The Best Devon Attractions & Activities

Clovelly in Devon is a unique, privately owned village with steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and no cars. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, it’s famed for its timeless charm, donkey transport, and picturesque harbour.

Exeter Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famed for its ornate West Front and the world’s longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling. Inside are medieval carvings, a 15th-century astronomical clock, and beautiful stained glass.

Greenway in Devon, Agatha Christie’s riverside retreat, showcases her family treasures amid tranquil woodland gardens. Overlooking the River Dart, it offers a peaceful insight into the author’s life and surroundings.

set in 90 acres with a variety of rides and attractions to suit all ages with a large indoor play centre, wildlife sanctuary, falconry centre and big fun farm

famous miniature village set in 4 acres with animated scenes, many with a sense of humour, capturing the essence of England's past

collection of thatched buildings - date back more than 200 years - set in a valley that reaches down to the sea - working forge & mill - see the blacksmith in action - enjoy a traditional cream tea in the Old Bakery - explore the woodland or beach

built Sir Edwin Lutyens, where family keepsakes sit alongside 17th Century tapestries with an Arts and Crafts inspired garden

learn the history of glassmaking with demonstrations, hands-on activities and see expert craftspeople at work

all aboard for a spectacular journey operating between Kingswear and Paignton along a picturesque route bordering the Dart Estuary

a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction of the National Fairground Collection of vintage exhibits, rides and engineering and artwork displays

a family run living heritage attraction with one of the last horse-drawn barges in Great Britain

home to over 2000 animals in six different habitats and dedicated to protecting global wildlife heritage with feeding times and keeper talks

meticulously crafted and planted to give both formal and informal gardens against a dramatic backdrop of a steep wooded valley

the park is packed with activities, from cycle trails to an adventure playground - fun for all ages

sanctuary and working farm home to 500 donkeys in need of care, where visitors can meet the donkeys

where the lush valleys of East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet giving a haven for wildlife and offering excellent walking

this popular beauty spot is set within an ancient valley with numerous walking trails to the falls & through the woodland - indoor & woodland theatre - petting zoo - reptile house - events & activities - picnic area

once the home to Sir Francis Drake with contemporary furnishings and artefacts, an impressive medieval Great Barn and extensive gardens

holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family built in the Arts & Crafts style with a joyful atmosphere enhanced by music and a 30 acre garden

get up close and personal with the vast array of animals in 33 acres of woodland, from Chincha the Jaguar to Kelloggs the Corn Snake

The doorway to Dartmoor's industrial past with the sights, sounds and smells of three thundering water wheels powering massive hammers, shears and sharpening stone

set in over 6000 acres of woodland, a welcoming Georgian house, holding the National Trust's largest fashion collection with interactive displays

the Gothic Revival house is surrounded by gardens which are a masterpiece of architectural planting, home to one of the most outstanding botanical collections in the country

there are a range of walks available to suit different abilities and time scales however sturdy footwear is recommended for all trails

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the UK’s largest aquarium. Discover marine life from British waters to tropical oceans, including sharks, rays and turtles, and explore the vast Atlantic Ocean tank while learning about ocean conservation.

with spectacular river and sea views, this Edwardian house boasts a rare collections of exotic plants. Generations of children return to hunt for Fred the ghost

set in a picturesque location surrounded by a deer park with family heirlooms in the castle and extensive grounds to explore

a magnificent Georgian house which has been a family home for nearly 300 years with extensive grounds with year round interest

operating heritage trans between Seaon ,Colyford and Colyton through two nature reserves with an unrivalled view of wading bird life

unique 16-sided house dating from the late 18th century, containing many quirky objects & mementoes, including a fragile shell gallery

79 acres woodland reserve five miles north of Kingsbridge - mainly composed of oak, birch & beech trees - diverse flora of bilberry & ferns - supports a good bird population - also large numbers of dormice - two circular way-marked trails

Arlington Court in North Devon is a Regency house set in extensive gardens and parkland. It also hosts the National Trust Carriage Museum, with over 40 historic horse-drawn vehicles, from elegant coaches to everyday carts.

a local museum with exhibitions of - Dartmoor artefacts - local history & geology - posters, documents - also includes the Paul Endacott North American Indian Collection

Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Devon offers dramatic sea cliffs, rare wildlife and coastal trails. With historic fort remains and sweeping views over Tor Bay, it’s a haven for walkers and nature lovers.

