Win a luxury staycation in Devon!

As the days get chillier and the summer crowds start to dwindle, it's the perfect time to step into Devon’s great outdoors and explore the area’s seasonal wonders. The region puts on quite the display of colour at this time of year – with vast woodlands gleaming gold, mist-shrouded moorlands and rugged coastal views.

Popular hiking routes such as the South West Coast Path are far less busy than in summer, offering visitors uninterrupted walking, photography and plenty of time and space to soak up the peace and quiet. The same goes for cycle paths, with plenty to choose from across Devon’s stunning National Parks and National Landscapes.

If you’re into astronomy, there’s no better time to take to the Dark Sky Reserve areas of Dartmoor and Exmoor. Visitors can experience some of the best stargazing in the UK at, arguably, the best time of year – when the skies tend to be clear and there's a low level of light pollution.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay where you can reconnect with nature, Devon has plenty of options for you. Pitch up a tent at one of the many well-kept campsites, keep some home comforts with a yurt, shepherds hut or cabin, or fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a stay in a treehouse or at an eco-conscious farm stay.

A weekend away doesn’t have to break the bank, particularly not on a visit to Devon, where affordable accommodation and inexpensive activities are abound. There are plenty of inns and B&Bs that offer reasonable prices, and charge even lower prices out of season – even in the tourist hotspots.

As well as a countryside abundant in walks and cycle routes, there are plenty of ways to fill up your days if you prefer to stay warm. Otherwise-popular towns slow down considerably, giving visitors more space to enjoy their attractions and see a less curated, more lived-in side to them. While some attractions close in the low season, many of Devon’s smaller museums, historic houses, galleries and local heritage centres remain open, and most are extremely affordable to visit. Without the summer crowds, visitors can take their time exploring the history and culture of the region.

Even larger sites of interest are an accessible way to see a unique side to Devon. The capital city of Exeter is a hotspot for brilliant museums and galleries that are either free to enter or minimally priced, not to mention the magnificent cathedral, which you can explore fully for £10 or less.

Devon’s food and drink scene stays lively throughout autumn and winter. It’s even considered a preferable time to visit, owing to the local food and harvest traditions, the farmers’ markets boasting delicious autumnal produce and the brilliant seasonal menus on offer in the region’s pubs and restaurants.

Whether you’re picking up artisan products from one of the area’s many markets, indulging in a hearty dish at a local pub or enjoying a meal of fresh seafood in a coastal restaurant, an escape to Devon promises days of foodie delights. Keep it simple or turn up the luxury – Devon boasts everything from cosy country pubs to sleek Michelin-starred haunts.

And it doesn’t stop at food. Devon is known for its thriving drinks scene, with plenty of local distilleries offering tastings and tours throughout the season – the perfect activity for a rainy day! If craft spirits aren’t your thing, head to a brewery or vineyard to sample some local beers and wines, or indulge in locally roasted coffee at cafés across the county.

If you need a break from feasting, why not hone your culinary skills at one of Devon’s esteemed cooking schools? Choose from dozens of professionally led courses that cater to every ability, and enjoy the fruits of your labour as you go!

Visit Devon are offering Craft Gin Club members an exclusive opportunity to win a luxury spa break for two at Boringdon Hall Hotel near Plymouth – see below for more details!

Scan the QR code or visit www.visitdevon.co.uk/craftdrinks to enter and be in with a chance of winning this incredible prize!