Places of Interest in Devon

Plymouth

Plymouth is Devon's largest city and its waterfront location and maritime history have many attractions for its many tourists including the National Marine Aquarium which is the largest Aquarium in the UK . The Plymouth Gin Distillery located in the Barbican has been distilling gin in the city since 1793; there are tours of the distillery daily.

On 13 th December 1577 Sir Francis Drake started his epic voyage from Plymouth returning on 26 th September 1580 when he became the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. The Barbican Quay was also the starting point of the Pilgrim Fathers voyage on board the Mayflower in 1620. The Plymouth Mayflower Exhibition re-tells the story of these and many other historical events in this maritime city and the Tourist Information Centre located on the Barbican will advise on everything the city has to offer.

Plymouth has its own airport and there are ferries available from Plymouth to France and Spain .

Exeter

Exeter is known as the capital city of Devon . The most famous attraction within this beautiful city is St Peter's Cathedral where originally a Norman cathedral was built in the 1100's, the rebuilding to the present Gothic style cathedral started around 1265 which took nearly a century to complete. This magnificent building dominates the skyline with its two towers being one of the oldest parts of the building. It really is worth spending time admiring the spectacular vaulted ceiling.

Exeter suffered damaged during World War II but still has a wealth of architecture to admire from Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian. This busy capital has fantastic shops, restaurants and bars and hidden beneath Exeter High Street are the unique medieval Underground Passages through which you can take a fascinating guided tour. They were originally built to take clean water through lead pipes from the natural springs just outside the city.

For racing enthusiasts the Nigel Mansell World of Racing is located in Woodbury which displays some of his Formula 1 cars and trophy room.

Torquay

The towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are known as The English Riviera . Torquay is a popular seaside resort with miles of beaches and coves to explore, a harbour and marina. The palm trees give a continental ambience to the town. Torquay has a wealth of pubs, restaurants and cafe's to enjoy.

There are many attractions to explore in Torquay. Our favourite has to be the prehistoric natural cave called Kent 's Cavern near Meadfoot beach which is well worth a visit. The caves are believed to date back hundreds of thousands years. The Living Coasts coastal zoo is situated on Beacon Quay in the harbour side which has an interesting selection of sea creatures.

There are some fantastic walks in the area along the South West Coast Path.

Ashburton

Ashburton is situated in the south side of Dartmoor National Park . Historically the town owed a major part of its prosperity to tin extracted from the local moorland and then the wool trade which enabled the town to benefit from some historic buildings which still remain today. The 15 th century St Andrews church in West Street has a 92 foot tower which dominates the town's skyline. The town is well known for its antique shops.

The River Dart Country Park is a vast 90 acres with the River Dart flowing through it. The park comprises lakes, woods and parkland and has a huge selection of activities from adventure playgrounds and assault courses as well as nature trails and walks in this beautiful area. Many events are held throughout the year and activities for children throughout the school holidays. There is also a busy campsite in the park.

Ashburton Museum situated in the Bull Ring has local artefacts and history of the area and houses the Endacott North American Indian collection which is a collection of items given by a former Ashburton resident who emigrated to North America .

Barnstaple

Situated in North Devon, Barnstaple has a bustling shopping area with a traditional covered Pannier Market.

Historically the town once had an 11 th century castle but only the old motte remains which is now grassed over. The Long Bridge crossing the River Taw with its sixteen arches dates back to the 13 th century and is a Grade I listed ancient monument. The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is situated in the Square.

The Tarka Trail passes through Barnstaple and therefore bike hire is available in the town. Exmoor Zoo is situated nearby at Bratton Fleming.

Dartmouth

The narrow streets of Dartmouth are charming and there are some beautiful buildings in the town including the 14 th century Cherub Pub which is half timbered. The town has a fantastic selection of shops, cafe's, pubs and restaurants.

Dartmouth Port is a busy port with many boats moored. Dartmouth 's first regatta was held in 1822 and it became a Royal Regatta in 1856 when Queen Victoria had an unscheduled stay in the town during the regatta due to bad weather.

Construction of Dartmouth Castle started in the 14 th century to guard the Dart Estuary and port of Dartmouth , the gun tower was added to the imposing building in the 15 th century. You can take a scenic trip by river boat from the Quay to the castle.

Buckfastleigh

The beautiful building of Buckfast Abbey was constructed in 1907 and completed in 1937 by just six monks. Monks have been present in the area since before the Norman Conquest. The monks support themselves by producing stained glass windows, pottery and carving. The Abbey has had long associations with producing honey from the Buckfast bee which are said to be disease resistant. Brother Adam became an expert on the subject and wrote three books and was subsequently awarded an OBE for his work.

