Devon Experiences
Devon offers an abundance of activities. From surfing and cycling to foraging and horse riding, there really is something for every age, ability and interest. To avoid disappointment, we advise booking activities prior to arrival. Speak to our helpful Reception Team for more information.
Health
Silence is not a luxury. It is crucial to our physical and mental health. We need it to think and sleep to recover from life’s frenzy. The sounds and rhythms of the water, the winds, the sunshine help to heal. Reconnect with the sea, wildlife, and with the changing of the seasons. This can be a time to focus on happiness, health, fitness and diet.
Why not spend time outdoors, a gentle stroll barefoot on the beach to meditation on the clifftop? From post-illness recovery to family times, sharing, laughing and spending quality time with loved ones.
Our Reception Team can advise on local experts and practitioners;
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice of breath awareness and body movement, which helps realign and integrate mind and body, bringing a sense of inner joy and balance as well as physical refreshment and invigoration.
Breathe the true ‘ocean breath’ – breathing and moving as part of this unique environment.
Yoga is non-competitive. We all work at our own level and allow improvement when our bodies and minds are ready for it.
For Beach Yoga (1-1 sessions), Emma Lovick at South Sands Sailing
Local centres and classes:
Wild Swimming
Our marine landscape offers a variety of waters, from hidden coves along the rugged coast, beaches, creeks in our estuaries, plunge pools, hidden gullies and the River Dart and River Avon. Swim all year – from bracing Winter swimming to late Summer warmth. Westuit or no wetsuit? That is your choice.
Tides, local conditions and weather patterns affect our waters. Experienced ‘wild swimmers’ seeking to make the most of these waters will need advice from relevant experts or publications.
Local wild swimming events include the “Bantham Swoosh Swim” on Avon Estuary in July and the Wild Dart Swim in September.
Trail Running
The South West Coast Path, 630 miles long, is on your doorstep! The South Devon coastline goes from Plymouth to Dartmouth and passes through the villages of Noss Mayo, Bigbury, Thurlestone, Salcombe, Beesands, Torcross and Dartmouth. The routes here are a trail runner’s dream.
If you don’t fancy doing it alone, Jason McKinley knows the South West Coast Path better than anyone. No distance is too far nor too short. So if you want a guide or just the company, he’s your man. Jason hosts regular runs in the immediate area, always within walking distance. Grab your trainers and get on the trails.
Jason McKinley: 07738528700
Reception can update you on Jason’s weekly run locations.
Cycling
Devon has more roads (mainly country lanes with Devon hedges) than any other English county. Although there are over 150 miles of National Cycle Network in Devon, these are in other parts of the county. Our roads are often narrow but full of character, and they twist through glorious valleys and over short sharp hills.
There are many quiet lanes to explore or cycle routes to follow. The Reception Team have maps and can advise on local routes and places to visit. For those looking for a mountain bike experience, Dartmoor is every biker’s playground and well worth the trip (a little bit further away).
Local experts for all equipment are Hot Pursuit in Totnes
Horse Riding
South Devon is the place to be explored on horseback. It is unsurpassed for the beauty and quality of its landscape. The area offers a variety of landscapes, from beaches, shores and estuaries to Devon lanes and bridleways, a diverse landscape of rolling fields, woods and hedgerows. Close by are the memorable wide open spaces of the uplands of Dartmoor.
There are three native ponies in Devon, the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Lundy, and two National Parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor) with strong equestrian cultures. Devon has been ranked as the ‘horsiest’ county in the land by Horse and Hound magazine.
For more information about local equestrian centres, please speak to our Reception Team. Freya, our General Manager is a keen rider and can assist with advice and local knowledge.