Explore South Devon
Want to escape the stresses of daily life? Whether it’s for a day trip, weekend or longer, South Devon is the place for you. Full of activities and attractions, it’s the perfect place for romantic getaways, sightseeing or keeping the kids entertained. This area of South Devon offers a beautiful coastline and expansive countryside giving you unspoilt greenery, gorgeous beaches and picturesque villages.
Wonderful Food & Drink
This area of Devon has some fantastic places to eat and drink and the residents are very proud of their local produce, from seafood to fruit and veg, locally produced beers to soft drinks. South Devon’s fantastic food and drink can be sampled in the many wonderful cafés, pubs and restaurants which can be found in the towns and villages throughout the region.
Where to Stay
One great way to experience South Devon is to be at one with nature, this region offers some of the best camping and caravan sites in the South West, but if roughing it isn’t your style, there are also a range of options without sacrificing the great outdoors, such as yurts and glamping.
The exciting accommodation options don’t end there though; South Devon has hundreds of places to choose from for a perfect nights stay, including family-run B&Bs, rustic cottages, luxury boutique hotels, chalets and caravans.
Attractions and Adventures
Once you’ve found yourself somewhere to stay, you’re going to want to get exploring and find things to do, and this part of the region has plenty to offer.
With glorious countryside and a stunning coastline it’s easy to find some great scenery to explore, from secret coves, sandy beaches and the South West Coast Path to miles of footpaths, cycles routes and bridleways, as well as nature reserves, The South Devon Natural Landscape (AONB) and Dartmoor National Park.
With a region that has such a rich history there is no end of historical sites and heritage attractions to keep even the biggest history buffs happy. If you have little ones to entertain there are animal encounters, adventure parks and children’s crafts centres that will provide days of fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Great for Shopping
South Devon is a great destination for shoppers. Not only can you browse traditional market towns such as Newton Abbot and Kingsbridge, you can also take a trip to Totnes, one of the oldest towns in England, which is full of local arts and produce. In the coastal towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe you’ll find a whole range of independent shops, art galleries and trendy brands. But fashion junkies need not miss out either, in addition to the diverse selection on offer, South Devon boasts superb high street shopping.
A Unique Venue Setting
With great road and rail links as well as a regional airport South Devon is an ideal choice for your corporate event, team building exercise or venue hire. For conferences, business meetings and staff training days there are purpose built conference centres and interesting venues which will give your meetings a real wow factor. The area provides the perfect backdrop for your special day and there are plenty of wedding venues dotted around the region. From historical castles, luxury hotels to unique venues you’re sure to find a celebration setting that suits you and your partner’s style.
South Devon AONB
The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of 46 specially designated areas of outstanding natural beauty in the UK and sits alongside a number of other designated areas in the county of Devon.
The area stretches over 130 square miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside reaching from Berry Head in Brixham to Jennycliff in Plymouth. The region is known for its fabulous views and the quality of its walking routes. You can find details of these trails and information about the AONB here.
Our Highlights...
South Devon Events
12 Week In-Person Stained Glass Course on Tuesday Afternoons
Hosted in a fully equipped stained glass studio, this 12-week course is a great opportunity to be…
Cockington Court Sculpture Trail 2024
Ahoy art lovers, explorers and pirate enthusiasts! The Cockington Court sculpture trail returns this…
Fantazy
Imagine if you will, you are looking for an evening's entertainment that will conjure up a…
Jeremy Deller: Music is Prophecy
Music Is Prophecy brings together three works by Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller, which explore a…
Outdoor Shakespeare at Mothecombe House
Two Outdoor performances of Shakespeare's greatest plays in the stunning setting of Mothecombe…
Planet Ocean
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays (not open on Good Friday or Monday 27 May 2024)…
The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure
See a major international exhibition featuring some of the hottest names in contemporary art at The…
Whiddon Autumn Festival 2024
Whiddon Autumn Festival 2024 18-22 September 2024 WORLD-CLASS VOCAL AND CHAMBER MUSIC IN THE HEART…
Dartmoor Ghost Walk - Princetown
Fancy spending a couple of hours in and around Princetown in the company of David Phillips, a…
Home Educator Day
Back by popular demand! Home Educator Day: Thursday 19th September 2024. Dartmoor Zoo is a great…
Wine Tasting Dinner
Join us as we take a journey through the world of fine wines matched with delicious food. Our Head…
DadFest2024
This annual event is for fathers/dads/male carers and their children (boys and girls) of all ages. A…
Horseracing at Newton Abbot Racecourse
Join us for a day to remember at Newton Abbot Racecourse. With 18 thrilling horseracing fixtures…
Seriously Collins - Phil Collins/Genesis Tribute
Get ready to be transported back in time to relive the legendary hits of Phil Collins and Genesis!…
Elvis Tribute Night
We are delighted to announce the huge refurbishment of the Esplanade Hotel is now complete! To…
From Devon With Love: Bowie's Nose & The Mushroom Show
A double bill of family events for children aged 5+. Organised by Devon-based arts charity Villages…
Guided Garden Tours
What better way is there to explore a garden? One of the members of the garden team will meet you by…
Rachel Tucker The "I'm Home" Tour
Olivier nominated Rachel Tucker is famed for her powerhouse performance that "leaves no roof…
YUM Part One... Connection
Lose yourself within a mycelium-themed, conscious, unified, immersive evening of dance music…
Gardening Course - one day workshop
Ollie's gardening courses are always popular, he is friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and…
See more from South Devon on our blog
Spotlight on the English Riviera
- 5 minute read
The English Riviera has been a popular holiday resort since the Victorian times but it isn’t just for the summer – it’s a great destination, whatever the time of year. Located in South Devon, the English Riviera is a picturesque place, with a stunning coastline, award winning attractions…
Learn MoreBoringdon Hall Hotel Invites Guests to a host of events this Autumn and Winter
- 4 minute read
Boringdon Hall Hotel has curated an outstanding line-up of events celebrating food, drink, creativity, and Christmas, taking place from October until New Year’s Eve. Perched on the edge of Dartmoor, Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa is a 5-star hotel home to Michelin star restaurant Àclèaf and…
Learn MoreHeritage Open Days Offer Peek Behind the Scenes at South Devon Railway
- 1 minute read
To celebrate the nationwide Heritage Open Days event, South Devon Railway will be allowing special ‘Behind the Scenes’ access to visitors on Saturday, 14 th and Sunday, 15 th September. This weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to see what is required to keep a heritage railway running; a…
Learn MoreDay of exploration for all at five-star Bovey Castle
- 2 minute read
Locals and holidaymakers are being invited to explore why a five-star Devon hotel has been crowned one of the best in the South West at its annual open day. Bovey Castle, in Dartmoor National Park, is opening its doors to the general public for free on Sunday, September 22 nd between 12 noon and 4pm…
Learn MoreSouth Devon Railway Extends Kids Go Free Offer due to Ongoing High Demand
- 2 minute read
South Devon Railway is extending its Kids Go Free offer until 6 th September because of popular demand. Initially planned to end this weekend (10 th August), the offer is now being carried on into next month to coincide with the return to school. Railway bosses say they decided to keep the offer going…
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