The South Devon Railway have many steam trains at Buckfastleigh Station where you can take a trip to Totnes through some stunning Devon countryside along the River Dart. There is also a museum and model railway. Next door is the Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary which is well worth a visit.

Exmouth

Situated on the south coast of Devon , Exmouth is an attractive town offering some great shops, pubs and restaurants.

Exmouth is a popular seaside resort with glorious sandy beaches and attracts watersports enthusiasts including sailing and windsurfing. Exmouth has a busy Marina with many attractive townhouses and apartments.

Paignton

The towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham make up Torbay and are known as The English Riviera . Nestled between Torquay and Brixham, Paignton is a popular seaside resort with glorious sheltered sandy beaches. There are traditional seaside attractions such as the pier and promenade and plenty of places to eat and drink.

There is plenty to do in Paignton from adventure golf to fishing trips from Paignton Harbour and a visit to Paignton Zoo which covers a vast 80 acres and is home to thousands of animals.

Ilfracombe

Situated in North Devon , Ilfracombe is an attractive town with fantastic coastal views which has made this a popular seaside resort. The town offers some great specialist shops and the Chocolate Emporium and Museum on the High Street is a must stop for all chocoholics!

Ilfracombe Harbour and Quay is an attractive and bustling area with pubs and restaurants surrounding it. You can catch a ferry from the Harbour to Lundy Island which is a haven for wildlife as well as a variety of other coastal cruises.

Ilfracombe is ideally placed for some fantastic coastal walks and of course Exmoor National Park is just next door.

Honiton

The market town of Honiton's primary industry was lacemaking for hundreds of years until its decline in the late 19 th century. Situated in the town's oldest building, a 13 th century former chapel, The Allhallows Museum of Lace and Antiquities in the High Street re-tells the town's history of lacemaking and has a interesting exhibition of Honiton lace. The town is also associated with glove making and pottery.

Honiton is well known for its numerous antique shops and there are also many specialist shops specialising in pottery and lace. The town has a street market twice a week.

The annual Honiton Agricultural Show is a popular event which has been in existence since 1890.

Newton Abbot

The market town of Newton Abbot is referred to as the Gateway to the Moor and Sea due to its proximity to both Dartmoor National Park and the seaside resorts of Torquay and Teignmouth. The town is also well known for the Newton Abbot Racecourse.

The Newton Abbot town and GWR museum on St Pauls Road has interesting exhibitions including a GWR Room which re-tells the history of when the first train arrived in Newton Abbot in 1846. The base for Great Western Railways locomotive and carriage repairs was located in the town in the mid 19 th century.

Tuckers Maltings has been based in Newton Abbott for over 100 years and offer tours of how barley is turned into malt with a fantastic selection of beer and ale for sale.

Teignmouth

Situated on the Teign estuary on the South Devon Coast between Torquay and Exeter , Teignmouth is a popular seaside resort. The port of Teignmouth is a busy harbour with many fishing and pleasure boats. Ferry trips are available to the pretty village of Shaldon across the estuary.

Teignmouth has a pier with the usual seaside attractions such as amusements and gift shops. The town also offers many other attractions such as theatre, model railway and bowling greens.

The shopping area is mainly pedestrianised so you can leisurely wander around the shops and there are some charming narrow streets and alleys to explore.

Axminster

When thinking of Axminster then Axminster carpets immediately springs to mind. Axminster carpets originated in 1755 when a carpet making factory was opened by Thomas Whitty. For their 250 year anniversary a special rug was made which is now in Clarence House.

Axminster is the home of TV chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's River Cottage Canteen and Deli which prides itself on using local produce. The town has some good independent shops and also holds a weekly market.

Lynton and Lynmouth

Lynton and Lynmouth are located within Exmoor National Park on the north coast of Devon so ideally placed to enjoy coastal views as well as the beauty of Exmoor National Park .

The Cliff Railway is a unique Victorian water powered lift travelling from Lynmouth at the bottom of the cliffs to Lynton at the top of the cliffs which is a vertical distance of around 500 ft. This amazing feat of technology first opened to the public in 1890.

Great Torrington

During the English Civil War Great Torrington was the location for the Battle of Torrington in 1646 when the Parliamentarians defeated Lord Hopton and his followers which signalled the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country. Torrington Heritage Museum re-tells the interesting history of the town.

Dartington Crystal is located in Great Torrington where you can learn how crystal is made on the factory tour.

Sidmouth

Sidmouth is an attractive seaside town overlooking Lyme Bay . The town has glorious beaches and colourful gardens set amongst red sandstone cliffs.

We love the fact that Sidmouth has kept its Regency charm with some beautiful elegant buildings. There are many listed buildings throughout the town including some thatched cottages.

Brixham

Did you know that the Hymn "Abide with Me" was written in the garden of the Berryhead Hotel in Brixham by Henry Francis Lyte in 1847