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Take a tour with a difference in Devon

16th May 2019

Categories: Visitor News

We’re sure that you’re fed up of hearing about what to do for half term and those of you who don’t have little angels to entertain want to know more about what you can do. Well, you’re in luck, here is a little treat just for you. Or if you are parents, something for you to look forward to once the kids are back at school or otherwise engaged.

If you’re in the mood to do some learning but want an alternative to your usual stately manor house or walking tour, why not head to Devon and visit one of the region’s vineyards, distilleries and breweries?

Devon, like the rest of the west country, is known for cider production and this has only gone from strength-to-strength with many people now coming to the county to learn more about how cider is produced and of course, to get a few cheeky samples on the way!

The cider producers of Devon are award-winning and there are a whole host of flavours and types for you to learn more about, including the strong scrumpy that is synonymous with this area, as well as lighter flavours using everything from traditional apples to other locally sourced fruit.

Image by Visit Totnes

There are a wide variety of orchards offering tours of their grounds and then letting loose some of the secrets that go into cider production around the county. One of the most popular mills is in Totnes, so why not head to the town and make a real weekend of it by also experiencing some of the amazing markets, shopping experiences and taking in some of the art and culture of this bohemian town? After your tour and trying a few samples, head to the Be You Spa and Gym at Beyond Escapes for a touch of pampering. You might also need a hearty meal and being in Totnes means you’re close to the Dartington Estate, where there are a whole host of activities and events all year around. It is also home to the White Hart. Their locally sourced food makes up a seasonal a la carte menu which gives excellent value and excellent tastes to suit everyone. We can certainly recommend their Sunday Roast! What would be better to follow up a day in the sun enjoying some of the region’s best cider?

Cider making

If cider isn’t quite to your taste, there are plenty of great tours for you following a similar theme. Devon’s wine after all is pretty special too and there are vineyards to be found all over the place, producing a number of excellent wines, many of which have won awards. The vineyards have tours, both self guided and with an expert, and give you a chance to try some of the produce.

Budleigh Salterton

Why not spend a day in Budleigh Salterton and take a trip to the town’s small, family-run, award-winning vineyard? They are open for tours several times during the week and includes the chance to taste three of the award-winning wines that are produced in the region. Budleigh Salterton is a quaint and lovely town that is well worth a visit and has a range of exciting activities being held all through the year. Why not stay in the nearby Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth and give yourself the chance to really explore this part of Devon? The Belmont Hotel is also in neighbouring Sidmouth and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a relaxed ambience and fine dining. Let’s be honest, you’ll want a decent meal after all that wine!

Image by Lee Byre

There are also vineyards to be found in the wonderful surrounds of the Dartmoor National Park, giving you a fantastic view whilst learning more about wine making in the county. For those of you who would rather visit this area of Devon, take a look at Lee Byre for somewhere to stay, this award-winning bed and breakfast is a quirky accommodation with some amazing food and several guided walks around the area, which you might want to clear your head!

A drink that is really seeing a resurgence at the moment is gin and if you are a fan of that particular tipple, you’re in luck, as well as breweries, mills and vineyards, Devon is also home to several award-winning distilleries creating some of the best gins in the country.

It isn’t just gin either, a number of spirits are created right here in Devon, so whatever your tipple, you’ll find a tour made for you!

Some of the distilleries in Devon are among the oldest in the UK, while others are new and have sprung up to meet the trend of gin. If you are a fan, a day out at one of the distilleries, creating and sampling your own creations and learning more about the whole process makes for a fascinating day out.

Image by Golden Coast Holiday Park

For gin created in the heart of Exmoor, you’ll want to head to the small, but mighty distillery in Lynton. The North of Devon is full of beautiful sights and sounds, so it is well worth a trip. Experience the landscape by basing yourself at Twitchen House Holiday Park in Woolacombe. Hidden away in the trees and with a footpath right down to the beach, plus plenty of on site activities, this is a great place to start and end your day. If you like the sound of being near to one of the amazing beaches in this region, then make sure to base yourself at Golden Coast, not only are there a whole host of fantastic entertainment options, but you also get the chance to visit those amazing coastlines in this part of Devon as well as getting the opportunity to sample some of those amazing locally made spirits. There are leisure and spa treatments available at the nearby Saunton Sands Hotel if you want a real pamper session and child free break. Head into Barnstaple for a bite to eat at 62 The Bank where you can fill up on their diverse, seasonal menu created with fresh, local produce. There’s also an adjoining cocktail bar if you want to continue drinking!

Image by Salcombe Distting Co

Gin can also be found at Salcombe Distilling Company, where visitors can not only get a tour of the distillery, but also have the chance to create their own gins to take home with them. Stop off for dinner at Gara Rock and soak up some of that alcohol before checking out some of the nearby attractions. For those of you who need a nap after a day of drinking, there are plenty of accommodation providers in the region, why not book a stay at Bolberry Farm Cottages, set in a quiet hamlet, these cottages are a great place for those wanting privacy and peace.

Image by Bistrot Pierre

England’s oldest distillery can be found in Devon, based in a medieval building dating back to the 1400s, Plymouth Gin was made famous thanks to its connection to the navy and is still making gin to the original recipe. Combine your trip to Britain’s Ocean City with a wonder around historic areas, such as Royal William’s Yard and visiting the many attractions that are on offer there. You can grab a spot to eat at Bistrot Pierre and indulge in some French cuisine while taking in the stunning views. You can also stay with them at their Rooms and get a chance to have their breakfast the following morning! Or how about the Grosvenor? Located just half a mile from the ferry port, you have a great base for exploring the city and beyond.

If you book onto one of Devon’s many food and drink tours, be sure to get in touch and let us know your thoughts and of course, make sure you drink responsibly. Find out more about public transport options here or if you are taking your car, make sure you pick up samples for your designated driver once you’re home!