Devon offers a distinctive appeal in autumn, characterized by its tranquil landscapes, vibrant foliage, and quieter tourist spots. The county’s scenic beauty—from misty woodlands and deserted beaches to dramatic cliffs—provides an appealing setting for visitors seeking a seasonal escape.

The recent adaptation of Jane Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility," featuring Daisy Edgar-Jones, was filmed against several of Devon’s picturesque locations. Mothecombe Beach, located about ten miles southeast of Plymouth along the south coast, serves as a notable site linked to the film. Inland, the granite tors and moorland around Gutter Tor on Dartmoor provided a striking backdrop, capturing the rugged essence of the area. Visitors interested in exploring the area can find dining options nearby, such as the Schoolhouse—a restaurant housed in a former village school situated close to Mothecombe Beach—and accommodations like the Rose and Crown in Yealmpton offering rooms starting at approximately £80 per night.

While Dartmoor’s northern tors are renowned for their beauty in crisp autumn weather, the region can be challenging during heavy rain and fog due to poor visibility and waterlogged paths, making it advisable for less experienced hikers to opt for sheltered lowland woodlands instead. Similarly, Sidmouth’s East Beach, known for its towering red sandstone cliffs part of the Jurassic Coast, presents potential hazards during wet weather, including the risk of landslides. Tourists are advised to observe the cliffs from safer vantage points such as Sidmouth’s seafront or Salcombe Hill.

Autumn also brings agricultural and natural attractions. Knightshayes, a Gothic Revival mansion north of Tiverton, features a historic walled kitchen garden where visitors can pick pumpkins until early November—the only National Trust property in the South-West offering this experience. Nearby, a katsura tree emits a distinctive burnt sugar scent, adding to the garden’s seasonal atmosphere. Accommodations in the vicinity include the Hartnoll Hotel, a country house with rooms from around £140 per night.

Wildlife enthusiasts can witness one of Britain’s most dramatic natural events on Exmoor during the autumn rut, when red deer stags engage in fierce competition for mates. Guided safaris such as those offered by Red Stag Safari provide opportunities to observe the stags’ displays safely. Visitors staying in the area might consider the Exmoor Forest Inn, which features a Michelin Green Star restaurant and rooms from roughly £146 per night.

Botanical pursuits are highlighted at RHS Rosemoor near Great Torrington, where autumn foliage like crimson Japanese maples and ornamental grasses create a vivid display. Late-flowering perennials further enhance the garden’s colors, best viewed in October. Nearby accommodation options include The Mole Resort, offering various lodgings starting at £120 per night.

Devon’s coastline offers another dimension of autumnal charm, with Woolacombe Beach in North Devon remaining relatively uncrowded and popular among surfers benefiting from warm autumn Atlantic swells. Coastal walks towards Morte Point provide chances to spot grey seals in the area. The Watersmeet Hotel, overlooking the Atlantic, offers rooms from approximately £290 per night.

The fishing village of Clovelly retains much of its historic character, with whitewashed cottages descending steeply to a harbor. The absence of cars within the village contributes to its preserved atmosphere, particularly appreciated outside the busy summer months. November marks the annual Herring Festival on the 15th, celebrating the village’s maritime heritage. The Red Lion Hotel, situated at the harbor, provides accommodation options beginning near £225 per night.

For dramatic coastal landscapes, Hartland Quay near Bideford offers expansive views of powerful Atlantic waves striking contorted cliffs, creating visually striking scenes best experienced from the coastal path. Visitors are cautioned to avoid the water during rough weather but may explore rock formations at low tide. The Hartland Quay Hotel, overlooking the sea, has rooms available starting at about £135 per night.

Overall, Devon’s autumnal offerings combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, and seasonal activities that provide diverse experiences for visitors during the quieter months.