Romantic Things to Do in Devon

Devon is a place close to our hearts because it’s the county where Luke and I first met. For those of you who don’t know, we met at Exeter University and we’ve been together ever since. That’s why we wanted to share the best romantic things to do in Devon with you!

Explore Exeter’s Hidden Gems

What better way to spend an afternoon than walking hand-in-hand through Exeter’s hidden streets. We heartily recommend Gandy Street, a cobbled street lined with independent shops including Moko, an independent handmade jewellers. Right around the corner from here is Boston Tea Party with its quirky upstairs of non-matching chairs and wooden tables. We often stopped by for hot porridge with apricot jam in the winter.

An even lesser known hidden gem in Exeter is McCoys arcade. Just off of Fore Street, this unusual arcade has a new industrial aesthetic and more independent shops. From here, stroll down to Exeter Quayside for a walk along the river. When the evening rolls in, warm up at the Old Firehouse with a cheap bottle of red and a giant pizza – this is the spot where Luke and I first got together!

Devour Afternoon Tea at A la Ronde

The National Trust sight of A la Ronde is one of our favourite romantic days out in Devon. A la Ronde is quirky 16-sided house built in the 18th-century. You can take in the marvellous decor inside the house before winding down the staircase into the stone basement for a traditional and romantic afternoon tea of scones, local jam and tea. Located in Exmouth, A la Ronde is just a short train ride from Exeter.

Weekend Wine Tasting in Devon

What better romantic thing to do in Devon than wine tasting! You might not have thought it, but you don’t need to go to the vineyards of France or Italy for a wine tasting weekend. Here in England, we’re now producing some beautiful wines. Pebblebed Vineyards near Topsham and Sharpham Wine & Cheese’s vineyards and dairy farm near Totnes are touted as the best wine tasting locations in the county.

Explore the Historic Market Town of Totnes

Mine and Luke’s first ever day out together was to Totnes. This historic market town is known for its independent shops, ethical products, wholefoods and fair trade goods. The weekly market is held on Fridays and Saturdays. The Totnes Sunday Good Food Market is held on the third Sunday of the month and we spent the afternoon drinking locally roasted coffee, browsing boutique stalls and eating market stall Indian curries.

This quirky little town also has its own local currency – the Totnes Pound. The Totnes Pound is was launched to support the local economy. The idea is that local money is spent in the town and can be used to buy goods in 75 local businesses. Don’t worry though, they still use the normal British pound as well.

Countryside Walks in Dartmoor

Luke and I are real lovers of a romantic countryside walks and midday picnics. There are lots of walks in Dartmoor and the National Park is spotted with countryside villages where you can stop of. Dartmoor is one of those places where you can really escape into undisturbed nature. It’s home to stunning landscapes, wooded valleys and huge granite tors. If you have time, you can find a sweet cottage and spend a romantic weekend out in Dartmoor.

This post was written in collaboration with Stay in Devon where you can search for cottages and accommodation for romantic breaks in Devon.