There’s something rather special about South Devon in autumn. The summer crowds have started to disappear, the countryside takes on beautiful golden and red hues, and there’s a wonderfully relaxed feel in the air.

It’s the perfect time to get out and explore, whether you fancy a scenic coastal stroll, a historic adventure, a leisurely lunch somewhere new or something a little more memorable.

And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to discover somewhere completely different. From charming seaside towns and beautiful countryside to fascinating historic attractions and unique experiences, South Devon is packed with places waiting to be explored.

In this blog, we’re sharing 8 of our favourite autumn day trips, along with why we think each one deserves a spot on your itinerary.

So, put the kettle on, get comfy and let’s discover where your next South Devon adventure could take you!

1. Powderham Castle

If you love a little history, beautiful scenery and somewhere with plenty to explore, Powderham Castle is well worth a visit. Open until late October, this impressive historic gem offers a wonderful glimpse into the past. Step inside and discover the castle on a guided tour, wander through the beautiful gardens, or simply take your time exploring the grounds and spotting the wildlife along the way.

And autumn? It might just be one of the best times to visit.

The grounds come alive with golden leaves, crisp autumn air and wildlife grazing peacefully across the parkland. There’s something wonderfully peaceful about taking a leisurely stroll through the grounds while surrounded by all those beautiful seasonal colours.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, love getting out into the fresh air or simply fancy discovering somewhere new, Powderham Castle makes for a brilliant autumn day out in South Devon.

Just make sure you visit before the season ends – it’s one you won’t want to miss!

2. Lady’s Mile Included Facilities

One of the great things about staying at Oakcliff is that you get full access to the facilities and entertainment at our sister park, Lady’s Mile. So, if the autumn weather decides to do its thing and the rain puts a stop to your outdoor plans, don’t worry, you’ve still got plenty to enjoy!

Head over to Lady’s Mile and make the most of:

• Indoor heated pool with flume – Take a relaxing dip or add a little excitement with the flume.
• Arcade – Challenge your friends to a few games and see who comes out on top!
• Soft play area – Perfect if you’re holidaying with little ones who need to burn off some energy.
• Oceans Bar & Restaurant – Settle in for a delicious meal or a well-earned drink after a busy day.
• Gym – Keep up with your exercise routine while you’re away.
• Daily entertainment – There’s always something happening to help keep the holiday atmosphere going.

Whether you fancy a swim, a bite to eat, a little friendly competition or simply some entertainment, there’s no need to let a rainy day get in the way of your break.

3. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve

If you love beautiful scenery, peaceful walks and getting out into nature, Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is well worth adding to your South Devon itinerary.

Birdwatcher? Even better! With around 180 different bird species recorded each year, you never quite know what you might spot as you explore. And it’s not just the birds that make the reserve special; with almost 600 different types of plants, there’s plenty to discover along the way.

Autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit, with crisp coastal air, changing colours and a quieter atmosphere making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

So, grab your walking shoes, bring your binoculars if you have them and take your time exploring this beautiful corner of South Devon. You might be surprised by just how much there is to see!

4. South Devon Railway

Fancy seeing South Devon from a completely different perspective? All aboard! If you’re a train enthusiast, a lover of beautiful scenery, or simply fancy doing something a little different, the South Devon Railway is a fantastic autumn day out.

Step aboard a beautiful steam train and watch the South Devon countryside roll by, with the autumn landscape looking particularly spectacular from the window.

And there’s much more to enjoy than simply sitting back and enjoying the journey. With a range of experiences and special events, you can choose the adventure that suits you – from a relaxing heritage train ride to the rather exciting opportunity to get behind the controls and drive the train yourself!

A steam train, stunning Devon scenery and a little bit of nostalgia… Sounds like a pretty brilliant day out to us!

5. Paignton Zoo

Fancy a day out that combines wildlife, fresh air and plenty of exploring? Paignton Zoo is a brilliant choice, whether you’re visiting with little ones or simply love getting up close to some fascinating animals.

