Devon is a place where walking means more than just stretching your legs; it’s a way to uncover the stories, humor, and secrets of this charming corner of England. Whether you’re a fan of classic British comedy, intrigued by seaside mysteries, or eager to explore Jurassic Coast vistas, Devon offers walking tours that turn a simple stroll into an engaging journey. We especially like the Fawlty Tours walking experience for its laugh-out-loud insights, and the Ilfracombe Seafront History Tour for its spooky tales and historic sights. These tours give you a chance to see Devon with local guides who bring the area’s personality vividly to life.
If you prefer a coastal walk filled with pirates, smugglers, and natural beauty, the Walking Tour of Exmouth offers a relaxed way to learn about the area’s maritime past and scenic cliffs. All three tours provide unique perspectives and storytelling that make exploring Devon on foot an authentic experience.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top walking tours in Devon, each with its own charm and focus. The Fawlty Tours walking experience in Torquay takes fans behind the scenes of the beloved sitcom []. The Ilfracombe Seafront History Tour immerses you in haunted tales and historic landmarks [], while the Exmouth Coastal Walk combines natural beauty with stories of pirates and smugglers []. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. The Fawlty Tours walking experience
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 33 reviews, this Fawlty Towers-themed walk in Torquay offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a humorous trip through British sitcom history. For about $20.61, you get 1.5 hours of lively storytelling, led by a local guide who shares behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the iconic series. The tour’s focus is on the real locations that inspired the show’s chaotic hotel, with fun facts about actors like John Cleese and Connie Booth.
What makes this tour stand out is its interactive approach—photo stops at key sites, amusing anecdotes about characters like Manuel, and insights into British comedy from the 1970s. The guide’s enthusiasm is contagious, and the tour’s reviews consistently praise how informative and entertaining it is. For example, one visitor from Australia called Graham, the guide, “absolutely fabulous & very informative,” which sums up the experience well.
Highlights include discovering how a Torquay hotel inspired Fawlty Towers, stories about Manuel’s Spanish roots, and the show’s unexpected success after initial BBC skepticism. The value is excellent—at just over $20, you get a memorable hour and a half of humor and local flavor. It’s perfect for sitcom fans, culture seekers, or anyone wanting to see Torquay through a comedic lens.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy British comedy and want an engaging, humorous walk with insider stories, this tour delivers a lively and affordable experience in Torquay.
2. Ilfracombe Seafront History Walking Guided Tour
This 5-star rated tour in Ilfracombe offers a 1.5-hour exploration of the town’s haunted and historic seafront for about $51. It’s a bit pricier, but the rich stories make it worthwhile for history buffs and mystery lovers alike. Led by a guide known for enthusiasm and knowledge, the tour takes you past key sights like The Landmark Theatre and St. Nicholas Chapel, revealing their stories and spooky legends along the way.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on Ilfracombe’s haunted history, including tales linked to one of the town’s most haunted pubs and stories about the Victorian hotel, The Ilfracombe Hotel. The guide’s storytelling style keeps the walk lively, adding layers of intrigue and local color. During the walk, you’ll learn about the port’s long history, dating back to the 12th century, and see the only surviving beacon lighthouse, St. Nicholas Chapel, from the 14th century.
Reviewers praise the detailed storytelling and relaxed walk, with one calling it “an asset to the town,” and another noting how Mark, the guide, “weaved stories of mystery and intrigue.” It’s ideal for visitors interested in ghost stories, maritime history, or simply a different way to see Ilfracombe’s scenic seafront.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an entertaining mix of history, spooky tales, and seaside charm, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Ilfracombe’s past.
3. Walking Tour of Exmouth in East Devon
Rated 5.0/5 from 12 reviews, this coastal walk in Exmouth costs around $27.35 and lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed way to get to know the area’s natural and maritime stories. Starting at The Maer Local Nature Reserve, the tour introduces you to smugglers, the Jurassic Coast, and natural wildlife. The guide shares stories that connect the natural setting with the area’s pirate legends and coastal history.
Your walk includes Exmouth Beach, where you’ll hear tales of pirates and the early days of tourism, making it especially appealing for families or anyone interested in local legends. The route covers scenic cliffs, the vibrant beachfront, and small points of interest along the way. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized tour and Clare, the guide, for her enthusiasm and deep knowledge. One reviewer remarked, “It was good to walk about with someone so passionate about her home,” which captures the tour’s friendly, local vibe.
This tour strikes a good balance between natural beauty and storytelling, making it ideal for those who want to combine light exercise with learning about Exmouth’s maritime past. It’s also a budget-friendly choice, offering good value for its length and content.
Bottom Line: For a gentle coastal walk that mixes history, nature, and local lore, this tour provides a relaxed and engaging way to explore Exmouth.
How to Choose Your Perfect Devon Walking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, budget, and how much walking you want to do. If you’re a fan of British TV comedy and want a lively, humorous experience, the Fawlty Tours is hard to beat—especially at its friendly price point. For a more mysterious, historic vibe, the Ilfracombe Seafront History Tour offers ghost stories and landmark visits with a knowledgeable guide, perfect for mystery lovers. If coastal scenery, pirates, and wildlife are your priorities, then the Exmouth Coastal Walk provides a mellow, scenic outing suitable for all ages.
Think about your fitness level and how much time you want to spend walking—each tour lasts about 1.5 hours, but the focus varies from humor to history to natural beauty. Booking early is recommended, especially in the busy summer months, to secure your preferred date and time.
In summary, Devon’s walking tours offer a wonderful way to experience its stories, scenery, and humor firsthand. The Fawlty Towers tour is ideal for comedy fans, the Ilfracombe haunted tour appeals to mystery seekers, and the Exmouth coastal walk suits those craving coastal views and maritime tales. No matter your choice, these tours promise a richer understanding of Devon—so lace up your shoes and start exploring.