ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

London Waterloo and Paddington, Birmingham New Street, Cardiff Central, Penzance and Newcastle all have direct trains to Exeter. The Avocet Line is a useful local rail service from Exeter to Exmouth, with stops including Topsham and Lympstone.

When to go

With its mild maritime climate, Devon is a year-round destination although four seasons can be experienced in one day pretty much any time of year. The Sidmouth Folk Festival is held every summer (29 July to 5 August, 2022). Winter is good for birdwatching on the Exe Estuary. sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk

Places mentioned

Rock Solid Coasteering (sessions from £40 per person). rocksolidcoasteering.uk Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours. exeter.gov.uk

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery. rammuseum.org.uk

Exeter Cathedral. exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Two Drifters. twodriftersrum.com

The Salutation Inn. salutationtopsham.co.uk

RSPB Bowling Green Marsh. rspb.org.uk The Bicton Inn. bictoninn.co.uk

Lyme Regis Museum. lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Where to stay

The Turks Head, Exeter, from £85, room only. turksheadexeter.com

Hotel Riviera, Sidmouth, from £120, B&B. hotelriviera.co.uk

More info

Slow Travel, East Devon & The Jurassic Coast (Bradt Travel Guides), £14.99. Visit Devon. visitdevon.co.uk

How to do it

offers one night in a double room including breakfast, and an a la carte dinner at its Michael Caines-helmed Michelin-starred restaurant and a complimentary gin tray for £650. Afternoon tea costs an additional £49.50 per person. lympstonemanor.co.uk