Spread across 80 acres, there’s plenty to discover, so give yourself plenty of time to wander around and see what you can find. From big cats and monkeys to all kinds of wonderful creatures, you’ll be ticking off plenty of steps while having a great day out! Keep an eye out for the daily animal experiences and feeding sessions, too. Watching the animals tuck into their lunch is always a highlight, and you might even pick up a few interesting facts along the way.

Fancy a challenge? Have a go at pronouncing some of those wonderfully complicated Latin animal names! And, of course, no trip to the zoo is complete without a wander through the gift shop before heading home with a cuddly souvenir.

As much of the zoo is outdoors, autumn weather can be unpredictable, so pack your waterproofs and sensible footwear. A little drizzle certainly shouldn’t stop you from having a wild day out!

6. The National Marine Aquarium

We’ve explored plenty of Devon’s land-based wildlife, so it’s time to head beneath the waves! A little further afield in Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium is well worth the journey. As the UK’s largest aquarium and a conservation-focused attraction, it’s home to more than 5,000 marine animals, from tiny colourful fish to impressive sharks.

And there’s another big bonus for an autumn day out… It’s all indoors! So, if the Devon weather decides to throw everything it has at you, you can stay warm and dry while exploring fascinating underwater worlds.

There’s plenty to see and do during your visit, with animal feeding sessions, virtual experiences and unique encounters helping you get even closer to the marine life. Take your time wandering through the exhibits, discover something new and watch the incredible creatures glide through the water.

7. Blue Flag Dawlish Warren Beach

No trip to South Devon would be complete without a little time by the sea, and luckily, the beautiful Blue Flag beach at Dawlish Warren is just a short stroll away! Don’t let a chilly breeze or a few autumn showers put you off. Wrap up warm, grab your waterproofs and scarf, and head down to the beach for a refreshing seaside stroll.

There’s something wonderfully calming about being beside the sea at this time of year. Listen to the waves, breathe in that crisp, salty air and simply switch off from everyday life for a while. No rushing, no busy crowds – just you, the coastline and plenty of space to clear your head.

And if you’re feeling particularly brave… Why not take a dip? We’ll leave that one up to you! Just remember, it is autumn in Britain, so don’t blame us if you make it about three seconds into the water before running straight back to shore!

8. Haldon Forest Park

When the leaves start turning beautiful shades of orange, red and gold, there’s no better time to head into the woods!

Just a short drive from Oakcliff, Haldon Forest Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the changing season and get some fresh air. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll, a more energetic walk, a cycle through the trees, or even exploring on horseback, there are trails to suit all kinds of adventures.

And the best part? Everyone can get involved. Haldon Forest offers equipment hire, including an all-terrain mobility vehicle, helping visitors with different mobility needs enjoy the forest and its beautiful surroundings.

So, wrap up warm, grab your walking shoes and take your time exploring. Breathe in the crisp autumn air, admire the colourful woodland and soak up those gorgeous South Devon views. Sometimes, you don’t need a complicated day out – just a beautiful forest, a good walk and a bit of fresh air!

Your Autumn Adventure Awaits

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to discover in South Devon once summer has come to an end.

Whether you fancy stepping back in time at Powderham Castle, watching the countryside roll by from a steam train, spotting wildlife at Dawlish Warren or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through the autumn colours at Haldon Forest, there’s something to suit every kind of day out.

And if the weather doesn’t quite play ball? That’s no problem either. You can head to the National Marine Aquarium, enjoy the facilities and entertainment at Lady’s Mile, or simply embrace the classic British weather with a waterproof coat and a good pair of walking shoes!

One of the best things about autumn is that there’s no need to rush. Take your time, explore somewhere new, stop for a coffee and enjoy the scenery along the way.

So, why not make a few plans, pack your comfiest jumper and use Oakcliff as your base for an autumn adventure?

South Devon is waiting to be explored – where will you go first?

So, book your stay at Oakcliff now! Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!

If you enjoyed our guide to autumn day trips in South Devon, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.