Hello Devon Lovers,

I had a cheap weekend in Devon’s Switzerland, perched in splendid isolation on the North coast.

Lynton and Lynmouth were built for leisure and 200 years later are still doing a pretty good job.

Out of season plenty of things are open, and I got a good deal. I stayed at the faded but charming Valley of Rocks Hotel for a more than reasonable £99 for 3 nights (booked through a platform.) Similar deals may be available direct.

The hotel kitchen was closed (well it was March), so I went self-catering. It wasn’t luxury but it was fun, like being in an enormous Airbnb.

Lynton is a very handy base for walkers, sitting on 3 major trails, the South West Coast Path, The Coleridge Way, and the Two Moors Way.

I walked 13.5 miles from Porlock Weir to Lynton, along some of the highest sea cliffs in England and next day enjoyed an atmospheric early morning stroll around the dramatic Valley of Rocks itself.

P.S. I’m celebrating, as this is the 100th issue of Go Devon! If you would like to support the work of bringing you the best Devon leisure ideas and events, you can buy me a coffee here.

Devonport Open Days, Thursday 24th and Friday 25th July

This is the first chance for the public to see the Royal Navy up close since the ending of Navy Days 16 years ago.

Babcock and the Royal Navy are opening the gates for families on the Thursday and the general public on the Friday. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Navy Lookout expects high demand, as recent warship visit opportunities have sold out.

An evening in Exeter with Rob Rinder

Exeter Cathedral have booked the barrister and broadcaster for a special fund-raising evening.

Rob Rinder will discuss his life and work with The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, and answer questions from the audience.

PLUS: The chance to buy a signed copy of his novel The Trial and the Suspect.

7pm, Wednesday 14th May.

Tickets from £15. All proceeds go to make the cathedral more accessible.

Yo ho ho and a tasting of rum!

For a relaxing afternoon with nothing more important to do than discuss the flavour profile of the traditional maritime beverage, join a rum tasting session in Salcombe.

WHAT TO EXPECT: A welcome drink followed by a tutored tasting of 4 different rums and information about what to pair them with.

• Tour the blending house at Devon Rum, hear the history of the business and learn some interesting facts about rum.

The session takes about an hour, and makes a great birthday present. Tastings are on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets: £40.

Roy Chubby Brown. Not for the easily offended

The leading performer of “blue comedy”, Roy Chubby Brown claims to be the first person to say the “c” word on stage in the UK. “To be honest, I never looked back," he said.

Now in his 80th year, Roy is still touring and there are a few tickets left for his show in Exmouth later this month.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR: Lots of swear words and edgy, potentially offensive jokes.

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT: Anything to do with so called political correctness, woke or cancel culture.

Roy says: “This is not meant to offend, it's simply a comedy tour. However, if you are easily offended please do not buy tickets.”

7.30pm, Friday 25 April, Exmouth Pavilions. Tickets from £30.50

Meet Devon crafters in Kingsbridge

If you don’t know what a pyrographer is, this is your chance to find out, and meet one.

Pyrography, or wood burning is just one of the 20 craft skills on display at a 2-day Devon Makers Market near Kingsbridge.

See and buy quality printmaking, jewellery, feltwork, illustration, paper art, metal work, ceramics, chocolates and flowers, and have a great day out as well.

THE SETTING: A restored barn with indoor and outdoor seating, refreshments, free parking, and a garden to explore.

10am to 4pm, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April, Sturtlebury Barn, Loddiswell, near Kingsbridge.

Devon Curiosities #52: Astronomical Clock, Exeter

WHAT IS IT? A 500 year old clock that displays the hour of the day, the day of the lunar month and the phase of the moon.

The gold ball in centre of the dial represents the earth. The clock chimes every quarter, on the hour followed by the huge Peter Bell in the tower above.

HISTORY: The clock is believed to date from 1484. The modern mechanism was installed in 1885 and restored in 1910. More history

FUN FACTS: The clock is supposed to be the source of the Hickory Dickory Dock nursery rhyme.

• The text PEREUNT ET IMPUTANTUR means “The hours pass and are reckoned to our account”.

Cathedral entry: Adult £10, seniors and students £8, accompanied U18s free.

WHAT ELSE IS ON?

🌊 North Devon 

View 49 more North Devon events

🐬 South Devon

Check out 76 more South Devon events 

🏆️ Get lucky! Win Devon leisure prizes

FEATURED: 🎉 1 of 4 free camping breaks at either River Dart Country Park, Cofton Holidays, Woodlands Grove or Crealy Theme Park (30th Apr)

⛺️ A mini touring break at a peaceful, dog and child free South Hams caravan and camping park (9th Apr)

🥚 A Salcombe Dairy Easter Egg bundle, worth £113.95 (13th Apr)

NEW!  🏊‍♀️ A wild swimming walk for 3 people (experienced or beginners) in Plymouth or Dartmoor worth £135 (27th Apr)

NEW!  🏰 A year of visits to Watermouth Castle for a family of 4 worth £500. More chances to win with 2 other different promoters, here and here (29th Apr)

NEW!  🍸️ An espresso Martini cocktail gift box from vodka maker Devon Cove (30th Apr)

NEW!  😅 An Egyptian mud treatment spa day at the Dartmouth Hotel (Entries from EX and TQ postcodes only) (30th Apr)

🌳 A 3-night stay for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) at one of Park Leisure’s holiday parks including one in Paignton. (30th Apr)

NEW!  🍾 A 4 night mid-week luxury cottage stay for 4 with Cofton Holidays, Exeter (2nd May)

🦞 A 2-night luxury stay at Gara Rock hotel on the South Devon coast (2nd May)

NEW! A 1-night short break in Exeter including travel, B & B at the Rougemont Hotel, a £100 fish restaurant voucher, tour of Exeter Gin and the city’s underground passages (31st May)

🐻 A 1-night stay for 2 at The Bearslake Inn, West Dartmoor, including a three‑course meal and a breakfast hamper (31st May)

Yes, it’s really been that long. 100 issues! If you’ve been on board from the start, thank you! If you enjoy Go Devon! and would like to support my work you can buy me a coffee here. (Not an actual coffee, a virtual £3 one.)

New member? Catch up here

🎸 Five different festivals, 5 different vibes 

❓️ Sometimes the best things happen by chance

🌳 Celebrate the dark and glorious moor

😂 Comedy and offbeat shows 2025 (2)

All ideas, feedback and suggestions are very welcome. Email me.

That’s all for this week.

Thanks for being a member.

Andy, Esme, Lara and the Go Devon! team