If you are looking for things to do in Devon for couples, you’ve come to the right place! With so many amazing and unique date ideas in the county, you are sure in for a treat. We have put together a list of our FIFTY favourite date ideas in Devon to hopefully keep you going for a little while! Whatever your budget, you will find something special on the list. Be sure to let us know your most-loved things to do in Devon for your loved one.
1. A Coastal or Rural Retreat in one of our Devon Holiday Homes
Discover where beautiful countryside meets charming coast on Your Devon Escape. Our handpicked selection of holiday homes in Devon has been curated to offer our guests a memorable escape. We take careful consideration when choosing our Devon holiday homes, ensuring comfort, location and relaxation. Come and fall in love with your loved one, just like we have!
2. Wine Tasting
Whether you are looking for countryside views or of the River Dart, you are in for a treat on your wine tasting experience. Explore the vines, taste the wine and buy some to take home and enjoy. If you are looking for things to do in Devon for couples, this should be high on your list!
3. Climb a Dartmoor Tor
With over 160 tors on Dartmoor, this one alone could keep you busy for a while! Enjoy 360-degree views of open moorland and be kept company by wild Dartmoor ponies as they graze. Breathe in the countryside air and embrace your surroundings.
4. Trip to the Beach
We are so lucky to have so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep. No matter the weather or the season, you can’t beat the sea air on your skin. So, either wrap up or grab your togs and head to the coast. The hardest decision is going to be which beach to choose! Be sure to head to our blog posts for recommendations.
5. Dine at a Michelin Star Restaurant
We are so privileged to have so many excellent restaurants in Devon, with a sprinkling of Michelin to choose from. Our favourites are The Elephant in Torquay, Gidleigh Park in Chagford, and Lympstone Manor in Exmouth. If Michelin is within your budget, be sure to check one of these fabulous options out when visiting Devon with your loved ones!
6. Enjoy a Devonshire Cream Tea or High Tea
You can’t come to Devon and not have a cream tea. There really should be a law around it. There are so many options to choose from, from ‘treat’ luxury high teas to local cream teas in our fabulous cafes. Try Boringdon Hall or a Harbour Hotel, if you are looking for an indulgent treat, or one of our local favourites – Jenny Koo’s Kitchen or Dudley’s in Dartmouth.
7. Explore the South West Coast Path
With miles to explore, enjoy a hearty stomp or a short stroll with stunning views of coastline and countryside. Make fabulous memories, spending time outdoors with your favourite person. With many of our properties located on the South West Coast Path, this should be definitely be on the list when looking for things to do in Devon with your partner.
8. Sunrise Swim
Rain, shine, summer or winter, you can’t beat a sunrise swim. Head to the beach, creek or the River Dart and take a dip with your loved one. Huddle together or splash about and watch the colours turn on the day.
9. Make Your Own Gin
Gin experiences are on the rise here in Devon. Pop to the delightful Salcombe or Plymouth and make your own bottle of gin to take home. Choose your spices and botanicals, distil and bottle your very own bottle of gin. Create a personalised label and give it a name. Take home to share as you reminisce on your perfect date in Devon.
10. Fish & Chips by the Sea
You can’t beat fish and chips with a sea breeze and Devon offers just this. Sit by the water that the very fish you are eating has been caught in and enjoy a Devon comfort. There are so many great options in the county, so be sure to check out our blog post for recommendations!
11. Boat up the River Dart
There is nothing better than a romantic boat trip up the River Dart. Whether you want a private event and choose to hire the Banquet Boat or hop on a cruise with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, you are in for a treat. And enjoy the Banquet Boat at a discount through our Visitor’s Club!
12. Sauna on Blackpool Sands
Spend some quality time together relaxing in the Blackpool Sands sauna. Swap between a refreshing sea plunge and relaxing rejuvenating sauna. The experience will leave you feeling on cloud 9 and all with your loved one.
13. Swim with Seals at Lundy Island
Spend the day in the water with Ilfracombe Sea Safari. Take a delightful boat trip out to Lundy Island and spend the day underwater with the loveliest furry swimmers. If you are looking for a perfect date day out with your partner in Devon, this should be on the list (which is why it’s on ours!)
14. Sunday Roast
You can’t beat a Sunday Roast, especially when made with local Devon ingredients. We are so lucky to have so many excellent options on our doorstep in the county. Take your partner and enjoy a delicious Sunday Lunch date, and why not share a bottle of red to go with it!
