Local Attractions in South Devon

Days out for the whole family

South Devon has a whole host of attractions for all the family to enjoy. Some are perfect for rainy days, such as the National Marine Aquarium, while others are fabulous for the little ones, like Pennywell Farm. Here are a few of our favourites including the best local beaches, but go to the Devon’s Top Attractions website to find even more.

Buckfast Abbey

BUCKFAST

Still home to a community of Benedictine monks, there is a magnificent Abbey Church, tranquil gardens and their famous Tonic Wine.

www.buckfast.org.uk

Buckland Abbey

YELVERTON

Francis Drake’s home with 700 years of stories.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey

Crealy Adventure Park

NR EXETER

Discover a whole world of all-weather action and adventure at Crealy.

www.crealy.co.uk

Dartmoor Zoo

NEAR PLYMOUTH

Set within 33 acres of woodland and the inspiration for Hollywood film ‘We bought a Zoo’

www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/

Dartmouth Castle

DARTMOUTH

Guardian of the Dart, 600 years of history.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/dartmouth

Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat

DARTMOUTH

Pleasure cruises and round trip journeys on the spectacular River Dart.

www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Eden Project

NEAR ST. AUSTELL

Although situated in Cornwall, it is only 1.5 hours from Carswell Farm and well worth the drive. In the Eden Project’s huge covered conservatories, you can visit rainforests, the Mediterranean, South Africa and California.

www.edenproject.com

Kents Cavern

TORQUAY

An extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible Stone Age caves.

www.kents-cavern.co.uk

The Box

PLYMOUTH

plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive with a 2022 European Museum of the Year Special Commendation.

https://www.theboxplymouth.com/

Mount Edgecumbe

Nr PLYMOUTH

Mount Edgecumbe is situated in beautiful landscape, and the house is open during the summer months. Why not catch the Cremyll foot ferry from Plymouth?

www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

National Marine Aquarium

PLYMOUTH

The UK’s biggest aquarium with 3 floors of amazing marine life! All indoors.

www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

PAIGNTON

One of Britain’s best zoos with with over 2000 animals spread over 80 acres.

www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre

NR BUCKFASTLEIGH

An award-winning farm near Buckfastleigh. This is a fantastic day out for families, with hundreds of friendly animals as well as plenty of activities and rides.

www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Plymouth Arts Cinema

PLYMOUTH

An independent cinema showing world cinema and arthouse films as well as more mainstream films.

plymouthartscinema.org

Plymouth Gin Distillery

PLYMOUTH

Plymouth’s historic Barbican is the oldest in the country, and is well known the world over for the excellent quality of its gin. Shop and distillery tour.

www.plymouthgin.com

Quaywest

TORQUAY

Wet & wild for all the family. A unique way to celebrate Summer in Torbay.

www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk/quaywest

Saltram House and Gardens

PLYMOUTH

A stunning house with lovely grounds overlooking the River Plym at Plympton which is full of treasures, stories and intrigue.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

Tamar Cruising

PLYMOUTH

Why not take to the water and see the historical sights of Plymouth.

www.tamarcruising.com

The Shops at Dartington

TOTNES

An eclectic mix of local, artisan shops with plenty of parking.

www.dartington.org/visit/shops

Theatre Royal Plymouth

PLYMOUTH

A fantastic venue hosting internationally renowned performances.

theatreroyal.com

Woodlands Leisure Park

Nr DARTMOUTH

60 acres of family rides, attractions and animals. All weather fun!

www.woodlandspark.com