D on’t trouble with itineraries and to do lists; the best method to experience Devon is to be impulsive and do as the mood (and weather condition) takes you.

Take a hike on Britain’s longest walkway

The South West Coast Course, Britain’s longest footpath, traces the both coasts of Devon, offering simple access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and remote hamlets. There are periodic clubs and cafés on the path, and a regular bus network means you can dip in and out as you please. If you’re on a multi-day trip, Luggage Transfers(01326567247) will drop off your luggage at your lodging each day.

Insider tip: Clovelly to Hartland Point is the most dramatic area, while Bantham to Salcombe has a string of postcard-pretty beaches. The additional away you are from a car park, the most likely you are to discover a cove to yourself.

C ontact: 01752896237; southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Opening times: Daily, 24 hours

Rate: Free

– An insider guide to Devon

Go bird-watching on Britain’s Galapagos

L undy Island is a three-mile long granite outcrop off Hartland Point in north Devon. It’s a marine reserve, where twitchers, scuba divers and snorkellers get up close and personal with seals, puffins, basking sharks and seabirds. Dating from 1958, the graceful Oldenburg sails several times a week from Bideford and Ilfracombe. It has wood panelling in its comfy saloons and a deck for fair-weather. In winter (from November to March), a helicopter service operates from Hartland Point.

Insider idea: If you wish to spot a specific species, drop in at the Marisco Pub, the island’s only dining establishment, where residents will provide you recommendations on where to discover it. Recommendation books will assist you determine local plants and fauna.

Contact: 01271 863636; landmarktrust.org.uk

Opening times: See site for sailing times

Costs: ₤

– The very best things to do in Devon

Freewheel along Britain’s longest traffic-free cycle path

F ollowing a disused railway line from Braunton to Meeth, the Tarka Trail still has colourful Thomas the Tank Engine-style signal boxes and carriages on the sidings.

I nsider idea: A day-trip in between Excellent Torrington to Meeth (11 miles) gives a good cup, with stunning Dartmoor views and a routine bus service to take you back. Bike hire is offered at Great Torrington.

Contact: tarkatrail.org.uk

Opening times: Daily, 24 hours

Costs: Free

– The best restaurants in Devon

Stock up at a farmers’ market or farm store

Exeter Street Food Market is one of the finest, serving up specials from Friday to Sunday in the city centre. Ullacombe Farm Shop, near Haytor, sells standard scrumpy, English white wine, excellent meat, fresh fish, handcrafted cheeses and even Devon-grown chillies, while Dart’s Farm, near Topsham, is another great option.

Insider tip: Wherever you travel and consume in Devon, watch out for the ‘Love the Flavour’ logo design on menus and in store windows– this affiliation of food suppliers and manufacturers is dedicated to quality Devon food and beverage.

Contact: streetfoodexeter.co.uk; ullacombefarm.co.uk; dartsfarm.co.uk

Opening times: Varied; see sites

Rates: ₤

– The very best pubs in Devon

Indulge in a standard cream tea

D on’t even consider leaving Devon without enjoying this tea-time tradition. With a lot of offerings, it’s tough to select a favourite place, but the Guardhouse Café, housed in an 1802 Napoleonic fortress at the Berry Head Nature Reserve, near the pastel-painted fishing town of Brixham, routinely tops our list for its tasty offerings and significant clifftop location.

I nsider suggestion: Heated debate surrounds whether the jam or cream must go on initially, but a current research study showed that the Devon approach of putting the jam on first guarantees a more even spread of toppings.

Contact: 01803 855 778; guardhousecafe.com

Opening times: Daily, 9am-5pm

Prices: ₤

– The very best beaches in Devon

Blow away the cobwebs in Dartmoor National forest

T here’s no much better place in Devon to get some headspace than the large open areas of Dartmoor National Park, a 365 square-mile wilderness of wild moors, wooded glades, fairy-tale castles, adorable towns and ancient hamlets. A walk up a Dartmoor tor– granite-topped hill– is a must. Look out for wild ponies, birds of prey, kingfishers, otters and unusual butterflies.

Insider suggestion: Dartmoor’s single-track narrow nation lanes have couple of passing locations so do not try them unless you’re positive at reversing cross countries and around corners. If you get stuck, pleasantly ask the other vehicle driver politely to reverse instead (and hope they’re much better at it than you).

Contact: 01626832093; dartmoor.gov.uk

Opening times: Daily, 24 hours

Rates: Free

– The very best hotels in Devon

See Agatha Christie’s holiday house

A gatha Christie’s private holiday home, Greenway, on the River Dart is much as it was when the crime writer remained here when looking for inspiration for her books.

I nsider suggestion: The most beautiful method to get to Greenway is by ferryboat or steam train from Dartmouth. You can drive, however parking is limited so you’ll require to book it ahead of your arrival.

Contact: 01083842382; nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening times: Apr-Oct, daily, 10.30 am-5pm

Costs: ₤ ₤

– An expert guide to Cornwall

See how the other half live

P owderham Castle is one of the earliest family seats in Devon, belonging to the Earl of Devon.

Expert idea: You’ll have to hunt for it, but the working blacksmith’s forge(03333350 125) in the grounds is an emphasize. Opening times differ from Powderham’s so inspect ahead.

Contact: 01626890243; powderham.co.uk

Opening times: Mar-Nov, Sun-Fri, 10 am-5pm

Costs: ₤ ₤

– The best restaurants in Cornwall

Check out a harbour town

S et on the River Dart, the harbour town of Dartmouth is a gem, with ancient narrow streets, shop shops and trendy art galleries. Highlights consist of brunch at legendary café Alf Resco, a visit to Dartmouth Castle and Bayards Cove, a trip of Dartmouth Naval College, wine-tasting at nearby Sharpham Estate and a meal The Seahorse

I nsider suggestion: For a picnic with a distinction, work with a private boat up the Dart with The Picnic Boat(07968752625). You can visit in little bays to go crabbing, or take a vineyard trip at Sharpham. There’s cover in case of bad weather.

Contact: 01803834224; discoverdartmouth.com(visitor’s centre)

Opening times: Daily, 24 hours

Rates: ₤ ₤

– The best things to do in Cornwall

Hang 10 with the internet users

R egarded as one of the best location in the country to go surfing, Croyde Bay has mild breaks for novices and bigger swells for more skilled web surfers. There’s a handful of local browse schools using lessons with board and wetsuit hire consisted of, as well as coasteering explorations for non-surfers.

Insider idea: For a full-grown surfing break, remain at the Old Rectory(01598763 368), a high-end hotel on Exmoor that’s well worth the 45 minute drive from Croyde. Saunton Sands Hotel(01271890212) is another excellent, budget plan choice.

Contact: 07875676757; croydedevon.co.uk(visitor’s centre)

Opening times: Daily, 24 hours

Rates: Differed