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Soak in the culture in Devon

16th November 2018

Categories: Visitor News

Soak in the culture in Devon

We’re sure that you know how amazing the landscape is in Devon by now, from the glorious beaches in North Devon to the national parks and the rolling countryside, but during the winter months, when it starts to get dark a little earlier and the temperature drops, its hard to see the beauty of being outside. Luckily, the scenery isn’t all Devon has going for it, it is a county full of amazing cultural experiences which are well worth the trip when the seasons are against you.

Image by Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Wherever you go in Devon, whether it is one of the big cities or a smaller market town, you’ll be sure to find at least one museum and many of them are free. The smaller museums often focus on the history and heritage of their area and with the fascinating history of the area, from the industrial revolution to it’s connection to the English Civil War, you’ll be sure to find something to titillate you. If you’re in the Exeter area, be sure to stop by the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery. There are 16 galleries of displays to be found inside, plus three exhibition spaces and an ever changing programme, so even if you’ve been before, there will always be something new to discover! Entry is free making it a great family activity for anyone out and about in the city, regardless of what the weather is doing outside! Being in the city, you’re never too far from comfortable and convenient places to stay, take a look at accommodation at Boutique Retreats, they have more than 100 luxury holiday rentals across the UK giving you hotel experience with home from home comforts. If seeing some culture is the whole reason for your trip, while you’re in the area why not visit the nearby Ducks Ditty Bar, the only canal barge café bar in Devon?

Image by Kents Cavern

Another nearby cultural hub that is perfect for families is The Paint Hub. Based in Dawlish, you’re perfectly placed to explore the rest of the town when you’re done creating your own pieces of pottery! Pottery painting is such a fun, friendly and relaxing way to while away the hours being creative and is a great place to spend time while the weather outside is frightful. Spend a few days exploring your creative side and the culture of Devon’s art scene by booking a room at the Riviera Apartments. These self-catering apartments have a spectacular seafront view giving you the best glimpses of the winter sunrises and sunsets over the Teign estuary. Being in this part of Devon also gives you easy to access to some top rated attractions which are just as delightful during the colder months, such as Babbacombe Model Village and Kents Cavern.

Art is a big part of Devon’s culture, take a trip to see the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and stroll along their galleries based in the town of Bovey Tracey. The galleries also have free activities for children to get involved in! With their café and children’s play facilities, you could easily spend all day walking around taking in the creativity and art. The five AA red star Bovey Castle is nearby and is a great choice of accommodation for anyone looking to make an adventure out of their trip, who doesn’t want to stay in a castle after all!

Image by Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Steve Robinson Glass is another interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about the artistic heritage of the county. Not only do you get the chance to look at and buy some amazing pieces of glass work, but there are also workshops held regularly so you can try your hand at making your own creations! They are based in Totnes, one of the quirkiest areas of Devon, making it a great spot to really explore the heritage and culture of the county.

It isn’t just art though, you can also learn more about Devon’s industrial heritage. Head to the Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum and Country Park. It is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK and having been in continuous production since 1797, is probably one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country. Once you’ve had your fill of learning about wool mills, why not take the kids to Diggerland and let them discover more about machinery? You can even top off the break by staying in Tiverton Castle!

Image by Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum and Country Park

Of course, these are just a few of Devon’s cultural and heritage attractions, being a county so steeped in history and inspirational landscapes, you’ll find theatres, galleries, museums and exhibitions all over the place! Many of the top-rated touring shows make appearances in Devon’s theatres, so do check with the theatre to see what their latest shows are.

Have you spent time in one of Devon’s heritage attractions? We’d love to hear about your experience, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!