The 15 Devon Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Torquay Coastal RIB Seafari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Set out from The Pavilion in Torquay for a one-hour RIB ride around Torbay. Your skipper may point out seals at Thatcher Rock, seabirds at protected Ore Stone, dolphins, porpoises, and local coastal stories. Expect a small group of up to 12, a lifejacket, and a brisk, bouncy ride.

“We went out on the rib coastal, what an amazing experience as my coworker had never done anything like it before, its was amazing seeing the grey seals but most of all, all the dolphins. We would highly recommend it well worth every penny. Thank you.”

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2.The story of Agatha Christie’s extraordinary life

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 333 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Walk Torquay’s seafront with Graham Kerr, an entertaining Agatha Christie guide who brings her Devon years to life through stories, photos, trivia, and a few playful surprises. See the Pavilion, Princess Pier, Torre Abbey, her bust, and memorial seat. The easy route lasts about 2.5 hours.

“The Agatha Christie experience was a delightful , funny and informative morning. The host was lovely and engaging including everyone in his discussions. My only negative would be that we were unaware how far from the original set off point we finished at. It made us late for our lunch booking so please be aware of the walk back and allow extra time”

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3.Coasteering

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 191 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $83

Join Coastal Adventures Ltd in Ilfracombe for a 2.5-hour coasteering session along Devon’s rocky coast. Guides such as Zac, Jess, Alex, Matt, Andy, and Eli lead bespoke routes with swims, gullies, caves, rock traverses, and jumps that build from gentle to challenging. Equipment is provided.

“Absolutely fabulous company & team - faultless from booking through to saying farewell. The kids absolutely loved the activity and staff.”

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4.30-Minute Raptor RIB Ride Activity in Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Join Torquay Watersports at Torquay Marina for a fast, 12-seat RIB ride around Torbay. Expect high-speed runs, tight turns, sea caves, coves, local commentary, and possible seal sightings. Ginger, Paul, or Rue may be among the crew. Riders must be at least 10 or 11 and fit a 25-inch inside leg.

“Good and fast! Not too wet, definitely worth trying! Learnt something about the area as well as a thrill ride… all good”

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5.Coasteering Geopark Adventure In Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 150 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $62

Meet Ziggy at The Thatched Tavern in Maidencombe for a 2.5-hour guided coasteering route through Torquay’s UNESCO Geopark. You’ll wear a wetsuit and safety gear, then climb, boulder, jump and explore sea caves while hearing local geology, pirate and ghost stories.

“Cracking winter coasteering trip with Ziggy! He booked us in as a two-person trip pretty last minute; very can-do attitude. The whole experience was perfect, starting in a lovely village and going on foot from there. Wetsuits were more than a match for winter seas! We wanted big jumps and got them, but zero pressure from Ziggy, who just gave us the confidence to jump in knowing he's checked everything out already. I'd happily go back with my kids one day!”

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6.Guided Wildlife and Sea Cave Kayak Safari in English Riviera

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

Paddle tandem sea kayaks along Devon’s UNESCO Global Geopark with guide Kieran, entering sea caves, watching for seals and birds, hunting fossils, tasting a wild marine herb, and warming up with marshmallows beside a beach fire.

“This tour was so much more than what we expected. We had a great time and memories made for life for us and our two girls. Kieran was excellent and had so much knowledge which he happily shared with everybody. We were part of a big group and amazingly Kieran was able to remember almost everybody's names. I would highly recommend anybody to do this tour. You won't be disappointed 😊”

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7.Private Coastal Boat Tour in Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews

Meet your skipper at Torquay Marina for a one-hour private RIB trip along the Devon coast. You may see Berry Head, secluded bays, caves, seals, dolphins, and porpoises while your skipper shares local geology and history. Max is one skipper named in guest feedback.

“The caves The Dolphins The sea lions The whole journey was interesting and full of vibes from our Captain”

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8.90 Minute Coastal Explorer in Torquay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Set out from Torquay Marina on a 90-minute RIB cruise with skipper Jon or another local captain. With a maximum of 12 people, you will pass London Bridge, Berry Head, Thatcher Rock, and Babbacombe, with time to look for dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds.

