Sometimes you go to a place because you want to do all the traditional tourist things, like eating a cream tea or surfing on the beach, but sometimes, you want to do something different that you can tell people about when you get home. For those of you into the unusual, here are five unique things to do when you’re in Devon.

chillis

Visit a chilli farm

Did you know there is a Chilli Farm in Devon? Did you also know that Jamie Oliver claims it is the best in the country? We could be cheesy and tell you this is the hottest attraction in South Devon, but we don’t think you’d believe us until you’ve actually been there. There are over 200 variety of chilli and a chilli themed playground, plus a taste challenge. The farm can be found in Loddiswell, which is near Kingsbridge where you can find a whole host of interesting local shops. Nearby Salcombe is a great place to find accommodation and places to eat, you might need to wash down some of those chillis, so be sure to stop off at the Salcombe Distillery Company for a gin or two. Millbrook Inn is also in the vicinity and is a delightful place to spend a few hours enjoying the brook and some of the food on offer. The Thurlestone Hotel is a luxury four-star hotel in Salcombe that will provide an ideal retreat for anyone who needs some time to recover from the chilli taste challenge.

babbacombe model village

Feel like a giant at a model village

Feel like you’re 10 feet tall by surrounding yourself with hundreds of minature buildings and tiny people by going to Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay. You’ll find everything from a mini England to a celebrity mansion, a football stadium and a dragon. What more could you want? It’s a great place to take the kids and being in such close proximity to Torquay, PaigntonTeignmouth and Dawlish there are plenty of other attractions, shopping opportunities and places to stay. While you’re in the area, you should book a room at the Cary Arms and Spa, with the surroundings you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re somewhere very far away. Speaking of Torquay…

 

child with a dinosaur

Image by Torquay Dinosaur World

Head back into the Jurassic period

Torquay’s Dinosaur World is a fun interactive indoor exhibition of dinosaurs and fossils! It is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves dinosaurs. There are over 70 full size and scaled dinosaurs set in realistic scenes where you can learn more about them. Stay over at the Haytor Hotel, the hotel consistently received a range of awards so you can guarantee a great holiday. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at Be Tempted Restaurant from Beyond Escapes where you can sample some of the best food Devon has to offer.

 

pig racing

Image by Pennywell Farm

 

Watch small pigs race each other

Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh is a fun place to visit, especially if you’re an animal lover! Be sure to visit and witness a miniature pig race, you’ll never know how agile they are until you see it with your own eyes. There are plenty of fun things to do in the area, including the South Devon Railway where you can ride a steam train. Being so close to Dartington Hall, why not spend some time exploring the estate? There are events, places to stay and even some interesting shops nearby for you to browse. Totnes also has a Time Traveller’s Museum among other fascinating and unique places to visit, so this is a good place to go if you’re looking for something unusual.

 

barometer

 

Be amazed by Barometers


For anyone who has ever shown an interest in weather or wanted to learn more about detecting changes in the atmosphere, you need to take them to Barometer World in Okehampton. Within the museum you’ll find an early weather machine that uses leeches to tell the forecast. Yes, really. Okehampton is also home to a castle and is known as the walking centre of Devon as it is on several walking trails. Nearby is Gidleigh Park which sits majestically on the bubbling River Teign. They are well known for their amazing fine dining, so whether or not you choose to stay over, do check out their menus.  Roadford Lake, near Okehampton, is the place to go if you want to experience a real river adventure. You could take the lessons you learn at the barometers museum and put them into practice while out on the water.

 

Can you think of any more unusual things to do when you’re in Devon? Let us know! Connect with us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram and be sure to tag us in your posts.