Our top 10 Devon attractions

Devon is a brilliant holiday destination with its beautiful landscapes and rich culture. This list of our favourite Devon attractions provides a range of historical, natural and architectural enticements that will more than satisfy anyone seeking engaging entertainments in Devon.

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a beautiful and wild region of moorland and a must for anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors. Spreading over 368 square miles, the park offers a wide choice of attractions to suit visitors of all ages and diverse interests. From cycling, horse riding and kayaking to exploring charming villages and historic buildings, there is no shortage of engaging things to see and do in this stunning national park.

South Hams Coast

The unspoilt South Hams Coast runs from Torbay to Plymouth and lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beaches here are stunning and this region is a superb choice for anyone seeking seaside delights. Highlights include Dartmouth, Bigbury, Wembury and Newton Ferrers. From cultural and artistic events to fantastic local food and exciting water-based activities such as sailing, this stretch of coast is well worth exploring for its array of enticing attractions.

Plymouth

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city which has seen a lot of regeneration over recent years and boasts a lively cultural scene. You should check out the Barbican and the stunning views across Plymouth Sound from the Hoe. Other highlights include lots of naval and maritime history to explore, the National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery.

Saltram House

Saltram House is an impressive Georgian mansion situated on the outskirts of Plymouth. The interior of the house features a variety of intriguing contents, from a grand collection of paintings to beautiful Chinese wallpapers. The house is surrounded by picturesque gardens and parkland which can be explored at your leisure as well.

Lydford Gorge

Gorgeous is an apt description of the striking Lydford Gorge. Lydford holds a claim to fame as the deepest gorge in the South West and boasts a beautiful 30-metre high waterfall known as the White Lady Waterfall. A giant pothole called the Devil’s Cauldron will also intrigue visitors to this stunning location which is ideal for a picnic. Visitors can try to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife such as wagtails and dippers, while the surrounding woodland offers an exceptionally picturesque place for walking.

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear is a beautiful country home featuring a 1920s art deco interior. The house is surrounded by a stunning garden and visitors can enjoy wonderful coastal views in addition to exploring the house and garden. Coleton Fishacre is also close to the South West Coast Path, making it a delightful detour or alternatively a starting or ending point for visitors who are keen to walk the path.

Exeter

The city of Exeter has a number of charms to recommend it to visitors. The city boasts a stunning cathedral which is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. For a fun, free and informative day out the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is a great choice. One of the best ways to discover the city is via free guided walking tours which cover a variety of aspects related to the city’s history, from medieval tours to ghost walks.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park features a contrasting mix of beautiful landscapes, including woodland, farmland, sea cliffs, valleys and moorland within its 267 square miles. The park offers plenty of opportunity for visitors to get active outdoors thanks to activities such as canoeing, horse riding, cycling and rock climbing. The varied landscapes offer fabulous walks and there’s even striking sights to see at night as the park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal place for stargazing.

Kents Cavern

Located in Torquay, Kents Cavern is a spectacular cave system full of fascinating and important archaeological and geological features. Excellent guided tours are on offer which help bring the caves and their amazing history alive. This is a great choice for a rainy day and will be enjoyed by people of all ages - there are always activities on offer for children.

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle offers a host of appealing attractions to entice younger and older visitors with diverse tastes. The interior of the castle can be discovered courtesy of a guided tour, while children will be delighted by an outdoor play area and pets corner and the beautiful deer park also offers plenty to see via a fun tractor trailer ride.

Must-see attractions for a magnificent Devon getaway

Devon caters to diverse tastes and preferences thanks to its wide range of things to see and do. Each of these superb attractions provides an excellent day out and contributes towards enjoying a splendid holiday in Devon that will have visitors eager to return again and again.