Top Holiday Attractions in Devon - what to do, where to go and what to see
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If you are heading to Devon for a cottage holiday or self catering short break we have compiled some of the must see places and the best things to do. Whether you are looking for some family fun, visit relaxing and peaceful gardens or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Devon then take a look at some great ideas below.
And, if you are still to book your self catering accommodation we have listed some great Devon cottages and apartments close to the attractions and available direct from independent owners and leading holiday operators.
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Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton
Attractions in Devon
Travel Torbay's spectacular coast and the beautiful River Dart by steam train from Paignton to Kingswear. The trip can be combined with river excursions to picturesque Dartmouth.
Killerton House, Exeter
Attractions in Devon
Built in the 18th Century Killerton House offers a display of costumes and has period room sets, laundry, stable yard and chapel. It is set in delightful gardens and parkland, filled with many exotic plants and trees. Children can find the ice house and rustic Bear's Hut.
Morwellham Quay, Tavistock
Attractions in Devon
Despite being 23 miles for the sea, Morwellham Quay was the Empire's greatest copper port in the time of Queen Victoria. Today the 1860s are recreated with a Tamar ketch moored at the quay, shops, cottages and costumed staff to act as guides.
Exmouth Model Railway, Exmouth
Attractions in Devon
With more than 7,500 feet of track this is one of the world's largest scenic 00-guage model railways. It runs through villages and towns all exquisitely modelled in great detail.
Diggerland - Devon, Cullompton
Attractions in Devon
Unusually, Diggerland is based on the world of construction machinery! Adults and children (of at least 90cms in height) can ride and drive real construction machines, under the guidance of trained staff. No driving licence required!
The Big Sheep, Bideford
Attractions in Devon
Fun filled attraction, ensuring everyone in the the family has a truly great day out whatever the weather. With hilarious shows running all day to entertain the whole family and a huge indoor playground to tire everyone out, you´ll be having the best day of your holiday baa none!
Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
Attractions in Devon
Enjoy a pleasure boat cruise along the beautiful River Exe or a sea trip along the South Devon coast. There are also day trips to Torquay, Brixham and Sidmouth. See web site for further information.
Woodlands Leisure Park, Totnes
Attractions in Devon
All weather fun can be had at Woodlands Leisure Park with indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. This includes watercoasters, toboggan run, play zones and animals.
House of Marbles, Newton Abbot
Attractions in Devon
A working glass-blowing factory that also has a museum of glass artefacts, including toys and marbles. They have probably the largest marble runs in the world. Visitors can watch glass blowing when work is in progress.
Crownhill Fort, Plymouth
Attractions in Devon
At the largest of Plymouth's great Victorian forts, visitors can discover the underground tunnels, explore the ramparts, marvel at Victorian architecture and view the guns, including the ‘disappearing' Moncrieff.
Beer Quarry Caves, Beer
Attractions in Devon
Take an eerie tour of this vast underground quarry with a long and eventful history, from the Romans to the Victorians. Beer Quarry stone was used in 24 cathedrals, plus Hampton Court, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.
Eggesford Garden and Country Centre, Chulmleigh
Attractions in Devon
Set within the picturesque Eggesford Gardens, the heritage centre has imaginative displays depicting the local social history of the beautiful Taw Valley. There are bicycles for hire or you can explore the nearby woodland trails on foot.
Totnes Elizabethan Museum, Totnes
Attractions in Devon
This Elizabethan house, built in 1575, features an Elizabethan herb garden, a Tudor bedroom, a kitchen and a Victorian nursery. Displays cover 5,000 years of local history and there is a special exhibition on Charles Babbage, father of the modern computer.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Attractions in Devon
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is famous for giving a home to more than 400 rescued donkeys. A beautiful location for walks.
Arlington Court, Barnstaple
Attractions in Devon
Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel: a complete family estate. The intimate Regency house contains treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, all collected by the Chichesters. Offering incident and contrast, the 19th-century picturesque garden is a perfect place to explore, picnic or play.
Bygones, Torquay
Attractions in Devon
Bygones has a life-size Victoria street with period rooms. Children will enjoy the large Hornby railway layouts, medals and militaria and the illuminated ‘fantasyland'.
Barnstaple Heritage Centre, Barnstaple
Attractions in Devon
More than 1,000 years of Barnstaple's history is on show here, with hands-on visual and audio displays and life-size models and reconstructions. Barnstaple Heritage Centre offers great entertainment for all the family including quizzes and games, brass-rubbing and children's costumes.
