When Is the Best Time for a Romantic Break in Devon?
A season-by-season guide for couples choosing the right mood, pace and experience
Devon is often thought of as a summer destination, but for couples planning a romantic break, the best time to visit depends less on weather and more on how you want your stay to feel.
Each season brings a different rhythm – from light-filled spring days to winter evenings shaped by fires, quiet villages and dark skies. This guide explores Devon through the year to help you choose the moment that best suits your idea of romance.
Spring (March–May): Light, Quiet and Restorative
Spring is one of Devon’s most underrated seasons. The days lengthen, the countryside begins to soften, and there’s a sense of renewal without the pressure of peak-season crowds.
For couples, spring offers:
Quiet lanes and footpaths
A feeling of space before summer arrives
Longer, lighter evenings without the rush
Landscapes that feel gentle rather than dramatic
It’s an especially good time for walking, lingering lunches, and unhurried days shaped by daylight rather than schedules.
Best for: couples seeking calm, clarity and breathing space after winter.
Summer (June–August): Lively, Scenic and Social
Summer brings Devon’s most familiar face – bright, busy and outward-looking. Coastal areas are at their most animated, and popular destinations fill quickly.
For romantic breaks, summer works best if you enjoy:
A lively atmosphere
Longer days structured around activity
Eating out, events and social energy
That said, inland areas such as Dartmoor National Park often retain a sense of calm even in summer, particularly away from main visitor hubs.
Best for: couples who enjoy energy, movement and classic holiday atmosphere.
Autumn (September–November): Warm, Reflective and Uncrowded
Autumn is a favourite season for many couples – and for good reason. The pace slows, the light softens, and Devon regains a sense of balance after summer.
Autumn offers:
Rich colours across moorland and woodland
Fewer visitors and easier reservations
Evenings that invite lingering indoors
A feeling of depth rather than spectacle
It’s a season that encourages reflection, conversation and a slower rhythm.
Best for: anniversaries, reconnection breaks and couples who value atmosphere over activity.
Winter (December–February): Quiet, Intimate and Deeply Romantic
Winter is Devon’s most misunderstood season – and often its most romantic for the right couples.
While some coastal towns quieten considerably, inland areas remain shaped by local life rather than tourism. Days are shorter, but the reward is depth: dark skies, real silence, and evenings that feel genuinely unhurried.
Winter romantic breaks suit couples who appreciate:
Fires, books and long conversations
Star-filled skies and true darkness
A retreat from noise and expectation
Places that feel lived-in rather than staged
Best for: couples seeking intimacy, stillness and a sense of retreat.
So, When Is the Best Time?
There’s no single best season for a romantic break in Devon – only the one that best matches what you need.
Choose spring for lightness and renewal
Choose summer for energy and classic holiday feeling
Choose autumn for warmth, colour and calm
Choose winter for intimacy, depth and true escape
The most romantic stays tend to happen when expectations are simple, plans are loose, and the surroundings allow you to slow down naturally.
The time of year matters, but so does the pace you’re hoping for. Our guide to romantic breaks in Devon looks at how different styles of couples experience this landscape.
A Note on Flexibility
Some couples choose to stay inland, where it’s easy to enjoy Devon’s quieter landscapes while still visiting the coast for a day out. This approach can offer balance without committing an entire stay to busier areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Devon romantic outside summer?
Yes. Many couples find spring, autumn and winter more romantic than summer because they’re quieter, less crowded and more conducive to slow, uninterrupted time together.
Is winter too quiet for a romantic break?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Winter is ideal for couples who value peace, fireside evenings and retreat rather than events or nightlife.
When is Devon least crowded?
Late spring, early autumn and winter outside school holidays are generally the quietest times, particularly inland.
What’s the best season for anniversaries or honeymoons?
Autumn and winter are popular choices for milestone trips, as they offer privacy, atmosphere and a slower pace.
Final thought
Romance isn’t created by a season alone – it’s shaped by pace, space and how present you’re able to be. Choosing the right time to visit Devon can make all the difference.