If you’re staying at a holiday park in Devon near Ashburton, you’re in an ideal position to build a holiday that combines Dartmoor, classic Devon towns, family attractions, and coastal day trips — without moving accommodation. These Devon itineraries from Ashburton are designed to be practical, flexible, and realistic for families, couples, and mixed groups.
Parkers Farm Holiday Park
Address: Higher Mead Farm, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7LJ
what3words: ///weary.mistaken.coarser
Useful internal links:
• Parkers Farm Holiday Park Devon: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/
• What’s on in Devon: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/whats-on-in-devon-attractions-near-parkers-farm-ashburton/
• Things to do near Ashburton: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/things-to-do-near-ashburton-exploring-devon-from-parkers-farm-holiday-park/
• Facilities: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/facilities/
• Contact / Book: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/contact-us/
Quick answer: what’s the best Devon itinerary from Ashburton?
- 3 days: 1 Dartmoor day + 1 town/attraction day + 1 coast or flexible day
- 5 days: 2 Dartmoor-style days + 1 coast day + 1 attractions day + 1 flexible “swap day”
- 7 days: add slower mornings, two flexible days, and a second coast or heritage day without rushing
The key is to avoid overplanning. Devon is best when you leave space for weather and mood.
How to use these itineraries (so they actually work)
Before you choose a plan, decide your holiday “shape”:
- Landscape-first: more Dartmoor, viewpoints, walks, rivers
- Family-first: attractions, easy days, shorter drives
- Coast-first: beaches, harbours, sea views
- Balanced: a little of everything (best for first visits)
Then follow one rule: one main destination per day. That’s how you keep the holiday relaxed.
3-Day Devon itinerary from Ashburton (short break that feels complete)
Day 1: Settle in + Ashburton easy day
- Arrive, unpack, and keep the first day calm
- Explore Ashburton local shops/cafés
- Short countryside or viewpoint stop if weather is good
- Early evening reset at base
Best for: short breaks, couples, families with younger children
Day 2: Dartmoor “first-timer” day
- Morning: viewpoint area + short walk
- Lunch: warm café stop or picnic (weather dependent)
- Afternoon: one extra stop only if everyone’s enjoying it
- Return early enough to avoid feeling rushed
Tip: make this your “hero day” and don’t overstuff it.
Day 3: Choose coast OR attractions (depending on weather)
Option A (good weather): coastal day trip
Option B (mixed weather): attraction + town day
Option C (tired legs): relaxed local day, short stops only
Use these hubs to swap in the right option:
- What’s on in Devon: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/whats-on-in-devon-attractions-near-parkers-farm-ashburton/
- Things to do near Ashburton: https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/things-to-do-near-ashburton-exploring-devon-from-parkers-farm-holiday-park/
5-Day Devon itinerary from Ashburton (the best balance)
Day 1: Arrival + local reset
- Keep it light: Ashburton, short scenic stop, early evening
- Sort your “day bag” (waterproofs, snacks, towels, power bank)
Day 2: Dartmoor landscapes + easy walk
- Do a moor day that includes a manageable walk
- Focus on one area rather than hopping around
Day 3: Family attraction or heritage day
- Choose one main attraction/heritage site
- Add one small extra stop only if time allows
- Keep a rainy-day alternative ready
Day 4: Coastal day trip
- Pick one coastal area and enjoy it properly
- Build the day around one beach + one food stop
- Return before you hit late-day traffic stress
Day 5: Flexible “swap day”
This is the day that makes the itinerary resilient:
- If you had rain earlier, swap in the coast now
- If the coast day was windy, swap in a town/attraction day
- If everyone’s tired, keep it local and slow
7-Day Devon itinerary from Ashburton (the relaxed full holiday)
A week in Devon is best when you build in two flexible days and two slower mornings.
Day 1: Arrival + settle in
Keep it calm. The best week starts with low pressure.
Day 2: Dartmoor viewpoints + gentle walk
Do your “first Dartmoor day” early in the week.
Day 3: Town + food day
- Market-town feel, cafés, local browsing
- Short scenic stop on the way back
Day 4: Family attractions day
- One main attraction
- Early return if you want a calmer evening
Day 5: Coast day trip
- Beach or harbour town day
- Keep it simple and enjoyable
Day 6: Dartmoor second day (choose a different style)
- If Day 2 was viewpoints, do woodland valley/rivers today
- If Day 2 was a gentle walk, do a slightly longer loop today
Day 7: Flexible “finish well” day
- Repeat the best part of the week
- Or do a calm half-day and pack without stress
Rainy-day swap rules (so you never waste a day)
If the weather flips:
- Choose one indoor-first destination
- Pair it with a café or town stop
- Save the coast for a brighter day
- Keep Dartmoor walks shorter and choose sheltered woodland routes
What to pack for itinerary success (simple checklist)
- Waterproof layer + warm layer
- Comfortable footwear with grip
- Power bank (maps + photos)
- Towels and a spare towel for the car
- Small first aid kit (plasters)
- “Day bag” that stays packed all week
Book a Devon base that makes itineraries easy
A central base near Ashburton gives you flexibility across Dartmoor, attractions and coastal day trips.
Contact / book here:
https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/contact-us/
Facilities overview:
https://www.parkersfarmholidays.co.uk/facilities/
FAQs: Devon Itinerary From Ashburton
How many days do you need in Devon?
Three days is enough for a strong “sampler” (Dartmoor + one town/attraction + one coast/flexible day). Five days gives the best balance. Seven days lets you slow down and add flexibility.
Can you do Dartmoor and the coast in the same trip?
Yes. Ashburton is well placed for Dartmoor access, and you can plan one or two coastal day trips without moving accommodation.
What’s the best itinerary style for families?
A balanced plan with shorter drives works best: one Dartmoor day, one attractions day, one coast day, plus flexible swap days to match the weather.
What’s the best month to follow these itineraries?
These itineraries work year-round, but spring and early autumn are often ideal for fewer crowds and great walking conditions.
How do you avoid overplanning a Devon holiday?
Use one main destination per day, build in a flexible day, and treat weather changes as “swap days” rather than lost days.
