The picturesque English seaside county that was named one of the world’s best places to visit by Vogue

What with all the UK’s dark, cold and rain – so much rain – booking a trip is especially popular among Brits at this time of year. Just as well, then, that Vogue has provided some inspo for the bucket list with its pick of the 12 best places to visit around the world in 2026. And adventure is closer than you might have expected, with a county in southwest England making the cut.

Sure, you could experience tropical paradise in the Seychelles, go yurt camping in Kyrgyzstan or hike through Estonia’s pine forests and freshwater springs, but why brother when you can experience the glorious outdoors right here on British soil?

Described as an ‘off-the-beaten-track corner of England’ by the fashion mag, Vogue’s write up of Devon talked up the county’s offering of moorland strolls and coastal foraging, as well as the wild natural beauty of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.

We couldn’t agree more, and Time Out’s guide to the best things to do in Devon reveals that the seaside county has something for everyone. 

Keen surfer? When the conditions are right, Saunton Sands between the villages of Braunton and Croyde is one of the best places in the country for beginner and intermediate boardmasters to catch some waves.

If hiking is your thing, you can get guided tours of Dartmoor to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife. And there’s even better news for campers: wild camping on Dartmoor is officially a legal right.

Budding historians, Devon has plenty for you too. The Barbican in Plymouth is home to the Mayflower Steps, the spot from which the Pilgrims are thought to have sailed away to America in 1620. Its cobbled streets are also home to listed buildings, a cluster of independent shops and plenty of foodie-friendly destinations.

You can find Time Out’s guides to Devonian towns and cities Torquay, Dartmouth and Exeter, plus the stellar restaurants in Ottery St Mary. Also be sure to check out a new 100-mile walking route through the county’s coastlines, forests and national parks.

For more tip-top staycation inspo for 2026, here’s Time Out’s definitive list of the 14 best places to visit in the UK this year.

Did you see that a new town with seven villages is being built just outside London?

Plus: this legendary seaside town is home to the UK’s only scenic rollercoaster.

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