Places to visit & things to do

South Devon is full of fascinating places to visit no matter what sparks your interest. From haunted castles and beautiful gardens, to literary and creative arts, from animal conservation to the story of marbles, there really is something for every age-group to enjoy!

Whether you enjoy getting your hands dirty or pampered, look no further. Here are some of our favourite places to visit and things to do:

Families with children

Get up close with the animals at Pennywell Farm
Visit the miniature pony centre on Dartmoor
See penguins, puffins and seals at Torquay’s coastal zoo
Have fun at Woodlands adventure park
Try climbing the walls at Dart Mills

Animal lovers

Spend a day at Totnes rare breeds farm
From gorillas to gibbons and tropical plants too at Paignton Zoo
Learn about turtles, sharks and seahorses at the National Marine Aquarium
Take the steam train to Buckfast butterfly farm and otter sanctuary

Arts and crafts

See the giant marble runs and watch glass-blowing
Go shopping at Dartington Cider Press centre
Throw your own pot and paint it too at China Blue
Discover Dartmouth’s art galleries

Castles, curiosities and gardens

Visit Overbeck’s and see Otto’s amazing invention
Listen to ghost stories at Berry Pomeroy castle ruins
Solve the mystery of Agatha Christie
Travel back to the jazz age at the D’Oyly Carte’s house
Find a Henry Moore sculpture in the gardens at Dartington Hall
Discover the secret seaside gardens at Blackpool Sands

Something different

Visit the lighthouse at Start Point, one of England’s most exposed peninsulas
Uncover our naval history at Britannia Royal Naval College
Step back 400 million years at Kents Cavern
Find out about crime and punishment at Dartmoor Prison museum
Go to the Plymouth Mayflower exhibition and look out from Pilgrims Point

Treat yourself

Book a health or beauty treatment at the Hen House
Spend a day at the Dart Marina Spa
Go to a pilates, tai-chi or yoga class at Harbour House
Re-balance your body with a reflexology foot massage