Top Things to do in South Devon
What to do and see in South Devon, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in South Devon, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk, Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, The Timehouse, East Portlemouth & Gara Rock Trail, Ashburton Swimming Pool, Berry Pomeroy Castle, Totnes Guildhall, Overbecks Museum and Garden, Ugbrooke House & Park.
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. Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By HANENAX - Lydney, United Kingdom
Places like this need supporting as when they are gone they are gone. Only found this museum as we passed it on the way to our hotel. Owned and run by a genuinely nice man whose name is Frank and who owns all the exhibits. An amazing collection of old cars and motorbikes which both look and smell incredible. Took me back to simpler times that no longer exist. If you are in the area take time to visit this tardis. £7 entrance fee is worth it for what you are helping to preserve.
4. The Timehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 481 reviews
The Timehouse is due to re-open 21 June 2021 subject to the Covid situation. Check here and elsewhere online for updates.
5. 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.
6. Ashburton Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Ashburton Swimming Pool is a beautiful outdoor heated pool that is open from May until September. It is 21 x 9m is heated to about 27C. The pool appeals to children and adults alike with various sessions and membership options available. It is found in the heart of the historic South Devon town of Ashburton, nestled on the southern side of the vast Dartmoor National Park. There is a lovely field for picnics and games next to the pool and a small cafe run by volunteers for drinks and snacks. There are also a wide selection of cafes, pubs and deli's in the town itself. The nearest parking is the public car park in the centre of Ashburton, which is about 5 minutes walk away. The pool is run by volunteers from the community and is a charity.
7. Berry Pomeroy Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin with a colourful history of intrigue. Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in around 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from around 1600, their mansion was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End. Never completed, and abandoned by 1700, it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, recounted in the audio tour. The location of the castle makes it ideal for walkers who can explore the nearby beautiful woodland or you can enjoy a light lunch, home made cake or restorative cup of tea in the cafe. Within a short drive are Totnes Castle and Dartmouth Castle, making it an ideal day out for families.
Reviewed By 236traceya - Havant, United Kingdom
A scenic & peaceful area with the stunning ruins of the famously haunted Berry Pomeroy Castle that is steeped in a turbulent & colourful history between the Pomeroy & Seymour families, that is lovingly maintained by the English Heritage Society, there is a small on-site cafe & a limited amount of parking in the carpark nearby that has some marked disabled bays, but be careful of the narrow bendy lanes to get there, as I found it quite dangerous with people driving far too fast in the opposite direction when the roads were muddy & the sun was glaring, nevertheless it was well worth the visit, just don't forget to book online before visiting.
8. Totnes Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By 695lynnp - Cincinnati, United States
Stumbled across this place behind St. Mary's church. A gentlemen who appeared to be "on duty" was eager to share with us the history of the town guild hall, which contains a listing of all the mayors, including the current mayor dressed in formal mayoral garb. Also a mantrap (!) and cell in which criminals were held. The hall itself is small. Worth a quick stop to see and hear a bit of English history before returning to walking the steep HIgh Street of Totnes with its charming shops.
9. 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.
10. Ugbrooke House & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By tinabC4921NI - Chudleigh, United Kingdom
It is only open certain times throughout the summer but it is well worth a visit. Interesting history to the hoyse. Lovely gardens and delicious teas