15. Lunch at the Beach
Not only are we lucky enough to have beautiful beaches, but we have amazing food options on our beaches! Dine with a view and feel like you are in the Med! Stop by the Beach House on South Milton Sands, the café at Blackpool Sands, or Venus Café at various beaches along the coastline. Be sure to grab your discount at Venus through our Visitor’s Club.
16. Paint Pottery at China Blue
A relaxing activity. Paint clay mugs, pots or figures as you chat and share stories with your loved one. If you are looking for the perfect chill activity to enjoy with your loved one, this should be on your list. If you are staying in one of our lovely holiday homes, enjoy discounted through our Visitor’s Club.
17. Wild Swimming
Devon is home to an abundance of wild swimming spots. There is nothing like a refreshing, romantic dip, especially when you are more than likely to enjoy the place to yourselves! Dip, wrap up warm and head to a cosy pub for a drink or two!
18. Watch a Film at an Independent Cinema
This might not be the most talkative date night, but it is special, nonetheless. Treat yourself to an evening at a local independent cinema – South Devon loves them! With options in Kingsbridge, Totnes and Dartmouth, catch a picture and enjoy!
19. Visit National Trust Site
There are so many National Trust sites on our doorstep. From properties to castles to coastal walks to gardens, there is the site for your perfect date day out. To find out our favourite National Trust sites in the area, head to our blog!
20. South Coast Beach Sunrise
Head to the beach for sunrise and you’ll probably find that you have the place to yourself. Whether you choose to sit on the sand or brave a dip, you are in for a treat. Grab some blankets and towels and enjoy the peace of a Devon sunrise on the coast. You will want to go back every day.
21. Stargaze on Dartmoor or Exmoor
The beautiful open moorland is the perfect spot for stargazing. Exmoor was Europe’s first designated International Dark Skies Reserve, ensuring excellent visuals alongside Dartmoor’s spectacular views. Catch a sunset and stay to watch the stars. Name a more idyllic thing to do in Devon for couples.
22. Kayak Adventure
Take to the water in a kayak with Sea Kayak Devon. Offering tours from Dartmouth and Salcombe, enjoy the waters and see the coast from a different angle. Whether you have kayaked or not before, this is a perfect date activity. Explore the area without having to plan the route yourself! And if you are staying in one of our Devon holiday homes, enjoy discounted through our Visitor’s Club!
23. Enjoy a Drink by the Water
There are so many pubs by the water to enjoy a pint of something local whilst watching the boats sail by. If you are looking for things to do in Devon for couples, this is the ideal low key date idea to enjoy your local surroundings. Our favourites include The Steam Packet Inn in Totnes, Cloud 9 in Dartmouth, and the Waterman’s Arms in Ashprington.
24. Seafood Lunch at Britannia @ the Beach
Dine on delicious local seafood caught in the waters you can see from the restaurant. Offering delicious sharing platters and local favourites, this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner with your loved one.
25. Explore Salcombe
Meander through the cobbled streets of Salcombe. Soak up the estuary air, pop into the independent shops and be sure to grab a Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream or some Cranch’s sweets. It is the perfect date idea in Devon, if want something local maintenance whilst exploring the local area.
26. Enjoy a Half & Half Pie/Cauliflower Cheese Feast at a Renowned Local Pub
For a hearty date idea in Devon, head to The Coppa Dolla Inn near Newton Abbot. It is famous for its half and half pie and cauliflower cheese dishes. They are simply delicious. Get cosy in this cute pub and eat your heart out.
27. Night Out in Dartmouth
A simple night out in Dartmouth is a perfect date option. With lots of wonderful bars and pubs to choose from depending on your vibe, you are in for a treat. For recommendations, head to our blog post.
28. Games Night
Enjoy a night in at one of our fabulous properties and play some games. With games in many of our properties, plus perhaps a few of your own additions, you are in for a night of fun. Sometimes it is nice to simply relax and enjoy some quality time together without actually doing much, so this is perfect!
29. Shuck Oysters at the Oyster Shack
Enjoy oysters on an oyster farm. This restaurant grew from a literal shack that housed an oyster farm. People would pitch up with their deck chairs to enjoy some oysters from the farm, and from that the Shack grew. Dine on oysters through the summer months on the River Avon, it is simply idyllic.
30. GO APE
Take to the ropes for an adrenaline-fuelled date day out. Help each other with the different sections to complete the course. A fabulous bonding exercise, and you might even learn something new about each other!
31. Letterboxing on Dartmoor
Take yourself on an adventure across the moors, looking for their letterboxes. Explore new areas whilst looking for stamps and treasures. It is a unique date activity but one to try nonetheless!
