I kind of grew up in Devon as during my first visit there I was less than 2 months old! My closest British family lives on the edge of Dartmoor, an amazing place, but in the middle of nowhere! As a proof to the last statement I’ll just say that Michael Jackson’s family moved in Devon to escape the media spotlight…
This post will concentrate on South Devon and the South Hams (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) as these are the places I know best.
Where is it? What is it know for?
It is situated in the South West of England, and stuck between Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.
Amazing landscapes
Go hiking in Dartmoor or Exmoor
Explore seaside cities/towns : Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth or Plymouth (THE British Riviera)
Yummy food
Explore UK’s oldest commercial bakery (Jacka Bakery : https://www.facebook.com/JackaBakery/
Taste pure Devonshire Custard (Ambrosia was born in the very heart of Lifton, Devon)
Eat the best Devon Blue cheeses
Beautiful historical cities
Exeter: Home of a lot of JK Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter
Anything to do?
On a rainy day
Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
That’s a fun activity to do with children! I personally went there a few years ago and spent an amazing day. There, you can enjoy and learn about tropical butterflies and feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy. In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species to see, and they are so cute and funny!
Endsleigh Garden Center
This big complex offers a great excuse to go shopping, from plants to home decoration or books. I strongly advise you to stop by the big café as they have amazing cakes and pastries.
On a sunny day
Dartington Hall and shops
It’s a beautiful estate offering wonderful courses, talks, festivals and events all year long. If you feel like a walk, you’re welcome to go through the Gardens or Deer Park and learn more about the history of the site and its previous owners.
There are many places to stay for the night, restaurants and cafés as well as the Dartington Shops, a small village offering many none-high-street (cute) shops.
Avon Dam Reservoir
For me, one of the most beautiful places in the world where you can enjoy an easy 3-mile
walk in the Dartmoor. The first part of the walk is wonderful as you follow a road next to the river Avon (suitable for push-chairs, wheelchairs and bikes). Then, you can either continue on a same kind of path or go off-track, which I think is the best, as after a steep and long hill, you end up just by the Avon Dam. It is a wonderful way to explore the moors and suits everyone!
Beach-mood
Bigbury
Sand beach and rock pools for little ones and a wide selection of water sports available. There is also a nice place to have a lunch snack or an ice-cream! You can find a pub and hotel on the island opposite, but only accessible by foot during low tide.
The plus: It is lifeguarded from 07/07 to 02/09 and 10-6 daily.
Leisure with kids
Pennywell farm
It is a good activity for young children as it involves farm animals and great activities. From tractor rides, piggy cuddles or goat milking, the little ones will enjoy their day. It also have an amazing view on Dartmoor national park.
Woodlands
For me, it is THE place to be, whether you’re an adult, teenager, kid, you’ll enjoy this fun day. Devon’s largest family theme park offers one of the best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides and a zoo farm.
Haldon Forest
Again, an activity suitable for anyone, but better if you enjoy bike rides. Parents can have a quiet stroll and kids an amazing mountain biking experience. Different cycling trails suit all abilities, but I strongly suggest that you don’t get as OTT as I did by choosing the toughest one, and regretting it! Haldon also offers a huge range of activities such as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses, play equipment and more. The best thing about the place is that it’s accessible but away from everything. You can enjoy a whole day there by bringing your own picnic or buying a little snack on-site.
How to move about?
Stage Coach well deserves Devon, even the most rural parts!
This is my personal Devon guide, based on my experience. Hope you enjoyed the post!
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