Top Things to do in South Devon
The 10 Best Free Things to do in South Devon, England
Discover the best top things to do in South Devon, United Kingdom including Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk, East Portlemouth & Gara Rock Trail, Mamhead, Slapton Sands, Kingsbridge Quay, Buckfast Abbey, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Hope Cove Beach, Stover Country Park and Nature Reserve, Dawlish Warren Beach.
Restaurants in South Devon
1. 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
2. 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.
3. Mamhead
4. 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.
5. Kingsbridge Quay
6. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.
Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.
7. Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
A free admission contemporary crafts gallery with large shop in a beautiful riverside setting on the fringe of Dartmoor.
Reviewed By N4135PGjulianh
Visited this innovative art/crafts centre tucked inside a picturesque former mill. First you walk into the courtyard where a very welcoming man was operating the mobile coffee shop. Then you walk through into the shop which displays many beautifully designed pieces and objects produced by local artists and craftspeople. Beyond this are the galleries which are laid out traditionally with exhibits placed on plinths and against whitewashed walls, with artists’ summaries of their work and inspiration. The building is an exciting place to exhibit work and provides a great showcase for local talent. If you buy something from the shop the staff are very helpful and share your excitement with your purchase. They can also provide further information on the artists who exhibit at the centre, if you ask at the desk.
8. Hope Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By 375christopherl - Benfleet, United Kingdom
We visited on a cold, wet and windy day. The waves crashing on the breakwater, throwing spume 30 feet in the air was spectacular. I can imagine that in the summer this would be an ideal beach for families with young children. On a sunny day it must look beautiful.
9. Stover Country Park and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Stover Country Park contains over 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland, lake and marsh and a substantial variety of wildlife. It is a site of special scientific interest meaning it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology. The Park features a Nature Interpretation Centre which is situated near the entrance of the park and consists of a visitor centre, classroom, rangers’ office and public toilets. Additional recreation resources include interpretation boards, aeriel walkway, a bird hide, a car park and picnic areas. There is also a wealth of historical interest. Stover Country Park is owned and managed by Devon County Council
Reviewed By World_Travel_Advice - England, United Kingdom
We visited on a Sunday in mid November. It was lovely to walk around the lake in the autumn warm sunshine, surrounded by beautiful tall trees that are wearing their golden, orange and red coats. We loved a leisurely Sunday walk in the park, breathing sweet scented air, watching and feeding ducks and swans, and observing squirrels from the special aireal walkway observation platform. So, take your kids, grannies and dogs, put on your wellies, pack up your lunch, and head to the stover park for a a weekend afternoon out with your family. And don’t forger a loaf of bread to feed the ducks and swans, and nuts for squirrels! Also the ducks love sunflower seeds as we have discovered today! Enjoy the photos that I have posted here. Please rate if this is helpful.
10. Dawlish Warren Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,412 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Ever since I can remember taking holidays at Dawlish Warren and the surrounding area the beach is Sandy very clean and in some cases weather wind dependant sheltered by the sea wall or the rock outcrop at Langstone. Popular beach and sea wall walk to Dawlish around 20 minutes stroll. Warren end shops cafe bar pub toilets and gaming arcade plus speedway all very popular as well. Car parking here can I’d say be a bit of a Devon council cash cow the price of parking that is .... but if your fortune is in luck there may be the odd free space to the left of the fish shop up the station approach room for around six cars.
