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Find out more about Devon’s history post lockdown at these top attractions

11th November 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Devon is a county with a rich history, from the remains of the iron age forts and ancient stone circles of Dartmoor to the leftovers from WW2 along the coast, there are plenty of places to find out more about local history.

If you find yourself in Devon once lockdown restrictions are lifted, why not take a look at some of these historical attractions and learn more about this incredibly fascinating county.

Of course, make sure that you continue to follow all relevant guidelines to keep your visit covid compliant. Attractions will require you to prebook your visit and indoor spaces will request that you wear a face covering unless you are exempt. Please check with the individual establishments for their protocols and don’t travel if you are coming from a Tier 3 region or if you feel unwell.

This year, while being a strange one, also marked the 400^th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail from Plymouth. Many of the events that were planned to celebrate this occasion had to be cancelled, postponed or altered to adhere to social distancing rules, however, you can still find out all about this and more about life in Plymouth by visiting The Box – the city’s newest museum. The Box launched in September and houses nine permanent galleries showcasing the art and history of the city, with three exhibitions focusing on the Mayflower, giving you plenty to learn about. It isn’t all nautical history either, you’ll also find over 3,000 animal specimens dating back over 30,000 years!

Image: The Box.

While you’re in Plymouth, another great historical site is Buckland Abbey, the former home of Sir Francis Drake, which is now run by the National Trust. The trust also looks after Saltram House and gardens.

If the idea of visiting an abbey piques your interest, Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, located alongside the River Dart, this is a working monastery where a community of Benedictine Monks still live self-sufficiently. At the heart of the site is the Abbey Church a spiritual haven for thousands, which offers an overwhelming sense of peace.

In Torquay you can find the Torre Abbey Museum and Garden. Established in 1196, the site is now a museum of history and art, there are a range of exhibitions, some of which are seasonal, while others explore the history of the Torbay region. You’ll also find a garden area inspired by local author, Agatha Christie. The Potant Plants Tour include a range of poisonous plants used in her books – it’s the perfect place for fans of her’s. Torquay has plenty of Agatha Christie related things to see and do, including the Agatha Christie mile, her former home which is nearby and the town museum.

Image: Torre Abbey

In Mid-Devon, Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in England and is a must for anyone wanting to explore historic architecture. It has the longest stretch of unbroken Gothic vaulting in the world, stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings to be found. From the cathedral site, there are a number of historical tours of the city, including the chance to explore underground tunnels!

If you want to find out more about Devon’s agricultural past, make sure to Bicton Countryside Museum located within the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. This museum dates back to the 1950s and houses everything from the mundane to the magnificent in terms of agricultural and industrial history.

Another place to visit to find out more about the region’s industry is Coldharbour Mill in Cullompton. Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK and has been in continuous production since 1797. It is a working museum, so visitors can actually see the everything as it happens. At the moment, the mill is closed because of Covid-19 restrictions – so keep an eye on their website to find out more about when you can next visit.

Image: House of Marbles

Speaking of working museums, House of Marbles in Newton Abbot has four museums full of games, glass, pottery and marbles where you can find out more about glass work from the 1700s onwards. As well as the museums, you can also watch the team at Teign Valley Glass create beautiful products which you can then pick up in the gift shop as a momento!

If Marbles get you feeling nostalgic, head to Sidmouth’s Toy and Model Museum full of vintage and modern toys, where the whole family can see everything from corgi and dinky cars, doll’s houses and vintage stieff toys. Sidmouth generally is a great location for anyone interested in history, not only did Queen Victoria live there for a time as a child (you can in fact stay in her former home!) but the town’s Blue Plaque Trail gives you a real insight into what life was like in the town in years gone by.

While you’re in East Devon, you could always pop over the border and learn more about the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis Museum full of fossils and information about Mary Anning, the region’s most famous fossil hunter. The museum is now on the site of her former home.

For a really nostalgic trip, head to Cockington on the outside of Torquay where you will find a largely untouched village full of thatched cottages and even horse drawn vehicles. Alternatively, if you find yourself in the north of the county, the village of Clovelly has retained much of its original charm and has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. The ancient fishing harbour and 14^th century quay have amazing views and the cobbled streets really transport you back to times gone by.

Image: Clovelly

One way to truly experience the region’s history is by visiting a castle and Devon is full of them! From the spooky remains at Berry Pomeroy Castle to the ruins at Totnes and Barnstaple, there are plenty to visit!
Powderham Castle is a 600 year old family home with gardens, play areas and cute animals to meet! The whole site tells the story of the castle’s inception to the present day and there is so much to see and do that they offer you the chance to return for free.

Stately homes are also worth a visit, like the medieval estate at Dartington Hall . Located on the outskirts of Totnes, the estate has Grade 2 listed gardens, woodland walks, and a Grade 1 listed heritage property. There are a range of activities taking place at the hall all year around and even accommodation should you want to stay over!

That isn’t all for Devon’s heritage attractions, the county is home to the Victorian tunnel beaches, smuggler’s caves and more. In Torquay are a set of stone age caves, Kent’s Cavern is one of Europe’s most extensive cave systems with activities to help you learn more about Britain’s earliest inhabitants. Similarly, there are caves in Beer, the Beer Quarry Caves has a 2,000 year history of quarrying and maintains much of the methods implemented during the Roman times.

Image: Kents Cavern

You can find out more about Devon’s heritage attractions here . Remember, if you are planning to visit Devon this winter to stay safe and to follow all the latest local guidance.