“Exciting, good fun, informative - we both want to do this again. Guide knew exactly where to find dolphins, plus a bit of a history lesson on rocks, cave and certain buildings around coast”

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9.Ilfracombe Harbour Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Start outside Ilfracombe’s oldest pub, the George and Dragon, and walk with guide Mark through the old town and harbour. Expect real local ghost stories, tragic events, historic photographs, shipwreck tales, and poltergeist accounts. The route ends near the Pier Tavern and suits families, teens, and curious sceptics.

“A thoroughly enjoyable tour! The host was incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and engaging. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in the paranormal or the rich history of Ilfracombe.”

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10.Gin Making Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

At The Gin Nest in Torquay, Paul guides a private gin-making class using a traditional copper pot still. You will explore gin styles, distillation, and botanicals, then design, label, and bottle your own spirit. Wine or gin is served during this relaxed two-hour session.

“Really enjoyed this afternoon in a relaxing environment. Tested our creativity but we all came away with something tasty and had excellent, attentive service and instruction from Paul. It is worth not driving so you can sample the delicious G&Ts during the session. Looking to book again later in the year and invent a whole new flavour profile!”

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11.Wooden Duck Painting or Pottery Painting-Take item home same day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $13Best value

Spend about two and a half hours at Arty Boat in Exmouth, choosing and painting a wooden duck or ceramic piece with help from a friendly local host. Your booking includes materials, a hot or cold drink, and cake. Pay separately for your chosen item, then take it home that day.

“The cost of the wooden duck was more than advised on the chat when I enquired. However we had a great time”

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12.The Fawlty Tours walking experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $20

Join Graham of English Riviera Walking Tours for a two-hour walk through Torquay, where you will hear how the town inspired Fawlty Towers, learn what happened to its characters, and act out famous scenes. The route ends near Abbey Park and suits fans who enjoy comedy, local stories, and a little participation.

“Graham was really knowledgeable & entertaining we really enjoyed his company & would highly recommend his tours”

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13.Dartmoor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $325

Spend about eight hours exploring Dartmoor with private guide Nigel in a comfortable Land Rover Discovery. Visit Ashburton, Princetown, Foggintor Quarry, and Haytor Vale, with bottled water, binoculars, ponchos, parking, and pickup included within set areas.

“If you’re interested in the history, culture and natural beauty of Southwest England, Nigel Makin, Devon&Moor, is for you. Nigel is one of the smartest and safest drivers I have encountered and I’ve visited every continent. He’s curious and passionate and does his research to satisfy his own curiosity and the expectations of his guests. The four days we spent with Nigel were comfortable and pleasant. He’s professional, engaging, funny and full of information including historical and current photos. Nigel will determine your needs, expectations and desires and customize your tour to accommodate them. He will share little known incidents and secrets that few people are aware of and that…”

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14.Ilfracombe Seafront History Walking Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Mark from Devon History Tours for a 90-minute walk from the Landmark Theatre to Ilfracombe Harbour and St Nicholas Chapel. Expect Victorian seaside history, old photographs, unusual tales, harbour stories, and a few ghostly surprises. The group is limited to 15 people.

“I booked this tour, months in advance of our holiday, as I always think that it is important to know a little of the history of where you are staying. We were not disappointed, our guide Mark, was incredibly knowledgable about the history of the beaches, buildings and harbour of Ilfracombe, with some old photos showing days gone by, and a few ghost stories thrown in! Mark answered all our questions and we spent a very enjoyable afternoon on this tour, leaving us with a more enriched view of Ilfracombe. Highly recommend!!”

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15.Half Day Sea kayak Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66

Paddle from Teignmouth with guides such as Nils, Nile, or Dave, learning the basics before a relaxed 1.5-hour sea-kayak outing. Stop at Teignmouth Town Beach or another beautiful beach for 30 minutes, then paddle back. Bring your own wetsuit or clothing that can get wet.

“Brilliant on all front, well looked after by our 'leaders' always felt safe, and well looked after. Highly recommend this trip.”

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