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 Devon offers a beautiful coastline and expansive countryside giving you unspoilt greenery, gorgeous beaches and picturesque villages.
Top beaches in South Devon
- Bantham Beach
- Bigbury on Sea
- Blackpool Sands
- Dawlish Warren
- Hope Cove Beach
- Slapton Sands
Top places to visit in South Devon
Where to stay in South Devon
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 night's stay, including family-run B&Bs, rustic cottages, luxury boutique hotels, chalets and caravans.
Top places to stay for families:
Top places to stay for couples
Things to do in South Devon
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, cycle 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.
Top places to explore history in South Devon
- Totnes
The market town is not only a Bohemian shopping paradise but is home to a castle and the Brutus Stone - Plymouth
Visit Royal William Yard, the Barbican and other areas of this historic city and see where the Mayflower set sail - Bigbury on Sea
Check out Burgh Island and ride a sea tractor! - Dartmouth
Home to Dartmouth Castle, which was once home to a pirate!
Our Highlights...
Shopping in South Devon
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.
Or how about some retail therapy in Plymouth?
South Devon Natural Landscape (AONB)
The South Devon Natural Landscape (formerly known as the 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.
South Devon Events
Bright and Beautiful - An Exhibition of works by Caroline Barker
Artizan Printmaking and Sculpture Gallery welcomes Devon based printmaker, Caroline Barker to the…
Earth Photo exhibition at Haldon Forest Park
Forestry England's outdoor exhibition of Earth Photo shortlisted works returns to Haldon Forest…
Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic…
Osman Yousefzada - When will we be good enough?
Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays 'Power doesn't die, it reinvents…
Planet Ocean
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and selected bank holidays (not open on Good Friday or Monday 27 May 2024)…
Salchemist Masterclass
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new tasting experience which will be held in Island…
Take 4 Artists
The Gallery at Paradiso is excited to host Take 4 Artists featuring the work of 4 talented local…
The Three Musketeers
TAODS latest production is a panto written and produced by John Parker. Loosely (very loosely) based…
Burns Night Supper, Whisky Tasting and Live Music
Raise a glass and toast Scotland's legendary poet, Robert Burns, at a special Burns Night…
Community Programme Exhibition: The Bird and the Rhino
The Bird and the Rhino is an exhibition that brings together and celebrates artworks from Harbour…
LOVE BUGS
Using mini puppets made by the children, interactive storytelling and song, the audience will follow…
Making It 2025
As part of their 70th Anniversary events, MAKE Southwest presents Making It, an exhibi-tion which…
Tree Planting
We are working with Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest to create, restore, and connect 52…
Half Day Art Retreat with Emmeline Webb
Prebooking and pre-payment essential. Only 8 people per class. Escape to Mill End for a relaxing…
Big Dreams Live
Big Dreams Live is an interactive reading of the book Big Dreams. Follow the story of Little Girl…
JACK DEE - Small World
CULTURE WARS, THE ENVIRONMENT, BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY and SOCIAL JUSTICE: these are just a few of…
Queen Extravaganza: Celebrating 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody
Fans of legendary rock band Queen can look forward to another 'kind of magic' in 2025 when…
BOGOF Valentine's Day at Dartmoor Zoo
Treat someone you love to a Zoo day this Valentines! Our buy one get one free offer is back this…
February Half Term at Beverley Holidays
February Half Term Breaks at Beverley Holidays Looking for the perfect getaway this February Half…
For the Love of Cheese
Join us for an unforgettable Valentine's Day celebration at Kents Cavern in partnership with…
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