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  1. History & Culture

You are here > Home > Things To Do > Attractions > History & Culture

Dartington Hall

Dartington Hall

The historic Dartington Hall is an inspiring, 1200-acre cultural destination just outside the…

Hartland Abbey & Gardens exterior

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile…

South Devon Railway

South Devon Railway

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY The South Devon Railway is a glorious branch line of the former Great…

Bicton Countryside Museum

Featuring a huge collection of exhibits that mirrors changes to village life, farming,…

Stuart Line Cruises

Voted ‘Best Small Attraction in Devon’, Stuart Line Cruises is a multi-award-winning, family-run…

Powderham Castle

There is so much to see and do at Powderham Castle you will be pushed to fit it all in to one day,…

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  • 1Dartington Hall
  • 2Hartland Abbey & Gardens
  • 3South Devon Railway
  • 4Bicton Countryside Museum
  • 5Stuart Line Cruises
  • 6Powderham Castle
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History & Culture

From incredible heritage attractions, to iron age settlements, castles, Roman roads and a rich maritime history, there is something from every era here to enjoy. As you'd imagine, Devon's history and culture is a rich and varied tapestry!

Magical Maritime history

Our county's great seafaring history is well known and has greatly influenced its culture. Many famous historical figures feature in Devon's past, including Sir Francis Drake, Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Walter Raleigh. 

But there's more to Devon's history and culture: the Romans and their influence on Exeter; the Viking invasion, and battle sites in North Devon; the story of Exeter Cathedral, now over 1,000 years old; mining and farming. Many Devon tradition, customs and events have evolved around these and more, making this a fascinating place to visit.

Dartmoor's ancient tales

Visits to Dartmoor gives you access to a whole host of myths and legends, as well as the remains of iron and bronze age settlements and of course, the ancient Dartmoor pony herds. Around Dartmoor are a number of historical villages, hamlets and towns with lots of museums and country homes. 

WW2 and beyond

Devon has several connections to the second world war, Slapton Sands was the host of a rehearsal for D-Day, you'll find a Sherman Tank at Torcross at the end of the beach. You can find a number of old Pill Boxes along the South West Coast Path and everything from former barracks to stained glass windows created by Prisoners of War. 

The county is full of amazing history and heritage attractions, including working museums, the oldest working distillery in the UK and more! 

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Number of results: 43

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  1. Tractor

    Add Bicton Countryside Museum to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 929 review(s)from 929 review(s)

    Bicton Countryside Museum

    Budleigh Salterton

    There is something uniquely eclectic and informal about the diversity of exhibits that greet visitors to the Bicton Countryside Museum.

  2. Powderham Castle

    Add Powderham Castle to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1032 review(s)from 1032 review(s)

    Powderham Castle

    Exeter

    Come & explore Powderham's unique story.

  3. Buckfast Abbey

    Add Buckfast Abbey to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1534 review(s)from 1534 review(s)

    Buckfast Abbey

    Buckfast, Buckfastleigh

    Nestled in the shadow of Dartmoor, in a beautiful wooded valley beside the river Dart, Buckfast Abbey offers visitors a tranquil refuge from the hectic pace of everyday life.…

  4. Dartington Hall

    Add Dartington Hall to your Itinerary

    Dartington Hall

    Totnes

    Historic Dartington Hall is an inspiring, 1200-acre cultural destination just outside Totnes.

  5. Clovelly

    Add Clovelly to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2692 review(s)from 2692 review(s)

    Clovelly

    Bideford

    Clovelly, North Devon.  Welcome to a different world!

  6. South Devon Railway

    Add South Devon Railway to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1318 review(s)from 1318 review(s)

    South Devon Railway

    Buckfastleigh

    South Devon Railway. Experience Devon's delights by steam train.

  7. stuart line cruises

    Add Stuart Line Cruises to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 854 review(s)from 854 review(s)

    Stuart Line Cruises

    Exmouth


    Voted ‘Best Small Attraction in Devon’, Stuart Line Cruises is a multi-award-winning, family-run passenger boat company, based in the traditional seaside town of Exmouth, in…

  8. Hartland Abbey & Gardens exterior

    Add Hartland Abbey & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Hartland Abbey & Gardens

    Bideford

    A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile from Hartland Quay on the N W Devon coast, is to step back in time.

  9. National Trust - Saltram

    Add National Trust - Saltram to your Itinerary

    National Trust - Saltram

    Plymouth

    The perfect family day out, close to Plymouth and yet in a world of its own, Saltram National Trust.

  10. Beer quarry caves

    Add Beer Quarry Caves to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 1076 review(s)from 1076 review(s)

    Beer Quarry Caves

    Seaton

    Beer Quarry Caves has a 2,000-year history of quarrying   Beer stone using virtually unchanged methods from Roman times until the last century.

    Our guides will take you on…

  11. Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall

    Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall

    Explore Devon and Cornwall by train and enjoy stunning coastal views, rolling green countryside, wooded valleys and river crossings.

  12. National Trust - Greenway House

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2081 review(s)from 2081 review(s)

    National Trust - Greenway House

    Brixham

    National Trust Greenway - take a glimpse into the holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie.

  13. National Trust - Castle Drogo

    Add National Trust - Castle Drogo to your Itinerary

    National Trust - Castle Drogo

    Nr Exeter

    Dramatic National Trust castle overlooking the Teign Gorge, undergoing a conservation project.

  14. Kents Cavern Torquay

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 3601 review(s)from 3601 review(s)

    Kents Cavern Torquay

    Torquay

    Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

  15. National Trust - Coleton Fishacre House & Garden

    Add National Trust - Coleton Fishacre House & Garden to your Itinerary

    National Trust - Coleton Fishacre House & Garden

    Kingswear

    Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the country home of the D'Oyly Carte family. 

  16. blue flowers

    Add National Trust - Killerton to your Itinerary

    National Trust - Killerton

    Exeter

    Killerton Estate in the heart of Devon.

  17. Fursdon Gardens and Tea Room

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 65 review(s)from 65 review(s)

    Fursdon Gardens and Tea Room

    Exeter

    Fursdon is one of Devon’s oldest family homes where the Fursdon family has lived for more than 750 years. The setting is stunning with views across the parkland and beyond…

  18. carosel

    Add Dingles Fairground Museum to your Itinerary

    Dingles Fairground Museum

    Lifton

    The Dingles Fairground Museum, fabulous Devon day out.

  19. Exeter Cathedral

    Add Exeter Cathedral to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - from 2978 review(s)from 2978 review(s)

    Exeter Cathedral

    Exeter

    Discover a thousand years of inspiration at one of Europe’s most significant cathedrals.

  20. National Trust - Knightshayes

    Add National Trust - Knightshayes to your Itinerary

    National Trust - Knightshayes

    Tiverton

    One of the finest gardens in the South West, Knightshayes is a masterpiece of architectural planting.

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