Explore Devon

Places of Interest

If you want to explore Devon there are hundreds of wonderful places to visit. Here are a few of our favourites.

Seaton Wetlands – Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe. Bird hides give an unrivalled view of the abundant wading birdlife.

Seaton Tramway – a narrow gauge heritage tram that runs through two nature reserves along the Axe Valley, between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton.

Seaton Jurassic – Travel back in time to discover the Jurassic World 200 million years ago! A fun and educational day out for the children with lots of interactive games and displays.

The Donkey Sanctuary – Free entry to meet some of the 500 donkeys at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

Crealey – Family theme park

Paignton Zoo – Over 2000 animals to visit in 80 acres of parkland

Stuartline Cruises – Boat trips from Exmouth, sailing around Exeter, Torquay and Sidmouth. A great way to discover the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Wheelchair accessible and dog friendly.

West Somerset Railway – An historic steam train running through the Quantock Hills. Wheelchair accessible and dog friendly.

Beer Quarry Caves – a man made limestone underground complex of caves created from quarrying the famous Beer stone, first worked by the Romans. A good day out if it’s raining!

Pecorama – For families, garden lovers and model railway enthusiasts, Pecorama is set in 9 acres overlooking the sea at Beer. Includes the Beer Heights Light Railway

Haldon Forest – Set in 3500 acres of woodland Haldon Forest is ideal for a quiet stroll, a fast mountain biking experience or a trip on a Segway.

Burrow Farm Gardens – 13 acres of beautiful gardens with tea room and nursery. Spring and summer plant fairs and theatre.

Hestercombe Gardens – Fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks and formal terraces.

Powderham Castle – Set in an ancient deer park, just south of Exeter. 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon’s oldest family homes.

Killerton House – Beautiful house and grounds with regular events to cater for all ages. Restaurant and café. Monthly farmers’ market.

Forde Abbey – House and stunning gardens in a privately owned former Cistercian monastery

Knightshayes – National Trust gothic revival house set in beautiful parkland.

Exeter Cathedral – One of the finest examples of gothic architecture.

Connaught Gardens and Clock Tower Tearoom – Well worth a visit for the largest slices of delicious cake we’ve ever seen! Perched on the cliff top in Sidmouth surrounded by beautiful gardens, overlooking the sea.

Annual Events

Otter Tar Barrells – Early November event which dates back hundreds of years. Full sized flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary. Not for the fainthearted!

Devon County Show – Three day agricultural show near Exeter during the third week of May.

Honiton Show – One of the largest one day agricultural shows in England, held on the first Thursday in August.

Pixie Day – A traditional fete with a Pixie twist!

Honiton Hot Pennies – Held in July, this event dates back to the thirteenth century when Honiton was granted a Royal Charter. Procession through Honiton during which hot (warm) pennies are thrown for hoards of scrabbling children!

Honiton Hill Rally – A working rally with a huge selection of farm machinery, steam engines, commercial vehicles and motorcycles from yesteryear.

Sidmouth Folk Week – A week long seaside celebration of music, dance and song in early August.