Money counts, we understand, but being conscious of money doesn’t mean that you cannot have fun! A day out is about creating memories, not burning a hole in your pocket. Luckily Devon has some absolutely wonderful places to explore even on the tightest of budgets. We have listed some of our favourite free days out across Devon below - indoors, or outdoors, a whole days entertainment, or just a few hours - we hope to inspire some fantastic days that everyone can enjoy.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) - EX4 3RX
This beautiful early 19th-century museum and art gallery in Exeter is the largest in the city. It holds significant and diverse collections in areas such as zoology, anthropology, fine art, local and overseas archaeology, and geology. Entry is free throughout the year and there is so much to see.
Haldon Forest Park - EX6 7XR
Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park.
Haldon Forest offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and so much more just waiting to be discovered.
It is worth noting that whilst entry is free, parking does need to be paid for however if you plan to return a few times in the year, Haldon Forest Park members park for free so a membership may be something worth looking into.
Burgh Island - TQ7 4BG
Burgh Island is a tidal island on the coast of South Devon in England near the small seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea. The island is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand which at high tide is completely covered, leaving a ride on the unique sea tractor as the only means of access. With the most stunning views, plenty of beautiful remains and wildlife to see and a fantastic collection of local foodie spots it is easy to spend a full day here.
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - EX10 8NG
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers over 100 square miles of the East Devon countryside. This countryside includes eighteen miles of Heritage coastline. These coastlines are England's first natural World Heritage Site and have an outstanding combination of globally significant geological and geomorphological features, making them a must when visiting this area of Devon.
Verity Statue - EX34 9EQ
Verity is a 2012 stainless steel and bronze statue created by Damien Hirst. The 20.25-metre tall sculpture stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour in Ilfracombe, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales. Whilst the Verity’s design has been a real talking point locally, with people either torn both ways on whether or not they like the statue, there is no doubt that she is a real asset to the town with people travelling for miles to see the controversial design in the picturesque seaside town.
The Jolly Roger - TQ13 9FF
This thriving family-business is the largest dedicated supplier of quality resin and fibre-glass 3d life-size models and the huge two storey showroom is open to the public to look around and admire the most amazing models to view. Hot drinks, snacks and ice creams are available from Josie’s ice cream parlour on site and we highly recommend taking along a few pennies to enjoy these delicious treats.
The Granite Way - EX20 4HN
This 11 mile Dartmoor cycle track is mostly traffic free and has the most spectacular views of Dartmoor and its surrounding rural areas. With various cycle hire points and refreshments available en route there are certainly places where money could be spent but equally if you bring along your own bike and picnic this track makes for the most gorgeous day out on your bike whatever your cycling ability.
Seaton Wetlands - EX12 2SP
Explore Seaton Wetlands is 4 kilometers of level trails and boardwalks that are all suitable for bikes, wheelchairs and also pushchairs. Enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe and all the wildlife that is the be found in this natural habitat.
The site has a car park, toilets, picnic area, 5 bird hides and 3 pond dipping platforms with plenty to see and get involved in for all ages.
Tarka Trail - EX33 2FB
Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
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.
On the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach we have 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, ideal for walking.
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
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.
Stay in our cosy static caravan, set in its own garden on our family farm. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this lovely rural location, just 4 miles from Lyme Regis with sandy beach's and fossil hunting.
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.
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.
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 traditionally converted barn on working dairy farm,heart of the Blackdown Hills,peaceful setting, ideal walking, overlooking the Otter Valley,easy reach Sidmouth/ Lyme Regis,York Inn and shop 1 mile
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Set in a peaceful, tranquil rural area of North-West Devon, between Bude and Okehampton, but easily accessible from major road routes into Devon and Cornwall. Sleeps up to 4 guests of all ages.
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
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.
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
The well appointed wing of the farmhouse is completely self contained and has panoramic views of Bigbury Bay. Bigbury on Sea is a fantastic location for family beach holidays.
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.
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.
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.
Close to Jurassic coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Orchard Meadow - individual cottage peacefully situated on a working farm. Large open living space, 3 bedrooms [1 grnd fl) 3 bathrooms
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
Dating back to the 1600's 'Beech House' with its slate floors and inglenooks is the perfect destination for family holidays, get to-gethers and all those special celebrations.
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.
A spacious farmhouse and a cosy retreat for two. Set in peaceful surroundings with stunning views, lovely walks and lots of wildlife to see. Ideally situated for visiting the coast, Exmoor, Dartmoor
The Grange with own 34 ft swimming pool heated all year and The Deer Den with hot tub are tucked away up a long private driveway on our 260-acre award-winning farm in Devon, bursting with rural charm.
Great for peaceful retreats or family holidays, The Hay House is the only holiday cottage on our nature-friendly farm. Beautiful views & walks from your door. 15 minutes to beach at Sidmouth. Sleeps 4
Set in the East Devon hills close to the Jurrasic Coast, we welcome guests to our working dairy farm. Our cottages have spacious living areas, Geothermal underfloor heating, woodburners.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
Take a dip in our heated swimming pool, play tennis, explore the stunning countryside. Children & dog friendly cottages in stunning countryside with easy access to Beer, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and more!