Devon offers very different ways to spend a day, from being on the water to making something to take home to covering more ground on a guided drive. These three options suit travelers who want a short coastal outing, a hands-on indoor activity, or a full-day countryside tour.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Devon. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and United Kingdom tours and experiences.
Quick comparison of things to do in Devon
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Private boat outing | Travelers who want a private coastal experience with time on the water | ★ 5.0/5 | 96 reviews | Approx. 1 hr | Private boat and skipper are included for the trip length. | View on Viator |
 Gin workshop | Travelers who prefer a guided tasting-and-making activity with a take-home item | ★ 5.0/5 | 51 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | A 500ml bottle of your hand-crafted gin is included. | View on Viator |
 Full-day moor tour | Travelers who want a longer private tour with pickup and a mix of driving and walking | ★ 5.0/5 | 38 reviews | Approx. 8 hr | Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included within the stated radius. | View on Viator |
What each Devon option includes
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare with the gin-making experience and Dartmoor tour if you want either an indoor activity or a longer land tour.
Private Coastal Boat Tour in Torquay
Best for: Travelers who want a private coastal experience with time on the water
This experience is the most compact of the three and centers on time out on the water rather than a longer day plan. It begins at the marina, then follows the coastline and looks toward wildlife and small coves. The booking is for the boat and skipper during the trip, and lifejackets are included. Because the activity can be a RIB ride, a more relaxed coastal tour, or a private charter depending on the option booked, it suits travelers who want a flexible sea-based outing. Bring layers, since the operator notes it can feel cooler on the water.
Why choose this coastal boat tour
- Private boat and skipper are included for the trip length.
- Lifejackets are supplied.
- The route stays focused on coastal scenery and wildlife spotting.
Compare with the boat tour for an outdoor outing or the Dartmoor tour for a full-day drive with walking.
Gin Making Experience
Best for: Travelers who prefer a guided tasting-and-making activity with a take-home item
This is the most hands-on of the three options and is built around making your own gin rather than touring the countryside or coastline. You are guided through the distilling process with a traditional copper pot still, and the experience includes alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks as well as soft drinks, tea, coffee, and use of equipment. The booking also includes a 500ml bottle to take home. The format can be adjusted for different occasions, and the operator says it accepts both individual and group bookings. It suits travelers who want an indoor, structured activity with a clear takeaway.
Why choose this gin-making experience
- A 500ml bottle of your hand-crafted gin is included.
- Drinks and use of gin-making equipment are included.
- The format works for individual bookings and group bookings.
Compare with the shorter coastal boat tour and the gin-making session if you want either less travel time or a non-driving activity.
Dartmoor Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a longer private tour with pickup and a mix of driving and walking
This is the longest and most itinerary-driven option in the group. It is a private driving tour for up to six travelers and includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation within the stated radius. The day combines time in the vehicle with walks, so it is better for travelers who want a fuller land-based outing than a single activity or short excursion. Confirmed inclusions cover the vehicle, binoculars, chilled water, ponchos, and parking fees. The tour also reserves a table at a pub, but food and drinks are not included, so it works best for travelers who want structure without a packaged meal.
Why choose this Dartmoor tour
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included within the stated radius.
- An air-conditioned vehicle, binoculars, chilled water, ponchos, and parking fees are included.
- The tour combines driving with walking and includes a reserved pub table, though lunch is not included.
How to think about Devon itineraries
Choose the boat tour if you want a short, scenery-focused outing, the gin experience if you prefer an indoor activity with a souvenir, or the Dartmoor tour if you want the fullest day and included transport. The three options work as different trip styles rather than substitutes, so the best fit depends on whether you want water, workshop, or countryside time.
Coastal route
Marina departure, open sea, coastline, coves, and caves.
Studio-style activity
Guided gin-making session with no sightseeing route.
Dartmoor road tour
Private pickup, multiple moorland stops, walking segments, and return drop-off.
Before you book in Devon
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Devon booking checklist
- Check the included items carefully, especially where transport, drinks, or equipment are specifically listed.
- For the Dartmoor tour, confirm whether your accommodation is within the stated pickup and drop-off radius.
- If you are comparing formats, remember that one option is a short boat outing, one is a guided making session, and one is a full-day driving tour.
Questions travelers ask about things to do in Devon
Which option includes transport from my accommodation?
The Dartmoor tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation within the stated radius. The other two options do not list accommodation transport.
Which experience includes something to take home?
The gin-making experience includes a 500ml bottle of your own hand-crafted gin to take home.
Which option is best if I want the shortest outing?
The private coastal boat tour is the shortest listed experience, so it suits travelers who want a brief activity rather than a half-day or full-day plan.