Although Devon is a great place to visit all year round, an autumn break in Devon can be particularly good. Not only are there some great things to do but there also some amazing places to stay. Some of the attractions available all year round take on a completely different aspect in the approach to winter. This is true of many of the National Trust locations that you can visit and some of the amazing coastal walks. As the trees turn to their autumnal orange-brown hues, the countryside in Devon becomes particularly striking. Even the choppy sea takes on a sombre majesty. If you are looking for somewhere to visit on a pre-Christmas break, then Devon can be a breath of fresh air.



For a breathtaking autumnal walk you might want to consider the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve in East Devon, near the appropriately named Otterton. If you love nature, especially birds, this is the ideal walk for you. This estuary is one of the smallest in Devon but is also one of the most beautiful. During the autumn months, birds flock to this area. This location is known for its Dunlin and Oyster Catchers, so it may be worth looking out for some on your stroll through the countryside.

Throughout Devon there are many exquisite beaches that you can visit, including Hope Cove, Bantham and Dawlish Warren. It may seem strange to visit a beach during the autumn months but they can make for a spectacular walk. The sea turns grey and takes on a particularly dramatic and breathtaking beauty. If you fancy a brisk ramble why not wrap up warm and head for one of these striking get-aways. The great thing is that once all of the summer tourists have left, the beaches are practically deserted, so you can expect to be alone except for the occasional solitary explorer or dog-walker.

If you are lucky enough to be here at the beginning of November and fancy something a little bit more crowded than a deserted beach, you may want to visit the Exeter Autumn Festival. This event started in 2004 but has now become an annual event and an important fixture on Exeter's social calendar. The event is designed to promote theatre, music and dance so there is something for everyone of all ages. There are events going on most evenings throughout the festival and you can pick up a brochure that will give you full listings.

Fishing holidays are very popular in the area, drawing visitors from all over the county to see what they can catch in some of Devon's beautiful, tranquil lakes and rivers. The most common varieties of fish are salmon, brown trout and sea trout. During the autumn months the fishing in the area becomes extremely rewarding, as the fish are huge and healthy. The biggest salmon to be caught in 2007 was a whopping 17lbs. So if you think that you can beat this then grab your rod and explore the rivers and lakes of Devon.

So no matter what you enjoying doing you can find it in Devon. During the autumn months the area takes on a different and unique character all of its own, with soft mists and often bright autumn sunshine. The weather often remains mild and countryside is as beautiful as ever. So if you fancy a break during the autumn, then Devon is a great choice.