Check out the best 2022 holiday destinations
in Devon and Cornwall!
So you’ve chosen to holiday in the South West? Fantastic choice! Devon and Cornwall are among the top destinations for holidaying in the UK each year, and 2022 is set to be no different. Finding exactly where to stay in Devon can be the tough part. Thankfully, the team at Fresh Escapes are your local experts, with the team living and working in our favourite towns, villages and cities, so we’ve prepared some local insights to help you make the best choice when booking your holiday for next year!
Destination: ShaldoN and Teignmouth
Unspoilt and picturesque on every level, the charming fishing village of Shaldon sits across the river from the delightful and traditional seaside town of Teignmouth, two different but equally lovely places to enjoy your next holiday in Devon
If you’re searching for quintessential seaside fun, traditional amusements on a historic pier, and a summer holiday in a destination to remember, then this beautiful Devon location ticks all of these boxes. Enjoy strolls along the promenade with an ice cream, mini golf, and a paddle in the sea, or be enticed by the smells of local delicacies as your senses guide you up the streets of local shops, pubs and bars.
Whilst similarly located, Shaldon and Teignmouth offer very different ways of life. For more traditional seaside fun, head over to Teignmouth, but if a quiet village feel is more your style, Shaldon is the destination! Both offer fantastic beaches, attractions and a great atmosphere, and if you can’t decide then a historic foot ferry will carry you from one to the other in just a few minutes!
Local Tip: If you’re a fan of seafood, why not stop by The Crab Shack on the Beach, a fantastic award-winning restaurant where delicious sustainable seafood is king. Check out their website to view menus and book here
Destination: Dartmouth
Known historically as a naval base and training centre, Dartmouth has delighted locals, holidaymakers and royalty alike for hundreds of years!
With its charming centre, stunning waterfront and windy cobbled streets full of character, it’s no wonder that Dartmouth is often the first destination for holidaymakers visiting the South Hams. Sitting opposite the charming village of Kingswear on the River Dart, many of our guests also approach this firm favourite destination in a very unique way – they take the car ferry over and see the beauty of the river close up for themselves!
Dartmouth is also proud to welcome holidaymakers and always has been, priding itself on offering great local experiences to everyone who steps foot on its shores, whether they explore the historic market or simply stop for breakfast at Café Alf Resco. The historic Regatta celebrations in August always draw in the crowds, combining the history of the traditional regatta with fun, games and insights from local businesses – an event not to be missed! There’s also an annual music festival which draws in crowds from all over the country, providing a great atmosphere and evening entertainment that’s sure to get your hips moving!
Local Tip: It’s no secret that, in the peak season, parking in Dartmouth can be challenging to say the least. There are restrictions on both street parking and that in the central Mayors Avenue car park. We recommend dropping off your bags in town and hopping on board the Dartmouth Park and Ride service at the top of town to make this easier
Explore our homes in Dartmouth, Kingswear, and the surrounding area
Destination: Seaton, Beer and the Jurassic Coast
Set along the rugged coastline of East Devon, the Jurassic Coast is steeped in history, effortlessly combining the best of the county’s coast and countryside
The Jurassic Coast is a world heritage site renowned for its beauty and charm displayed through a collection of welcoming towns and villages scattered down country lanes and over hilltops. The towns of Seaton and Beer are amongst the favourites for holidaymakers, offering easy and convenient gateways to explore this breathtaking area.
Despite Seaton and the surrounding area finding their greatest popularity in the peak summer due to the mile-long esplanade, the town’s traders are a determined community who work hard to serve locals and holidaymakers all year round. Seaton has some of the best feeling of community around, reflected in the proud local offering of food and drink. Whether you’re looking for something to cool you on a warm summer’s day or a little tipple in the warm after a cold coastal winter walk, there’s a local cafe, bar or restaurant to cater for every need throughout the year.
Local tip: Given its coastal draw, you’ll find that Seaton and Beer are great locations to explore the South West Coastal Path. The walk along the coastal path from Seaton to Beer is about 1.5 miles and is a very popular spot for exploring with your four-legged friend! You can find details of the route here
Destination: The English Riviera
Combining Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham under one glorious umbrella, the gem of South Devon’s coast has to be the fabulous English Riviera, a welcoming coastal resort offering fun for the whole family!
Whether you’re looking to immerse in nightlife with bars and restaurants, ready to sample seafood so fresh it’s been caught that day, or are seeking a family break with plenty of fun for young and old, Torbay has you covered. With charming villages and winding lanes, coastal delights with breathtaking sunrises, and a wide variety of attractions from the Model Village at Babbacombe to the heights of the English Riviera Wheel, there’s something for everyone!
Torbay has also benefitted from the recent increase in people looking to take to the water by paddle board! The award-winning sand and shingle beaches with coves of gentle sea water are perfect for those looking to take up the sport, or just to take a refreshing dip in the open water. A true seaside destination with so much more to offer!
Local Tip: Take the steam railway from Paignton, headed towards Kingswear on the Round Robin trip! It’s a great way to explore South Devon by land, sea and rail, and fun for young and old! At Christmas, they even light the train up in the famous Train of Lights celebration! Find out more details here
Destination: Dartmoor
Devon’s favourite wild expanse of rugged countryside awaits you on Dartmoor National Park – a landscape crafted over thousands of years and host to some of Devon’s most breathtaking views
Charming. Rugged. Wild. These are all words our guests have used to describe the fabulous Dartmoor National Park. Whether it’s the ponies, sheep and other wildlife that roam the hillside, the mesmerising tors that scatter the land, or the tranquility of the flowing streams that pass through the land, it’s a destination that’s sure to bring joy to any explorer looking to strap on their walking boots and get back to the wilder walk of life for a day’s exploring.
Of course, Dartmoor is not totally off-grid, and is home to some truly fabulous destinations of its own. From charming local pubs with local ales and delicious food to warm your cockles after a frosty morning walk, to visitor centres and shops to pick up memorabilia of your escape to the countryside, there’s plenty of places to stop off and step inside at.
Local Tip: Hidden around the land of Dartmoor are letters, postcards and stamps that have been left by travellers past. For a fun activity with the kids and a great way to explore the land, why not try your hand at ‘letterboxing’ and see what stamps you can collect on your journey! Find out more about this tradition and how to get involved here
Explore Devon From a Local Perspective
