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
'Flow' Art Exhibition
Dive into our latest exhibition, Flow. Inspired by water, the selected works are a wide range of…
Beyond the Page: South Asian Miniature Painting and Britain, 1600 to Now
'Beyond the Page' includes a fantastic selection of historic works featuring battle scenes…
Carlsberg Open
Carlsberg Golf Open Teams of 2 Breakfast and Carvery included
English Riviera Walking Festival
Pack your rucksacks, fill your flasks, dig out your walking boots and join us at the English Riviera…
Gruffalo Party Trail
Celebrate Gruffalo's 25th birthday on a brand new forest adventure Haldon Forest…
John Akomfrah: Arcadia
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays Experience the UK premiere of a major new…
Legendary Folk Rockers "Steeleye Span" 55th Anniversary Tour
Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of the genre forever, taking it out of small…
Magical Unicorn Month at Pennywell Farm!
Looking for an enchanting and magical experience? Join us from Saturday 4th May to Sunday 2nd June…
MAYhem at Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo have gone WILD and sliced all our prices! From 7th – 24th May, get 25% off ALL tickets…
Mixed Team Open
Mixed Team Golf Open Teams of 4 28th July Best two scores to count Food before and after
Our Natural World
OUR NATURAL WORLD The Gallery at Paradiso is excited to present our latest art show, called…
Planet Ocean
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays (not open on Good Friday or Monday 27 May 2024)…
The Carys: From Rebels to Riches
Created by the South West Heritage Trust and Torre Abbey the exhibition showcases items from the…
Tree Lore Trail
May is National Walking Month, so why not enjoy a stroll, stomp or saunter on the yellow estate…
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA: End of Empire
Commissioned by 14-18 NOW, 'End of Empire' features two dapper figures with globe heads on a…
Fantazy
Imagine if you will, you are looking for an evening's entertainment that will conjure up a…
Totnes Indoor Artisan Market
Totnes Indoor Artisan Market is held in Totnes Civic Hall on the second Tuesday of the month from…
Dean Friedman
Hailed by critics and fans, alike, as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean…
Charity Garden opening
Charity Garden opening
Dart Music Festival
The annual three day Dart Music Festival is held n the port and town of Dartmouth, at the mouth of…
See more from South Devon on our blog
Celebrate National Walking Month with the South West Coast Path
- 4 minute read
May is National Walking Month and to celebrate, the South West Coast Path Association is calling path lovers to sign up and step out on their Magnificent 7 walks. The charity, which has been caring for the South West Coast Path, for over 50 years is urging people to step up and join them on one of…
Learn MorePlymouth Street Food Festival is back and bigger than ever
- 4 minute read
Street Food Warehouse is thrilled to announce that Plymouth Street Food Festival will be making a triumphant return to Central Park (PL2 3DG) over the early May Bank Holiday. From Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May they will be bringing you four days of great food, entertainment and family fun! Up to 30…
Learn MoreExperience Tranquillity and Luxury at Compton Pool Holiday Cottages in South Devon
- 3 minute read
Nestled amidst the serene countryside of South Devon lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – Compton Pool Holiday Cottages. Set within 14 acres of picturesque landscape, this idyllic retreat offers a perfect blend of tranquillity, luxury, and outdoor adventure, making it the ultimate…
Learn MoreFinalists announced for South West Tourism Excellence Awards
- 2 minute read
Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a…
Learn MoreRomantic things to do in Devon this Valentine’s Day
- 3 minute read
Looking for something to do with your significant other over Valentine’s Day? There are a host of fun events and activities taking place throughout the week, from the big day itself to the weekend. If you’re spending time at the Dartmoor National Park, you’ll never be too far from romantic sights…
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