Top Things to do in South Devon
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Things to do in South Devon, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in South Devon, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk, East Portlemouth & Gara Rock Trail, Lukesland Gardens, Slapton Sands, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, Overbecks Museum and Garden, River Dart Country Park, Canonteign Falls, Greenway.
Restaurants in South Devon
1. Coleton Fishacre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,786 reviews
Reviewed By JandAre
Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.
2. Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 289 reviews
A 3 mile moderate walk along part of the South West Coast Path National Trail passing through an enchanted landscape of rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles to the mouth of the Salcombe estuary, with inspiring views in all directions, this is a coastal walk guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Reviewed By richardm19622019 - Bedford, United Kingdom
This is a great walk, tough and uphill to start, then stunning views as you get to the top and walk around bolt head, down to the valley to finish before heading back to Salcombe South sands. Brilliant. May have to wait for the ferry if catching it to Salcombe after as only 12 allowed on at a time. Enjoy
3. East Portlemouth & Gara Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
An open stroll on the South West Coast Path above the western shoreline of Salcombe Harbour, passing the romantic ruins of Fort Charles, which withstood a 5 month siege during the English Civil War. Throughout the centuries the estuary has been a lively place for trade as well as shipbuilding, and the shipwrecks in its waters include one from the Bronze Age, 4000 years ago.
Reviewed By georginas611 - Winchester, United Kingdom
A stunning coastal walk to Gara Rock, wonderful in the winter sunshine even with stormy seas. Gara Rock is a great place to rest, have a drink or some food and soak in the amazing wild, coastal views.
4. Lukesland Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By FalmouthLucy - Devon, United Kingdom
Great experience.We have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and used it here but would have paid £6 entry each anyway.We really liked the lay out of garden and want to come back at a different time of year.There were some lovely Autumn colours when we went.Cafe is gerat.Loved the soup cake and coffee all very resonably priced.Very covid aware and plenty of hand sanitiser about and feltit all felt very safe
5. Slapton Sands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Naturist beach which is located on Slapton Sands, near Strete, south of Dartmouth. In 1944, it was the site of the World War II military exercise, Exercise Tiger.
Reviewed By BryanG256 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
This has been on the Bucket List since I first read about it a few years back. As you travel towards the village you see the inland nature reserve & then a car park with the Sherman Tank that was extracted from the sea by Ken and placed here as a memorial to all the lives lost on that fateful day in Apr 1944 that should have been a practice for D-Day. Very moving indeed because as you venture across the road you see the wide open sandy beach which was so peaceful on our visit & it’s hard to imagine why lives were lost . I understand there is a 2nd tank on the other end of the beach.
6. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.Make sure to bring your camera.
Reviewed By DaveWebbSouthMolton - South Molton, United Kingdom
A cheap, value for money attraction. We have been several times and always found all the staff there informative and very helpful. We particularly like the fact that it is left to be natural which is very important for otters as it replicates their natural environment. well stocked shop with a good selection of goods on sale including some gorgeous canvas photographs of the otters there. The keepers passion for the animals there excels during the otter feeding times and its obviously a love and passion rathe than a job - well done to all of them there for providing what can only be described as a great visit attraction for less than a tenner each!
7. Overbecks Museum and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By sookeico1 - Etchingham, United Kingdom
Long winding road to get there, but well worth the trip. Immaculately kept gardens with some wonderful views from high up over the water. Lots of interesting plants and some great nooks and corners to explore. No cafe/drinks available at present, but still a good experience.
8. River Dart Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart Country Park is one of Devon’s best-loved family tourist attractions and campsites. The park is packed with activities, so get here early for a great day out, or stay longer, and explore Devon, from our award-winning campsite and holiday park!
Reviewed By JMMF89 - Exeter, United Kingdom
Having visited River Dart Country Park last year on a school trip for one day, I decided to book again for two days as there was so much more to do! It was brilliant. On the first day, half of the group did the high ropes course whilst the other half explored the glorious site. It’s beautifully kept, well signposted and well staffed such that letting them roam is no stress at all! All students (11-14) loved it; on a hot day, what could be better than jumping in and out of the cold river with your friends? Lunch consisted of generously filled sandwiches, crisps, chocolate, fruit and a bottle of water. Plus there’s a great shop filled with exciting sweets/ice creams for the kids to buy which, of course, they did. When we returned the next day, half of our group did zorbing and zip wiring while the other half did raft building. Again, a great time was had by all! The staff were very encouraging and kind to those who struggled with the heights. All in all, the CRS adventures staff, as well as the River Dart team, were so accommodating and so professional that the day was made a pleasure. They even let staff have a go at the activities, which is great! Will keep returning to this place time and again, and would definitely recommend to families and schools alike!
9. Canonteign Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Visit us for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Escape the crowds and experience the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park for a perfect day out in Devon for the whole family. Book tickets online before visiting.
Reviewed By seanj123 - Herne Bay, United Kingdom
What a absolutely amazing day out went there last week would visit again if in the area, loved the water fall 220 ft high, lovely walk to the top so much to see and do loads to read about the falls and area it self, amazing day out
10. Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,002 reviews
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.The relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. Outside you can explore the large and romantic woodland garden, with a restored vinery, wild edges and rare plantings, which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary.
Reviewed By JaneP855 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Took the ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway and walked up the steep wooded walkway to the house. Wether you are an Agatha Christie fan or not this ‘loveliest spot in the world’ as she saw certainly comes close. The National Trust have beautifully presented this place with a tastefully underplayed cafe and shop surrounded by sublime gardens and in an amazing setting overlooking the stunning River Dart nestles this White House stacked full of Agatha Christie and her family who clearly loved this place and and had very happy times here, it oozes through every twist and delightful turn as you experience this gem.
