South Devon autumn guide

South Devon is magical during the autumn period, and you will find the region a hive of activity. With mild temperatures, uncrowded beaches, and stunning colours that blanket the rolling hills of the region, expect to spend your days basking in the remnants of the summer rays, treading the coast path and feasting on seasonal produce that is bursting with flavour. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the region during this period then you’re in for a treat.

What’s in the guide?
Our autumn guide is your handbook to discovering the very best South Devon has to offer this season. We’ve handpicked a selection of the best autumn events, dog-friendly beaches, leaf crunching walks, rainy day activities and exhilarating outdoor activities. From sumptuous food festivals, to harvest festivals and spooky halloween activities, we have it covered.

Download the South Devon autumn guide

Book your autumn getaway

At Coast & Country Cottages, we love autumn, and you will find our self-catering properties perfectly suited to the season. From King-sized beds boasting sea views, to log burning fires and bubbling hot tubs, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re a couple in search of a romantic waterside cottage, or a family looking for a larger property, where afternoons can be spent playing board games and building dens in the snug, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to enjoy an autumn getaway.

Book your South Devon autumn holiday

The South Devon autumn guide: What to expect

We’ve created a guide that leaves no stone unturned, and have even detailed where you can find the best hot chocolate, chillies to accompany if you’re feeling brave! Here is a brief overview of what to expect, but for the full lowdown, download the autumn guide.  

Download the South Devon autumn guide

Rainy day activities
If the heavens do decide to open during your holiday, don’t worry, there are plenty of fun things to do in the rain, especially in South Devon. From soft play cafes to making your own craft gin, there is something for every age, taste and mood.

Outdoor activities
Autumn is often an outdoor lovers favourite season, as the elements can be a little windier and wilder, perfect for those after some extra adrenaline. With activities on offer from surfing to paddle boarding, and even a forest school for children, we encourage you to embrace the the weather, get out there and get stuck in.  

Best autumn walks and pubs
With over 90 miles of coastline, woodland trails and countryside paths to explore it comes as no surprise the region is a renowned walker’s paradise. Nothing beats an autumn walk followed by sumptuous food, which is why we have detailed our favourite trails incorporating our favourite pubs.  

Forest walks to see the leaves changing
South Devon’s colour pallete during autumn is stunning, with hues of burnt orange, vibrant yellow and musky brown sweeping the region. There are some stunning walks to enjoy, where you can feel a blanket of autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet, and watch the leaves nod towards winter.

Villages to explore
From tiny hamlets nestled in the countryside, to charming fishing villages, it can be difficult to know where to visit first. We love our chocolate box villages in South Devon, and have picked our favourite spots to ensure you start with the cream of the crop when exploring the region.

Recipes using local produce
Renowned for producing fresh, local produce, you will find seasonal veg, fish and meat in abundance. The region’s natural larder also thrives at this time of year, with juicy blackberries and orchard apples ripe for the picking. We have detailed some classic autumn recipes, including apple and blackberry pie, and deliciously warming mulled cider.   

Dog-friendly beaches to visit
South Devon is the perfect playground for your four legged friend, and is home to an impressive variety of dog-friendly beaches. The season enjoys empty beaches, uncrowded coast paths, warm waters and best of all, a lift in the summer dog restriction, so be sure your pooch delights in having sandy paws and a salty nose.  

Best places for a hot chocolate
Nothing beats a decadent hot chocolate after a blustery walk. Enjoy lashings of cream and marshmallows, and for the grown ups, why not treat yourselves to an additional shot of whiskey or rum! We’ve listed our top five chocolate hot spots, with a twist.

National Trust properties to visit
South Devon is home to three National Trust properties, all of which offer a fantastic day out, regardless of season, rain or shine. From Agatha Christie’s former home, to a treasure trove of quirky artefacts, we’ve detailed where to find them, what to expect and why we love them.  

Autumn events
Jam packed with an exciting assortment of events and festivals, the region is a hive of activity throughout the autumn period. With so much on offer, expect sumptuous food festivals, organised outdoor pursuits and an array of themed events for Halloween. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite autumn events to inspire your break.

Spas to visit
If a day of indulgent pampering sounds more appealing than a day of action, then book yourself into one of South Devon’s luxurious spas. We have the lowdown on where to head for the ultimate self care session.

Activities to enjoy in your holiday home
Autumn supplies an abundance of natural craft supplies, with leaves of all different shapes and sizes, and shiny conkers and other natural treasures hiding beneath them. With a little imagination, you’ll be creating seasonal masterpieces in no time at all. We’ve detailed a little inspiration to get you started, and best of all, these can be carried out in your holiday home.  

Properties with log burning fires
In our opinion, one of the best things about autumn is the excuse to fire up the log burner daily. Our collection of holiday homes boast an enviable selection of cottages and waterside homes complete with log burning fires, and our guide highlights the cosiest of them all!

Book a break in South Devon this autumn and make the most of the long countryside walks, or stay by the coast and enjoy the changing elements as they sweep across the ocean. Regardless of where you choose to stay, we have some excellent offers available this autumn. These will get snapped up quickly, so be sure to book your break soon.  

Book your South Devon autumn holiday