luscious ferns and towering trees reaching for the sky, rock faces that shine and colourful birds flitting over the bubbling river, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a prehistoric world.
Where to stay: Sojourn
Wander Wistman’s Wood
This other-worldly woodland is steeped in myth and legend; an intriguing web of tangled dwarf oak trees, Wistman’s Wood remains unspoiled by time. Sitting at a high altitude on Dartmoor, the low boughs covered in vibrant greenery and soft carpet floor of springy mosses culminate in a one-of-a-kind experience. When thick fog rolls in, or shafts of bright sunlight pierce through the trees, it’s difficult to imagine a more beautifully untamed scene.
Where to stay: The Riddle
Dine at Woolsery
A sensitively decorated, traditional yet plush Grade-II village pub with a modern twist, The Farmers Arms in Woolsery is a welcoming thatched delight. Choose from two dining options, a rustic bar menu or an elegant restaurant menu, both as tempting as the other depending on the mood. Reclaimed oak features, flagstone flooring, open fireplaces and contemporary art combine to create an indulgent yet comforting space. Or, if you prefer, pick up some freshly cooked fish and chips from their delicious on-site takeaway and settle on the sweet village green to munch al fresco.
Where to stay: The Creamery
Explore Bantham Beach
Settled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ambling across sun-kissed sands with your love has never been so appealing. The pocket-sized village and its surrounds flaunt a wild, natural beauty unique to the area and Bantham Beach has it all: an abundance of wildlife, coastal footpaths backed by dramatic vistas, rock pools to explore and softy sloping sand dunes, perfect for getting lost between...
Where to stay: Dusky Cottage
Visit Clovelly
Once owned by William the Conqueror, the picture-perfect village of Clovelly and its heritage have been well-preserved for hundreds of years. Still a fully functioning fishing village to this day, the quaint, steeply cobbled streets that tumble down to the tiny harbour are traffic-free, solely navigated by donkeys and villagers pulling sledges along behind them. Watch your footing as you pass a mixture of bright-white and pastel-hued cottages adorned with blooming flowers that pepper all the way along the 400-foot cliff face.
Where to stay: The Creamery
Historic Houses
Agatha Christie famously called Greenway, ‘the loveliest place in the world’. This much-beloved house and gardens were the family holiday home of the Christie’s, spending many balmy summers and cosy Christmases between the walls. Relaxed and atmospheric yet impressive and romantic, Greenway sits between the glinting Dart estuary and rolling hillside woodland. With a restored peach house and vinery to discover in the gardens, plus a cannon and boathouse, it’s easy to see how Greenway inspired and influenced Agatha’s writing.
Where to stay: Ellesmera Mill
An Art Deco Afternoon
26-acre privately owned Burgh Island is home to a small smattering of buildings, but undeniably the most notable and prominent is the glorious Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. Vintage glamour reigns at this Grade-II listed 1930's time-capsule once frequented by prolific characters such as Winston Churchill, Edward VIII, Wallis Simpson and Agatha Christie. Take the Land Rover (or sea tractor if the tide is in) and marvel at the adorned walls of this luxuriously modernist landmark whilst sampling their delectable afternoon tea.
Where to stay: Dusky Cottage
