Devon fourth for half-term breaks

Plymouth, but not Exeter, is in top 10

Cornwall has beaten Devon, and Plymouth has thrashed Exeter as a half-term holiday destination, according to a 'holiday index' published by a budget hotel chain.

Travelodge, which has 10 properties in Devon including one at Exeter Services at junction 30 of the M5 - presumably for people to stay on the way to Cornwall - places Devon fourth in the October half-term holiday league. Plymouth is tenth in the country for city breaks, whilst Devon's capital city Exeter isn't even placed.

Dartmoor is number three and Exmoor number nine for country breaks.

Travelodge says: "This year, families are opting for a 'minication' of three nights away rather than a week away during October half term. Most households are also choosing to holiday within a radius of 138 miles radius from home. With parents spending on average £356 on their Minication and an additional £131.83 on activities, Devon is set to receive a multi-million boost this October half term.

Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of parents say their October half term minication is their first holiday in 2020. More than a quarter (28 per cent) are taking an October half term minication as they wanted normality in their lives, and to show their children that you can holiday safely despite covid-19.  In addition 17 per cent of parents say their children deserve a holiday as it has been a tough first school term.  Four in 10 of parents say it's "essential" for them to take an October half term break as there is so much going on in the world and it is good for their mental health and wellbeing to get away as a family."