Introduction
Welcome to Devon
A county of coastlines, countryside and two National Parks, Devon should be high on any holidayer's hitlist.
Popular with families and slightly easier to access than Cornwall, Devon is ideal for those looking for a slower pace of life. With hostels spanning the county, YHA are well placed to offer ideal accommodation for your stay, whether you wish to explore the Jurassic coastline, the wilds of Dartmoor or the quaint towns and small cities which form the hub of the area.
Map
YHA hostels in Devon
YHA Beer
-
Self-catering kitchen
-
Free parking on premises
-
Garden/grounds
YHA Dartmoor
-
Garden/grounds
-
Free parking on premises
-
Restaurant
YHA Elmscott Bunkhouse
-
Free parking on premises
-
Garden/grounds
-
Self-catering kitchen
YHA Okehampton
-
WiFi
-
Free parking on premises
-
Restaurant
YHA Okehampton Bracken Tor
-
WiFi
-
Free parking on premises
-
Garden/grounds
Search for somewhere to stay in Devon
Search for a hostel
Things to do in Devon
Five Free Things To Do in Devon
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
This free-admission museum in Exeter is a great day out for the family, with collections of local archaeological discoveries, costume and textiles, fine art and much more.
Woolacombe Beach
One of the best British beaches, this three-mile stretch of golden sands is popular with surfers and sun-seekers alike.
Croyde Gem, Rock and Shell Museum
A must for beach-combers and anyone with an interest in shiny things! As if you needed another reason to visit Croyde, this is a great addition to a day out.
The Donkey Sanctuary
A wonderful chance for kids to get closer to animals and support a worthy cause - this farm works for the welfare of donkeys around the world.
House of Marbles
A working glass and games factory in a historic pottery, this is a great day out for all ages. Tour the games museum, see how marbles are made and experience "Snookie", the biggest marble run in the UK!
There's nowhere in the world quite like Devon
Devon is known for its rolling hills, rustic villages and relaxed pace of life. The Jurassic Coast to the south is a World Heritage Site in itself, and filled with charming fishing towns and stunning scenery. Devon's two cities, Plymouth and Exeter, each have their own distinctive characters and are fantastic destinations for a city break with a difference.
With no less than five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor to explore and a gateway to the English Riviera in the form of Torbay, it's no wonder so many people see Devon as the perfect place to get away from it all.
Things to do
Adventure Okehampton
Choose from 18 fantastic group activities from gorge-scrambling, archery, pony-trekking, mountain boarding, mountain biking and a full range of watersports. Other activities including cycle hire, rock...
Brendon Manor Stables
Explore Exmoor on horseback - ride across open countryside, through valleys and rivers including the famous Lorna Doone Valley. Visit the Stable's website
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Enjoy a fun day out for all the family at one of Devon's most popular attractions!
Exmoor National Park
Stunning landscapes, wilderness and tranquillity - enjoy Exmoor on foot, horseback or bike to appreciate this beautiful area, especially the Valley Of Rocks on the South-West Coastal Path and the...
Exmoor Pony Centre
The centre aims to promote and conserve the Exmoor pony. Meet the resident ponies or take to the saddle for a taster session. Visit the Centre's website
Exmoor Safari
Explore Exmoor by Land Rover using seldom used tracks and ancient byeways - look for the elusive deer and famous Exmoor ponies. Visit the Exmoor Safari website
Hartland Abbey and Gardens
Hartland Abbey is the family home of the Stucley family. Wander around the beautiful gardens which lead down to a rocky cove. Visit the Hartland Abbey website for full details.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Enjoy stunning views of the coastline as you glide up the track from Lynmouth at the foot of the cliffs to Lynton 500ft above. Opened in 1890, the famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway is...
Morwellham Quay
This reconstructed port was once the busiest port west of Exeter and the largest copper port in Queen Victoria’s empire. Visit the website
National Marine Aquarium
Journey through the oceans of the world from the local shoreline to the deep Atlantic. Visit the NMA website
New Carlton Cinema
See all the latest films in real comfort! Based in the old market hall, with a licensed screen, leather settees and individual chairs. Visit the cinema website
North Devon Surf School
Anyone can learn to surf at one of the top surfing schools in the UK, no matter what your walk of life, ability or fitness level.
River Cottage Canteen
The famous River Cottage Canteen showcases the very best of South West produce, with menus changing daily.
River Cottage HQ
Courses and events inspired by the philosophy of River Cottage, from a night's dining through foraging and breadmaking courses.
Seaton Jurassic
Seaton Jurassic is the south west's newest and most exciting day out. Take a journey through time to worlds familiar and alien. Have you got what it takes to survive? Part of Devon Wildlife Trust See...
Seaton Tramway
Hop on a narrow gauge heritage tram between Seaton, Colyford and Colton and get an unrivalled view of the River Axe estuary and two nature reserves.
Social walk from YHA Okehampton
Saturday 13th September 2025 Distance: 7.7 miles (12.4 km) Duration: 4 hours Led by: Adventure Okehampton This guided circular walk from YHA Okehampton takes you along a lovely river valley and up on...
South Devon Steam Railway
South Devon Railway is a seven mile line running down the stunning River Dart valley. It runs between Buckfastleigh, the main station, and Totnes in the south west of the country. See the SDR website...
South West Coastal Path
630 miles of superb coastline, the South West Coastal Path makes up the longest National Trail in the UK. On the way take in the heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery to truly inspire you.
Teign Diving
The Diving Centre offers diving, with dive boats visiting the wrecks and reefs of Lyme Bay and Torbay.
Walking and Rambling around Okehampton
If you're planning on staying at YHA Okehampton, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Walking and Rambling in Dartmoor
If you're planning on staying at YHA Dartmoor, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
View some of our popular Devon blog posts
10 must-visit glamping destinations in England
Love camping but need a little luxury when you travel? Check out our guide to the top ten glamping destinations in England…
Hidden gems in England
Many of YHA properties have incredible access to some of the best hidden gems in England. Take a look at our top picks...
Let’s go fly a kite: YHA Beer
Along with a camera and a coffee pot there's one more thing I try not to forget when packing for a trip: our kite. To untangle its colourful tail streamers and throw it straight up into the gale...