32. Cosy Trip to a Devon Pub
Take a trip to a cosy pub. Indulge in a delicious dinner or bowl of chips with a glass of red wine in the winter months or a gin and tonic when the sun is out. Get cosy, chat to the locals and simply enjoy each other’s company.
33. Visit Clovelly
The picturesque town of Clovelly is the ideal date day out in Devon. Stroll the cobbled streets, stop for a bite to eat in the pub, wander through the gardens. Be sure to snap a few pictures to remember the day out!
34. Can You Survive an Escape Room
Some say that a true test of your relationship is if you can survive an escape room together. With fabulous experiences in Exeter, Barnstaple, Okehampton, Exmouth, Torquay and Newton Abbot, add this date idea to your list of things to do in Devon for couples.
35. Dine at Olive
Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of Mediterranean dishes on the South Devon’s version of the Med. Celebrating cuisines from several countries, share, try and chat over dinner.
36. Explore Dawlish Warren
An ever-changing coastline, wander the beach, explore the red rocks, take in the scenery. This really is a stunning part of the coast, and one that will change between every visit. It is the perfect date day out in Devon.
37. Tamar Trails
With twenty-five kilometres to discover, there will be the ideal date walk for you here. Explore by bike or foot, relax and enjoy. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty admire the views whilst spending quality time with your better half.
38. Surf at Croyde Beach
You can’t beat a surf at Croyde Bay! Voted one of the best beaches in the UK for a surf, pack your boards (or hire) and head to the beach! The perfect relaxing date morning for budding surfers.
39. Spa Day
Treat yourself to a spa day in some of Devon’s most iconic locations. Enjoy a gentle swim, a rejuvenating steam and a relaxing sauna. Book in for a couple’s treatment and share quality time together in peace.
40. Take a Ride on the Steam Train
Step back in time with South Devon Railway or Dartmouth Rail and River Boat Company with a trip on the steam train. Watch the beautiful scenery out of the window as you chat with your loved ones about the wonders of Devon. A relaxing, yet special date day out in Devon.
41. Eat Seafood in a Lobster Pod
Enjoy some delicious seafood in your own private lobster pod with sea views. Take a trip to Hope Cove and enjoy an intimate dinner with stunning views. Eat seafood caught from the waters in front of you. You can’t get a more romantic dining experience.
42. Beach Picnic with Local Goodies
Nothing beats heading to a local deli and grabbing some Devon goodies to enjoy on the beach. With local cheeses, wines, meats and more, indulge to your hearts content with the wind on your face and the sea out to the horizon.
43. Watch a Sunset
With endless sunset spots to choose from, it would be rude not to catch one on a date in Devon. Whether you want coastal or countryside views, you are in for a treat! Pack a picnic and a bottle of bubbles, sit back, relax and enjoy! Check out our favourite sunset spots here.
44. See a show at the Theatre Royal or Princess Theatre
For a rural area, the local theatres offer an excellent selection of performances throughout the year. This might not be a very chatty date idea, but if theatre and the arts are your thing, be sure to check out their programmes to not miss some absolute gems of performances!
45. Boat Safari Torbay
The perfect half day date idea in Devon. Offering bespoke wildlife tours and bay cruises around Torbay and Lyme Bay, spot dolphins, seals and more as you explore the coast from a different angle. If you are looking for memorable date ideas in Devon, this should be high on the list.
46. Clay Pigeon Shooting
Get in the Devon spirit and try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting. Learn about the sport, gun handling and safety, and how to shoot a target. This is a wonderfully unique countryside activity to try with your loved one when visiting Devon.
47. Spend a Day at the Races
If horse racing is your thing, then you are in luck. Devon is proud to be home to two major racecourses – Exeter and Newton Abbot. Get dressed up, place your bets and join in on all the fun.
48. Surf Lessons at Bigbury Beach
If you are coming to Devon, it would be rude not to learn to surf (if you can)! And what is better than doing it with your loved one. Cheer them when they can stand and laugh when they fall. Discovery Surf School offers both group and private lessons for all ability levels. When looking for things to do in Devon for couples, this should be on the list.
49. Devon Rum School
Based in Dartington, The Rum School is waiting to take you on a distilling adventure. Jump aboard the old school bus, blend your spices and botanicals, distil your rum and design your own label.
50. Brunch
You can’t beat a good brunch in our county! With an excellent selection of options, treat yourself before a day of adventure or relaxation. And if you are staying in one of our holiday homes, be sure to check out one of the cafes in our Visitor’s Club for discounts!
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.