Why autumn is south Devon’s best kept secret
Summer in South Devon offers an obvious kind of love – blue skies, buzzing beaches, sandy toes and spectacular sunrises, but autumn? Oh, autumn is the kind of love that sonnets are written about. This is when the sunsets are golden, the sea is at its warmest, crisp morning air ignites the senses, and you are much more likely to get a parking spot by the beach.
Top things to do in South Devon in autumn
Whether your perfect autumn means getting on your hiking boots, looking forward to Bonfire Night, tucking into Sunday roasts by the fire, or snuggling up on the sofa to watch movies at the end of the day, there are so many reasons to love Devon in autumn. So, while it’s not as if you needed an excuse to book a couple of autumn breaks in Devon, we thought we would give you a few.
Quiet beaches are perfect for relaxing
One of the great pleasures in the autumn is having more opportunities to enjoy quiet beaches. Depending on where you go and what time of day, you might even get them all to yourself. With the quieter period comes changing rules as well, with more places allowing dogs onto the sand. In particular, Bantham’s main beach allows four-legged friends from 1st October, as does South Sands in Salcombe.
The sea at its warmest
Don’t go telling everyone, but the weather is better than you think at this time of year. In fact, we get some of the most magical sunny days in the autumn, and the sea is at its warmest after the summer months, averaging at around 15°C. That makes it the perfect time for a swim and water sports. Amongst our favourite things to do in autumn include paddle boarding, wind surfing, kayaking, or water skiing – just remember to stay safe!
It’s surf season
The water might be warmer, but strong westerly Atlantic swells typically bring bigger and more consistent waves with them as well, making surfing one of the top activities in autumn. For those who want to try their hand or improve their skills, there are plenty of pros in the area to help. Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham are amongst the most popular surf spots, with Bantham Surf Academy and Discovery Surf School offering individual and group lessons as well as equipment hire for kids and adults alike.
Scenic walks and outdoor exploration
For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, you can still make the most of those scenic coastal views with a stroll, or a hike, along the South West Coast Path. Famed for leading you to some of the most breathtaking beauty spots, meander as far as you like along the coast path, exploring different loops, hidden coves, and abundant wildlife as you go. See if you can spot Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Swallows and Martins, or even a couple of Sparrowhawks, Hobbys or Merlins. If you fancy heading inland, don’t forget that Dartmoor National Park isn’t far away either, inviting you to discover its own dramatic beauty in the form of open moorlands, deep valleys and rich history.
Cosy pub dinners
A good pub lunch has to be one of the best things about autumn and winter, and in Devon we really know how to do it well. Whether you’re hiking across Dartmoor and popping into The Rock Inn at Haytor Vale (with two AA Rosettes), visiting The Bear & Blacksmith in Chillington, or taking a trip to Southpool by boat to The Millbrook Inn, you’re guaranteed to be greeted with a cosy atmosphere and plenty of hearty fare from the local larder.
Seasonal events and festivals
Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean things have slowed down in Devon, with lots of events to look forward to! Culinary connoisseurs will delight in the Dartmouth Food Festival from 24th to 26th October, sampling food and drink by the River Dart. For those who want to get into the Halloween spirit, head to Terawhiti Farm near South Milton for their annual Pumpkin Patch. The family-run farm grows its own veg, including pumpkins so you can pick your own and take it home – it’s perfect for kids of all ages! Of course, what would autumn be without Guy Fawkes Night? There’s a host of opportunities to watch the sky light up with fireworks displays from Friday 1st November, whether you’re in Totnes at the Dartington Estate, at Malborough Playing Fields, Newton Ferrers, or West Alvington at The Ring’O’Bells pub. The magic doesn’t stop there either, with a world of gorgeous experiences across South Devon – head to Candlelit Dartmouth at the end of November, or get in the festive spirit with The Christmas Train of Lights for an illuminated journey on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Wet weather activities
Of course, this being England, there are some days when the weather doesn’t play ball, but there is plenty of indoor entertainment for those who don’t fancy swimming in the rain or donning their waterproofs. Salcombe Maritime Museum is a small but perfectly formed invitation to discover the history of one of our most popular seaside towns, while a trip to the Dartington Estate for film viewings at their independent cinema, a bite to eat, and a wander around their shops is always a good idea. For those who fancy a little drive, pop to Buckfast Abbey on the edge of Dartmoor National Park to learn about the history and life of Benedictine Monks, and maybe sample a little of their famous Tonic Wine as well. Amongst lots of other opportunities, take the kids to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Kents Cavern prehistoric cave dwellings in Torquay, or hop aboard the South Devon Railway.
Cosy autumn holiday cottages in Devon
Whether you’re heading out and about for a world of entertainment or to the duvet-like escapism of South Devon so you can sit, sleep, and watch the world go by, you will need somewhere cosy to stay. Maybe your idea of a good time is a hot tub to soak in while you watch the waves crash out at sea, or a massive comfy couch to sink into while you doze by the log fire. Here are a few of the most blissful places to stay on South Devon autumn holidays.
Sea views at Aventos, Salcombe
Soak in the sea views at this contemporary Salcombe hideaway. With six bedrooms (sleeping 12) and a blissful terrace overlooking the water, Aventos has got everything from comfy armchairs by the fire to a sheltered terrace where you can wrap up warm and watch the world float by. It’s perfect for group getaways, whether you’re travelling with friends or hunkering down with the whole family.
Snuggle up by the fire at Devon Farmhouse, Kingsbridge
Spend evenings cuddled around the fire pit looking at the stars, and daytimes running around your very own one-acre paddock at this slice of bucolic bliss in Kingsbridge. Devon Farmhouse is the perfect place to live the good life for a while, in a restored country house sleeping up to eight people and welcoming four-legged friends. Step straight out to walking trails and babbling brooks, and return home to soak in the roll-top bath and snuggle up by the fire.
Hot tub haven at Wild Hare, Chillington
For romantic stays, Wild Hare is hard to beat – this tranquil retreat offers open plan living and sun-dappled terraces just a few minutes from Torcross Beach. There’s a bubbling hot tub so you can soak up all the natural beauty late into the evening, after days exploring the coast and countryside hand in hand.
A front row seat at Ferry Cottage, Salcombe
With unrivalled views of the Salcombe estuary, Ferry Cottage has its own steps down to the water and offers seaside charm in abundance. When you stay here you’re in the heart of town, whilst also having a front row seat to the changing tides. With two bedrooms, it’s the perfect place for two couples, a small group of friends or a family escape. Hop on the boat to the East Portlemouth beaches, jump straight into the sea for a morning dip, and dine in town with an easy walk home.
Cottage calm at Riverdale, Newton Ferrers
This pretty Devon holiday cottage with creek views is a dreamy idyll inviting you to enjoy a slower pace of life. The perfect combination of contemporary style and heritage charm, the waterside views set the scene, while beautifully designed interiors are the perfect place for lazy mornings and leisurely evenings. Sink into the sofa and fall asleep in front of the wood burner after windswept walks along the coast, and wake in the morning to the sound of the water lapping the shore.
While some will tell you the season’s over after the solstice, we know that’s when the magic is only just getting started. From family escapes to romantic retreats, see South Devon in glowing autumn light, discovering things to do and places to stay when you visit Devon in October and beyond.
Discover the best places to stay on South Devon autumn holidays
