Devon’s Visitor Attractions
Although holidaying on Dartmoor is more about enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife, it’s also good to take a break from all that outstanding natural beauty by visiting some of the many Visitor Attractions close to our Dartmoor holiday cottage. With Devon being pretty much the home of tourism, there are countless attractions catering for all different interests and tastes.
15 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage
House of Marbles
The House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory in Bovey Tracey which makes quality games, toys and glassware. The factory has evolved over time into a visitor attraction offering a shop, restaurant, museum and games garden. It is well worthy of a visit, if only to see the amazing marble run and the giant floating marble!
Miniature Pony Centre
Another great day out, especially for younger family members. Activities include Animal Feeding, Pony Grooming, Pony Rides, Meet the Pets and Pony Bedtime.
Please note that this attraction is only open from April to October.
Trago Mills
A great day out for the whole family. Trago Mills is a retail attraction which offers unbelievably good prices on thousands of items from clothing, sporting equipment including fishing and shooting, tools, household items – the lot. In addition, it has a great fun park for the kids, both young and old, everything from boating rides, go-karting, miniature steam train etc.
30 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage
Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks which was first established in 1018. In addition to impressive architecture and pleasant gardens, you will find an award winning gift shop stocked with a wide range of unusual products including the famous Buckfast Tonic Wine.
Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo was built for Julius Drewe, the founder of “Home and Colonial” which became one of the largest retail chains in the UK. It took 19 years to construct and was completed in 1930, making it the last castle to be built in England. In recent years, the National Trust undertook significant conservation work to save and reinstate the Castle to its former glory.
Go Ape
Situated within Haldon Forest, a beautiful 3,500 acre woodland which is a visitor attraction in its own right. Go Ape offers thrills and challenges through high rope activities amongst the trees. There are two courses to accommodate different age groups. The more challenging tree-top adventure includes two 235m zip wires giving spectacular views across the valley.
Pennywell Farm
A fantastic family day out particularly aimed at the younger family members. In addition to the obligatory shop, cafe and coffee stops, Pennywell Farm hosts a wide variety of family friendly animals ranging from miniature pigs to Highland cows, along with a few fun rides for good measure.
Throughout the day, the Pennywell team run an activity every 30 minutes which makes for a fun filled day. You could be watching Ferret racing in the main barn followed by feeding the miniature pigs in Henrietta’s wood.
Please check their website for opening times as its normally closed in winter months.
South Devon Steam Railway
A wonderful opportunity to step back in time travelling on a traditional Great Western Railway branch line running along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. The line originally opened in 1872 but closed to passengers in 1958.
The station in Buckfastleigh is home to the railway’s museum and historic locomotives. Whereas the Totnes station is next to the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm. Alternatively, one can stop off at Staverton to explore the tranquil village on the banks of the River Dart with some lovely riverside walks and a 15th century bridge.
45 minutes from our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage
Dartmoor Zoo
Charitable zoo set in 33 acres of woodland on the south west edge of Dartmoor with a fascinating history.
Originally it was created as a private exotic animal collection in the 1960’s but closed in 2006 when its license was revoked. It was then bought by Benjamin Mee who, with his family, set out reinstating the zoo.
Ben then wrote a best-selling book about it simply titled “we bought a zoo“. Cameron Crowe turned the book it into a Hollywood hit starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Catching the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear is the best way to visit Dartmouth. This Heritage Railway will take you along the Torbay coast, then across beautiful Devon countryside and finally along the River Dart. For the final part of the journey from Kingswear to Dartmouth you travel across the river Dart on a small ferry.
Unusually the Dartmouth Steam Railway also operate the last coal fired paddle steamer in the UK used for pleasure trips along the river Dart. In addition, they offer a cruise along the river Dart between Dartmouth and Totnes.
Golden Hind
In 1577, Sir Francis Drake set sail in the Golden Hind from Plymouth and travelled around the world, the first Englishman to do so. In truth, he had been commissioned by Elizabeth I to plunder the Spanish colonies of South America. 3 years later he returned with enough treasure to please a Queen – she knighted him shortly after, on board the Golden Hind.
A full sized replica of the Golden Hind, the most iconic Tudor ship, is situated in the picturesque harbour of Brixham. It’s easy to make a day of it at Brixham, why not stay for a spot of “crabbing” and an ice cream too…..
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave system in Torquay which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Although it has evolved into a family visitor attraction, at its core is an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caves adorned with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. The oldest human fossil found in Britain was found at Kents Cavern!
Babbacombe Model Village
Located in Torquay and set within four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the Model Village contains hundreds of model scenes with buildings, vehicles and people as well as some famous landmarks. As you would expect, there is also a gift shop and a coffee shop.
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo began life as the private menagerie of Herbert Whitley, an eccentric millionaire. Herbert opened the zoo to the public in 1923 with a firm belief that it should be a place of learning as well as recreation.
The zoo became the first combined botanical and zoological garden in the UK and has gone from strength to strength. It hosts over 3,800 animals across 235 different species on its 80 acre site.
With its strong roots in conservation, scientific research and education Paington Zoo’s main objective is to protect at risk animals and plants.
Splashdown Quaywest
Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark boasts the UK’s most exciting water slides (8 of them!) mixed with some of the best English Riviera views. The Waterpark is next to Goodrington Sands, a great beach day out for the whole family.
Now explore great places to eat nearby