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in Devon feature historic glasshouses, rare plants and landscaped grounds. With a museum, railway and play areas, it offers beauty, history and family-friendly fun.

medieval manor house - still a family home - set in riverside meadows & woodland - unspoilt & relaxing -

Buckfast Abbey in Devon is a tranquil Benedictine monastery rebuilt by monks in the 20th century. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it features striking stained glass, a serene church, and a heritage rooted in centuries of devotion.

a splendid Manor House with guided tours recounting its rich history with informal gardens and allotments

Lundy Island off the Devon coast is a remote haven of cliffs, wildlife and history. Known for puffins, seals and rugged beauty, it offers walking trails, diving spots and peaceful escapes amid unspoilt nature.

South Devon Railway runs heritage steam trains between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Passing through scenic countryside and along the River Dart, it offers a nostalgic journey through Devon’s rural heart.

home to over 1000 gnomes and pixies, wildflowers, herbs, grasses and ferns with a family picnic area

The Golden Hind in Brixham is a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon. Visitors can explore its decks, discover maritime history and experience life aboard an Elizabethan ship.

see fashions & textiles for men, women and children, from the 18th century to the present day

set in Honiton's oldest building with one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton Lace in the world with examples from 16th 20th Century

natural landscape - dramatic clifftop with far-reaching views - levelled circular walking trails - breathtaking coastal landscape - hotel & inn nearby

built in 1926 and offering breathtaking scenery of the surrounded cliffs and beaches

enjoy the picturesque views of the Dart Valley from the remains of this small Tudor artillery fort

provided stone for 24 cathedrals and thus over the centuries a vast man-made complex of underground caverns have been created

tucked away in a deep wooded valley, this romantic ruin has the preserved remains of an Elizabethan mansion. An audio tour is available

one of Britain's largest public collections housing large collections of books, prints, artefacts and ephemera relating to the history of cinema

remains on an Iron Age hill fort - impressive ramparts - now surrounded by woodland - walks - wildlife - ideal place for picnics

home of Channel Five’s ‘Mist sheepdog tales’ this 400 acre working farm is home to a flock of 700 breeding ewes, plus their lambs, holds sheepdog & Falconry displays throughout the summer - April lambing open days

situated in the old station building - displays a varied collection reflecting the history of the town & area - exhibits include the remains of a 16th century pottery kiln, a GWR Brake Van & mine artefacts

medieval passages under the city's streets that were built to take fresh water pipes into the city with an exhibition and video presentation

Axminster Heritage Centre tells the story of the town famed for its carpets. Exhibits cover local history, crafts, geology and industry, with interactive displays and a recreated heritage street scene bringing Axminster’s past to life.

Barefoot Surf School in Cornwall offers expert surf lessons for all levels on Polzeath Beach. With qualified instructors and top equipment, it’s a friendly, safe way to learn and enjoy one of the UK’s best surfing spots.

Braunton & District Museum in North Devon tells the story of village life, farming and seafaring. Exhibits include wartime relics, surf history and local crafts, offering a rich glimpse into Braunton’s heritage.

Heddon Valley, cared for by the National Trust, is a wooded river valley on Exmoor’s coast. With scenic walking trails, wildlife-rich habitats and access to dramatic clifftop paths, it’s a peaceful spot for exploring nature and views.

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is a heritage narrow-gauge line in North Devon. Visitors can ride restored steam trains through Exmoor countryside, enjoy the Woody Bay station and experience a glimpse of Victorian railway charm.