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Heritage attractions you should visit when in Devon

19th September 2018

Categories: Visitor News

Heritage attractions you should visit when in Devon

Devon has a rich and varied history and many parts of the county still have buildings and markets with their original features. So, when visiting the area, why not learn something new or introduce the children to a few fun historical facts by exploring some of the region’s castles and stately homes?

Image by Tiverton Castle

Tiverton Castle is a great place to start your historical tour of Devon, it was originally built in wood back in 1101, but has since been rebuilt and changed to the design it is now. It has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and there are events and activities regularly held to keep children amused. If you fancy a bit more history after spending a few hours at the castle, you can visit the last remaining horse drawn barge in the UK by going to Tiverton Canal Company. Relax on a Horse-Drawn Barge trip along the canal and take in the sights of the nearby such as the country park and the nature reserve.

Parents will love the chance to visit the Ducks Ditty Bar, Devon’s only canal barge café barge for a drink or two and the children will enjoy themselves at this unique venue. If you want to spend the night in the castle, you can Tiverton Castle has accommodation! Or if you want to be somewhere central to a range of attractions, the Best Western Tiverton Hotel isn’t too far away.

Image by Kents Cavern

It isn’t just castles that Devon has to offer, in Torquay you’ll find Kents Cavern, a set of prehistoric caves. Tours of these caves are led by entertaining guides and you can visit an underground exhibition and take part in their Stone Age themed trail and activities for the children. If the caves weren’t exciting enough, you could combine the trip with a visit to Torquay’s Dinosaur World offering fun interactive exhibitions. You can also visit animals that aren’t extinct by heading to Living Coasts Torquay, where you can meet and interact with penguins! The history lesson doesn’t have to stop with your accommodation, Frognel Hall is a beautiful, old Victorian mansion which has been developed into a hotel. For somewhere with spectacular views and offering beauty treatments, take a look at the Cary Arms and Spa, which is based between Torquay and Babbacombe, giving you the chance to explore both towns.

Image by Seaton Tramway

You can also visit some more recent caves by heading to Beer Quarry Caves, which have a 2,000 year old history. Join a guided tour and see underground halls that look so much like a cathedral you’ll forget you’re still in a cave. The caves, in Seaton, will also give you the chance to experience some transport from times past by visiting the Seaton Tramway which gives you panoramic views of the estuary and has indoor and outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy. Anyone planning to stay over can be sure of a beautiful and comforting property by staying with Jean Bartlett Cottage Holidays. If you’d rather try out some glamping or caravanning, head to Oakdown Touring Holiday Caravan Club, which is nearby and provides a great base for looking at the wider area. You’re also in a great place if you want to try dining at River Cottage, the nationally recognised cookery school and restaurant.

If you enjoy these suggestions for a historical visit to Devon, be sure to take a look around our heritage section of the website where you’ll find country estates, manor houses, castles and more to whet your appetite!