Top Things to do in South Devon
What to do and see in South Devon, England: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in South Devon, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk, The Timehouse, Berry Pomeroy Castle, Stover Country Park and Nature Reserve, Dawlish Warren Beach, Teignmouth to Dawlish Railway Walk, Decoy Country Park, Teignmouth Town Beach, Plant World Gardens & Nursery.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Teignmouth to Dawlish Railway Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Its a good 20 odd minutes stroll along the sea wall usually fairly busy around 5 minutes walk you reach sprey point couple of seats on the grass verge if needed but continue on towards the railway tunnel outlet Parsons tunnel you will note steps that go under the railway here is the salty dog kiosk ... coffee anyone ? If your a train buff usually plenty of trains traverse here Remember if your walking to Dawlish you need to go up smugglers lane walk on the road side pick the coastal path just passed smugglers inn
8. Decoy Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By kathandherb - Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
Took granddaughter for morning play. Great park plenty to do feed the ducks plenty of area for football. Lovely park ...swings spiny logs . Shop with tea coffee icecream .clean toilets.. great time was had
9. Teignmouth Town Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By 43alistairc - Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
This is a great beach to walk along, especially with dogs. It's great that a large section is dog friendly all year round. You get lovely views and you can paddle or swim from most areas of the beach.
10. Plant World Gardens & Nursery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 147 reviews
Plant World's four acres of landscaped hilltop gardens representing each of the five continents has been called Devon's 'little outdoor Eden' and has featured on national TV. Rare exotic plants can be bought in the plant nursery. Parking, picnic area and nursery entry are all free whilst a modest garden entry charge is made for adults. The modern café serving light lunches, home-made cakes and espresso coffee has absolutely fantastic panoramic views. Open April-September inc.
Reviewed By GeorgePettit
Lovely location with fab views over the Teign Valley the garden is split in to different parts of the world based loosely around the 5 continents. Really well set out with interesting paths and loads of unusual plants, shrubs and trees etc to see. Some hilarious "homemade" garden ornaments and signs but we all thought this added to its charm and unique character.
