From cute coastal towns to some truly epic beaches, there is no finer time to visit South Devon than the sun drenched days of the summer holidays. But there is so much more to our beautiful corner of the West County than tanning on a beach. Here are some of our favourite activities and places to go and visit in Devon this July and August…  

Uncover a “secret” beach

The temptation for so many visitors is to rock up at the nearest patch of sand that presents itself. But for a taste of the real Devon, the smaller beaches can be beautifully wild and surprisingly quiet. Soar Mill Cove and Lannacombe are just two of many; you won’t find busy cafés and bustling shops, but those willing to walk are in for a treat.

Take a trip on a paddle steamer

Fancy a cruise with a difference? At Dartmouth you will find the UK’s only coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. You might be on the Dart rather than the Mississippi, but it makes for a stylish and hugely enjoyable ride aboard the “Kingswear Castle”. For cruise times, tickets and more, see http://www.paddlesteamerkc.co.uk

Find a classic Devon Inn

Beyond the usual tourist spots, Devon has some of Britain’s most classic old pubs and inns. Right next to the main hotel at Thurlestone you have former den of smuggling iniquity, The Village Inn (above). Less rowdy these days, it has great gastro pub food and ales as well as a story or three. Also with a short drive you will find old gems such as the 13^th Century Church House Inn, which is one of Devon’s oldest pubs.

Try standup paddleboarding, or get on your bike…

While many folks make the trip to Devon with bikes, boards or kayaks on car roofs, a much easier solution is simply to hire once you’re here, or perhaps even book a starter session. Water Born in Kingsbridge, for example, can get you stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in no time. Or for adventures on two wheels, Hot Pursuit Cycles offer bike hire in Totnes, with beautiful countryside and easy cycle trails waiting.

Get crafty in Totnes

Besides the draw of the coast, there are also some great little towns to visit in Devon. If you like arts, crafts and boutique stores, they don’t come much more independent than Totnes. Always friendly and awash with great shops and eateries, it’s the ideal place to spend an afternoon strolling and browsing.

Try a digital treasure hunt

For anyone who enjoys solving puzzles or treasure trails, geocaching is a great way to liven up a walk or get younger family members into the great outdoors. A free app is all it takes to get started, while areas such as Dartmoor and the beaches of the South Hams have some of the most scenic geocaches in the UK!

Go rock pooling

For anyone on holiday with the kids, a trip to the rockpools is a world of fun and fascination. Thanks to the quieter nature of our local beaches, you’ll find really rich, undisturbed habitat too. Bring a net and a bucket and you never know what you might find, from shore crabs and sea squirts to blennies and butterfish. The only golden rule is to carefully return creatures and stones exactly where you found them.

Get royally entertained at the Regatta

A lively mixture of fun, festivity and fierce competition! (Image: Dartmouth Royal Regatta Facebook Page)

For a mix of riveting air displays, entertainment, food and friendly competitions of various kinds, Dartmouth Royal Regatta is well worth a look every August (for 2017 it takes place from the 24^th to the 26^th August). Spot Lancasters, Typhoons and other epic planes while soaking in the party spirit of one of Devon’s prettiest seaside towns.

Tee off by the Sea

Granted, you can play golf almost anywhere in Devon these days. But there is only one Bigbury Golf Course, with a great variety of holes and views to die for. Visitors are welcome, as are ladies and youngsters. For full details, prices and opening times, see www.bigburygolf.co.uk

Explore the Moor

Another jewel in the crown of South Devon is Dartmoor, easily reached via a short drive from the South Hams. You could try letterboxing, climbing, fly fishing or any one of many outdoor pursuits in this wonderful location. Or just ramble and try a short walk with Dartmoor ponies for company. As for cooling off on a hot day, dipping your feet into one of the moor's many tumbling streams is pure bliss. There are plenty of suggested walks, activities and places to stop at www.visitdartmoor.co.uk