Diggerland, Cullompton
Attractions in Devon
Unusually, Diggerland is based on the world of construction machinery! Adults and children (of at least 90cms in height) can ride and drive real construction machines, under the guidance of trained staff. No driving licence required!
Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies, Buckfastleigh
Attractions in Devon
Walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, flying free in a tropical garden with waterfalls, ponds and bridges. At the otter sanctuary visitors can see the playful otters from above and below the water and at feeding time.
Sorley Tunnel Adventure Farm, Kingsbridge
Attractions in Devon
A working organic dairy farm with animals, riding stables and pony rides. There is also a children's nature trail that runs through an eerie railway tunnel. Other attractions include trampolines and slides.
Paignton Zoo, Paignton
Attractions in Devon
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you'll even need your sense
Lundy Island, Bideford
Attractions in Devon
Enjoy a day walking on this beautiful island. Three Miles long and only 24 miles out in the Bristol Channel, it has a lighthouse and castle and is ideal for bird-watching. It is a great place to take children, not least because there are no roads or cars.
Living Coasts, Torquay
Attractions in Devon
Living coasts is an acquatic centre that focuses on the conversation of coastal and marine life around the world. It includes huge aviary that allows birds to fly free and so you can truly see coastal birds up close.
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford
Attractions in Devon
The Milky Way Adventure Park has it all! Ride the Cosmic Typhoon Devon's tallest, fastest & longest roller coaster. Have a wild time in North Devon's biggest indoor adventure play area with assault courses & slides built for adults & children. Kick back & watch our amazing live shows featuring Merlin from Britain's Got Talent, plus fantastic displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre.
Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, Tiverton
Attractions in Devon
This is a comprehensive regional museum that has a Heathcote lace machine gallery. Also on show are agricultural and domestic implements and a collection of Devon farm wagons
Pecorama, Seaton
Attractions in Devon
On a visit to these pleasure gardens, visitors can enjoy a gentle stroll around the Peco Millennium Celebration Garden, which has five linked and themed gardens. There is a 1-mile miniature steam locomotive journey on the Beer Heights Light Railway. On entering the famous Model Railway Exhibition, you will be greeted with a display of superbly crafted model railway layouts in all the many scales and gauges produced by the company.
Grand Pier, Teignmouth
Attractions in Devon
Enjoy a few hours of simple fun on this traditional pier, with many family amusements and games, including the thrills and spills of a rollercoaster.
Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Attractions in Devon
This lavish house was built around 1870 by William Burges. Its much admired garden features a water lily pond, topiary and a restored walled garden. There's plenty to see from looming gargoyles, imaginative carvings including the ‘seven deadly sins' and the medieval great hall complete with minstrel's gallery.
Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay
Attractions in Devon
There are hundreds of 1:12 scale models set in award winning gardens at this model village. Marvel at villages, farms and rural areas, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, railways and details of everyday life.
Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth
Attractions in Devon
Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoo is a unique, family owned zoo with a fantastic collection of animals including the widest variety of big cats in the south west of England.
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth
Attractions in Devon
The solar system, space travel, communications and the weather are all explained and explored in fascinating exhibitions, models and hands-on activities. Visitors can talk to people all over the world in the radio room.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton
Attractions in Devon
Gardeners young and old will be interested in this historic garden with its 19th Century palm house, glasshouses and Italian garden. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas and train rides on offer.
Pennywell , Buckfastleigh
Attractions in Devon
With a different hands-on activity, show or display every 30 minutes, children won't get bored at this fun farm. From feeding the animals to egg-collecting, this is also a great educational experience. Ride on the miniature railway and quad bikes.
Crealy - Devon, Exeter
Attractions in Devon
Enter the land of Devon's Crealy and you'll find a day out packed full of magical adventures. From the Big Six thrill rides and the UK's longest water coaster to masses of indoor play and outdoor excitement.
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh
Attractions in Devon
Enjoy a traditional steam-train journey through a beautiful stretch of Devon countryside. There is a free vintage bus service around town in summer.
Looking for Accommodation close to Devon
If you are looking to spend a short break or holiday in Devon there is a lot of great quality self catering accommodation, ranging from apartments and cottages to lodges and chalets, to choose from. Of course, you will also find some lovely guest houses, bed and breakfast and hotels in Devon. Find out more by using the links below:
- Self catering cottages and apartments in Devon
- Lodges in Devon
- Holiday parks in Devon
- B&B and Guest House in Devon
- Hotels in Devon
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