How to spend winter in Devon
Dartmoor on a Winter’s Day, Devon, photographed by Rob Gillies.
Enjoy the wonders of Devon this winter – its quietest and most enchanting time of year. Whilst Devon is renowned for its beaches and summer weather, its countryside and dramatic coasts during the colder and wilder months offer an experience unlike anywhere else in the UK. Enjoy a sneak peek into the abundance of things to do in Devon in winter, including some of the UK’s best attractions that locals get to appreciate every day.
A quieter side of Devon
Devon changes with every season, and even in winter, there’s always something to appreciate.
During the colder months, Devon takes on a calmer, more peaceful feel. With quieter towns, easier parking, and easier access to countryside trails and attractions, winter becomes a perfect time to make the most of the county’s natural beauty.
For those who live here, this season offers something truly special: breathtaking landscapes almost entirely to yourself. From dramatic moorlands to some of the UK’s best beaches, see for yourself why the locals love living here!
Winter events in Devon
Check out Devon’s winter events calendar and see what annual celebrations will add a touch of magic to your trip. From Christmas markets to dazzling festive lights, there are plenty of things to do in Devon in winter.
Exeter Christmas Market
Date: 20 November – 19 December 2025
Exeter Christmas Market photographed by Alison Day.
A Devonshire local’s Christmas plans wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Exeter’s Christmas market. Explore the decorated festive chalets outside the iconic Exeter Cathedral and choose from an assortment of homemade festive food and local handcrafted gifts unique to the area. With on-street seasonal entertainment fun for all ages, a trip to Exeter this Christmas is the perfect winter outing to start feeling festive.
Totnes Christmas Market
Date: 2, 9, and 16 December 2025
Get swept away from the cold with warm mulled wine and fresh, festive food available at Totnes Christmas Festival. Bring the whole family and enjoy live entertainment in the market square and an assortment of local arts and crafts, perfect for gifting something special at Christmas. On 16 December, witness the spectacular Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade which starts at The Rotherfold Square at 4.30pm.
Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay
Date: 28 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
Torquay’s favourite event attracts locals and tourists alike to celebrate the winter season in a flurry of illuminations known as the Bay of Lights. Experience winter at the bay with light trails that wind along Torquay’s seafront. Visitors can see everything from lantern parades and digital light shows to large-scale light installations. New for 2025 is the Torquay Ice rink, which you can find in Abbey Park from 6 December to 2 January.
Devon’s best winter walks
Going for a scenic winter walk through some of Devon’s most spectacular National Landscapes (formerly AONB) is a walking holiday essential – but make sure to wrap up warm if you want to appreciate the breathtaking views to the fullest!
Coastal Walks:
Dartmouth South West Coast Path (Easy to hard walks)
With around 35 different walks to choose from within ten miles of Dartmouth, discover some of the best coastal views brought to life in the winter. See close-up views of dramatic waves and surreal frosty landscapes exclusively on the South West Coast Path. With easy-to-hard walks available for all abilities, why not follow the marked signs across Devon’s coast for a day of outdoor adventures?
Dartmouth town centre to Sugary Cove – 2 miles (Easy walk)
Start point: Dartmouth town centre. End point: Sugary Cove
Witness views of the woodlands and sea by following the pavements from Dartmouth town centre to the walking trails down to the well-renowned Sugary Cove. The walk to Sugary Cove is perfect for families looking for a day of walking and enjoying the beautiful views awaiting the cove. There is no signage to guide you for this walk, so having a map or phone on hand is best to navigate your way there.
Postbridge, Dartmoor, photographed by Rob Gillies.
Moorland Walks:
Bellever Forest – 3 miles (Easy walk)
Start/End point: Main Forestry Commission car park in Bellever.
Perfect for families and little ones, Bellever Forest Walk is a short circular walk with an easy forest track to walk on and quick returns to the car park. On your winter walk, watch out for the wild ponies and, if you’re lucky, you might also spot the resident deer roaming Dartmoor.
Meldon Quarry Circuit – 6.5 miles (Moderate walk)
Start/End point: YHA Okehampton Car Park, north of Dartmoor.
The Meldon Quarry Circuit walk follows Dartmoor’s long paths for far-reaching views of the moorland and dense green woodland, which, in the snow, offer spectacularly magical views from up high. Follow the signs at signposted footpaths for this steep yet scenic winter walk and pass under the famous Meldon Viaduct on your circular route.
Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor Walk – 4.5 miles (Hard walk)
Start/End point: Forestry Commission car park in Postbridge.
For experienced walkers and hikers only, the Tavy Cleave and Hare Tor walk takes you through high inclines and undulating countryside. Discover the breathtaking Tavy Cleave with its steep valleys offering some of Devon’s most spectacular landscape views.
Important note: Before your winter walk, check the appropriate times, as parts of the walk enter the Dartmoor Firing Range.
Dog-friendly winter beaches
Devon provides some of the best beaches in winter for exploring with your dog.
Many of Devon’s beaches open to dogs from October onwards offering more space and fewer crowds. There are however many spectacular beaches to choose from that allow dogs to enter all year round, regardless of the season!
Babbacombe Beach, Torquay (TQ1 3RT) & Oddicombe Beach, Torbay (TQ1 3LB)
Babbacombe Beach photographed by Shirokazan.
