Winner of ‘Design Heli a Holiday Home’ competition announced
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by Victoria Rogers / News
There is no doubt about it, Devon is exceptionally popular as a holiday destination all year round. According to the recent Sykes Staycation Index survey, in 2025 Devon was the fourth most popular region in the UK for self-catering holidays. But when is the best time to visit Devon?
With countless events and all-weather attractions, not to mention scenery that changes dramatically with the seasons, Devon has constant appeal. Read on for our full guide on things to consider to help you choose the perfect date for your visit, or use the quick links below:
Much of this depends on individual preferences as each time of year provides a slightly different experience. The length of your planned stay, the size of your party and ultimately the aim of the holiday also play a big role. For example, those looking for peace and tranquillity would be best advised to avoid Salcombe in August!
The out of season, shoulder months offer a great opportunity for visitors to see Devon at a quieter time. The autumnal colours found on the South West Coastal Path, or the frost dusted flora found along the Devon hedgerows in the winter are a spectacle to behold.
Many Devon pubs like The Village Inn in Thurlestone, offer warming mulled drinks, roaring open fires, hearty winter roasts, and a welcoming spot for the dog too. For those interested, here are 13 dog-friendly pubs that cater especially for your four-legged friend. For walkers, it is easy to see why visitors often suggest this is the best time to visit Devon.
In the festive period, there are many places to see Santa for families visiting with children on a pre-Christmas break. Or for couples, February brings a wealth of great dining options for Valentine’s Day, making Devon a must for a romantic break.
In contrast the summer months offer a different vibe altogether. Think long sunny days lounging on sandy beaches. Hours spent trying watersports or crabbing on the quayside. Action packed adventures at Devon County show in May. Fun trips to family attractions, featuring cuddly creatures, thrilling rides and more…
Also popular in the summer months are the many pop-up beachside eateries like The Rockbox, the one-day agricultural shows, and the countless festivals! There is never a shortage of things to do.
Due to the vast quantity of events and festivals, we at Coast & Country have created a dedicated what’s on guide. But here’s just a tiny snapshot of the region’s calendar highlights, which might influence when you decide is the best time to visit Devon:
Taking place in May every year, Brixham Pirate Festival is a swashbuckling event not to be missed! Visitors are encouraged to come along in their finest pirate attire, to enjoy a weekend of free entertainment. Expect kids’ activities, live music, theatrical re-enactments of historical events and so much more.
Why not make a week of it, and truly explore Brixham and the surrounding coastline? According to the Sykes Cottages Staycation Index, Brixham was number one in the “Top 10 ‘trending’ locations” in 2025. Holiday bookings to this pretty fishing town were up by 62% year-on-year!
It’s not hard to see why Brixham is growing in popularity, with a hugely popular array of restaurants, its bustling fish market and its superb location within striking distance of Dartmouth, Torquay and beyond. For inspiration on eateries, here’s our guide to the 12 Best Restaurants in Brixham.
If you enjoy quirky events like Brixham Pirate Festival, Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming might also take your fancy!
Taking place in the summer months are various sailing events, including The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, and the Salcombe Regatta. These family friendly events are a great excuse to show off skills on and off the water. As well as the expected rowing and sailing events, there’s also live music, children’s entertainment and crowd-pleasing spectacles in both towns. At the Dartmouth event, the ice cream eating competition is always a firm favourite!
Devon is well known for its impressive collection of restaurants and eateries, owned and run by some of the most prestigious chefs in the country. With the abundance of incredible food and drink grown, reared and produced locally, it’s no wonder so many choose the county to set up a dining establishment.
Of the top 10 foodie towns Brits most want to visit, Brixham in Devon has been ranked 4th most popular in the 2025 Staycation Index. It’s easy to understand why, with famous fresh seafood and so many great restaurants concentrated within the town.
Brixham Harbour
Another must-visit foodie destination is Salcombe. With its picturesque harbourside and pretty beaches, it would be easy to dismiss the town as being exclusively a summer haven. Whilst quieter in the winter months, there are still some great dining options.
Most recently, the esteemed local chef Mitch Tonks has opened a new waterside Rockfish restaurant, serving delectable seafood caught literally on the doorstep, all year round! Alongside this stylish new restaurant, Salcombe Brewery have opened an adjoining Tap House, where you can enjoy a drink before or after your meal… the recipe for a great day or evening out.
Why not plan a visit to the town in the early May bank holiday, to experience the popular annual event, “Salcombe Crabfest”. A one-day event that takes place on the bank holiday Sunday traditionally, Crabfest is run by Salcombe Rotary Club and is entirely in aid of charity. Free to attend, the event sees celebrity chef demonstrations on the quayside, stalls, children’s entertainment, live music and more. It is a family-friendly celebration of the delicious crab caught locally in this historic fishing town.
Choosing the best time to visit Devon based on the cultural experiences on offer? The region is blessed with a wealth of National Trust and English Heritage sites that welcome visitors all year round. That said, here are our tips on when to visit some of the more popular sites, to get the very best experience.
Each year, sites such as Greenway, Castle Drogo, Coleton Fishacre and more, play host to a wealth of seasonal events. Often the calendar includes seasonal events like Christmas Wreath Making and Candy Cane Trails, Easter Trails complete with chocolate eggs, seasonal illuminations in the gardens and more. To learn about each venue, visit the National Trust website for up-to-date what’s on guides.
In South Devon, we are pleased to have a number of castles open for visitors, many of which are run by English Heritage. Some, like Berry Pomeroy Castle, are only open during the summer months (March-October), so be sure to check with the castle directly before making a special trip. Many of these castles offer guided audio tours, and showcase a wealth of history about the building and local area. If you would like to find out more, read our guide to the 5 must-visit Castles in South Devon.
Finding it hard to choose the best time to visit Devon? Why not come more than once? The Staycation Index showed an ever-increasing number of people choosing to visit Devon for short breaks. This year, Devon has seen the second highest growth of any region in the country, with short break bookings up 18%!
24% of Brits much prefer multiple short trips over fewer longer holidays and it’s clear to see why. By holidaying in this way, the benefits are endless. You can experience more locations and fit more into your busy schedule. There is less of a need to spend time extensively planning your trip, plus you get to look forward to more regular escapism. With this in mind, why not enjoy more short stays in Devon, and experience its beauty in each of the four seasons.
Whether you are looking for a spacious house to sleep the whole family for your summer getaway, or a cosy coastal bolthole to base yourself in for your winter stomps on the coast path, we have options for to suit all. With dog-friendly properties galore, not to mention places with expansive gardens, wood-burners and sea views, we’ve got options for all times of year.
Book your short stay in Devon here
by Victoria Rogers / News
My name is Victoria Rogers, and I'm a PR Executive for the Sykes Cottages South West regional brands. Born and bred in Devon, I ha...
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