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Visit some of these hidden gems in Devon

27th August 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Devon is full of magical places to visit, some are well known, some off the beaten track and some are top secret, but we’re a trusting bunch here and we want to show off this truly incredible county, so here are a few of Devon’s hidden gems for you to enjoy on your travels.

Lundy Island

Just off the North Devon coast and accessible by ferry is Lundy Island, this tiny island is primarily used as a marine conservation site, but it does also have accommodation for those of you who really want to isolate themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The island has a colony of puffins as well as seals and lots of other wildlife that is rarely seen elsewhere.

South Hallsands

Well, this one is pretty secretive and also well hidden, it is in fact closed off from the public but you can still see it from a viewing platform. For those of you who don’t know your local history, South Hallsands was once a fishing village but became uninhabitable in 1918 after beach levels plummeted. If you want to see the remains of the village, head to the South Hams region of Devon where you’ll find a viewing platform near Prospect House Apartments.

London Bridge, Torquay

No, you didn’t read that wrong, London Bridge is the name given to a rock arch formation that can be seen from Peaked Tor Cove near the Imperial Hotel but is only really accessible to advanced swimmers – don’t get cocky and try it if you’re not a strong swimmer though!

Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor

This is one of those spots that looks a little mystical and otherworldly, the oldest trees there are said to be over 500 years old and the site has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Lydford Gorge

If you wanted to see a true wonder of nature, Lydford Gorge is your destination. It has its own waterfall and is a lovely place to while away the hours on a pleasant day. Local legend claims that a gang of thieves used it as their base in the 17^th century but these days it’s a perfectly safe tourist attraction.

Burgh Island

This little island can either be walked to when the tide is out or you can catch one of the legendary sea tractors from Bigbury On Sea. The island is home to an art deco hotel and has lots of wildlife for you to spot, you’ll also find one of Devon’s oldest pubs in the area too.

Hound Tor, Dartmoor

Did you know that the wide expanse of Dartmoor is what inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write one of the most popular of his Sherlock Holmes stories, Hound of the Baskervilles? Well, you can visit the scene of the book by heading to Hound Tor, a granite outcrop that can be found on the moor and from the top, there is an amazing view across the moors. We might be using the term hidden a bit loosely here though as it is pretty easy to find, it’s just a few minutes from the B3387 if you travel between Bovey Tracey and Widcombe in the Moor.

So there you have it, a selection of Devon’s hidden gems. Of course, there are plenty more secrets to uncover in the region, so keep your eyes peeled for more mystical places like these on your travels!