At Babbacombe Beach, dogs are allowed all year, and, exclusively during the winter months, the nearby Oddicombe Beach also opens for dogs.
Explore Oddicombe and Babbacombe’s vast shingle beaches and witness its spectacular cliffside views with your four-legged friend. Near Torquay and other neighbouring beaches, Babbacombe is ideal for regular walks with your furry companion and is close to a small car park that is quiet during the winter months.
Clovelly Harbour and Beach, near Bideford (EX39 5TA)
Clovelly Beach photographed by will668.
Dog-friendly Clovelly Beach has a pretty waterfall which tumbles down onto its cobbled shore. Walk your dog up and down Clovelly’s famous cobblestone streets and take in the lush scenery on the pebble beach or up on the cliffside. With an assortment of things to do and places your dog can go, there are plenty of fun activities for you and your dog waiting for you at Clovelly.
Saunton Sands, near Braunton (EX33 2NU)
Saunton Sands photographed by Surf Croyde.
Saunton Sands is self-dubbed as one of the ‘most dog-friendly beaches in Devon’ and with a 2 mile stretch of sand for your pooch to run, sniff and play on, it’s ideal for winter dog walking! This long beach is relatively quiet during the winter, so there will be plenty of space to get some fresh air and exercise.
Important note: Inside fenced areas of the dunes, you should keep your dog on a lead and be careful around livestock belonging to private landowners.
Salcombe North Sands Beach, Salcombe (TQ8 8LD)
Salcombe North Sands photographed by John Lord.
An easy walk from Salcombe town centre, the sandy beach of Salcombe North Sands is perfect for walking your dog in winter. Experience breathtaking views with your furry friend and head back home after a long day of fun at a local favourite beach.
Devon’s cosiest pubs
There is no better feeling than cosying up from the cold in a traditional English pub or restaurant with a fireplace, ideal for warming up after a long winter walk. Indulge in our selection of Devon’s cosiest pubs to dine in this winter and treat yourself to a hearty lunch!
The Warren House Inn on Dartmoor (PL20 6TA)
Relax and unwind at the charming Warren House Inn on Dartmoor and experience the luxuries of local food in a remote rural location. Equipped with a roaring fireplace and exceptional views of the moors, settle down with a cider and order from a delectable selection of exquisite cuisine.
From hearty vegetable soups to locally sourced Dartmoor steak, you are guaranteed to have fresh food and generous portions at this cosy pub! Stopping at the Warren House Inn is the best ending to a cold winter’s day hiking around Dartmoor.
The Royal Oak Inn in Meavy (PL20 6PJ)
Situated on Dartmoor next to the charming village of Meavy, the Royal Oak Inn is a popular establishment for walkers seeking respite by the fire and excellent food and drink. With a selection of local cuisine, The Royal Oak Inn caters to all dietary requirements, including vegan and vegetarian options.
The Williams Arms in Braunton (EX33 2DE)
Indulge in a high-quality assortment of local meats with a carvery meal at the Williams Arms, a cosy pub close to the village of Braunton. Celebrate a special occasion or just relax with your dog by the fire. This historic thatched inn has been attracting travellers near and far for hundreds of years!
The Hope & Anchor in Hope Cove (TQ7 3HQ)
With frosty seafront views of South Devon’s coastline, the Hope & Anchor is in the perfect location for scenic coastal walks and al fresco dining by the sea. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the staff and fire, your search for local cuisine with excellent views has been answered. After a rejuvenating lunch, why not explore the nearby Hope Cove beach?
Devon’s best indoor winter attractions
Devon has plenty of indoor attractions when the weather isn’t so favourable, which is ideal for those particularly snowy winter days.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter (EX4 3RX)
Entry fee: Free
One of Exeter’s best free attractions is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery. It’s the perfect indoor activity for taking in the local history and looking at exciting artefacts with the whole family. You can access the museum from Queen Street in Exeter City or the rear entrance through the Gardens, with no entry fee required at the door.
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves in Torquay (TQ1 2JF)
Entry fee: £16.95 per adult/senior, £14.25 per child. (Children under 3 have free entry)
Step into the Stone Age – Torquay’s prehistoric Kents Cavern will transport you on a journey through time, allowing you to see the intricate caverns up close. Suitable for all ages, follow your tour guide and learn about the caverns’ history and ice age animals from the inside of the caves themselves. This West County indoor activity is only a short drive from Torquay and is sure to be the highlight of your winter holidays.
National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth (PL4 0LF)
Entry fee: £26.00 per adult (16+), £16.00 per child (3-15), £23.00 for concessions (students and 60+). (For children under 3, carers and returning adults and children ticket holders, entry is free)
On a cold winter’s day, escape to the largest aquarium in the UK, Plymouth’s iconic National Marine Aquarium. Near Plymouth’s city centre, walk directly to the aquarium from the city and discover a variety of sea life up close for a fun and educational day out.
Find your new home in Devon with Cavanna Homes
Experience Devon’s charm in every season with a new home in Devon.
From scenic walks to unique winter activities, Devon’s stunning landscapes and welcoming communities make it a truly special place to live. With so many beautiful locations on your doorstep, you’ll enjoy the feeling of being on holiday all year round, and, when winter comes around, you have the added benefit of enjoying popular spots without the usual crowds.
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