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Learn more about Devon at these heritage attractions

12th February 2020

Categories: Visitor News

With this year marking not only the anniversary of the Mayflower embarking on its maiden voyage but also the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, it is the perfect time to learn more about the UK. Devon has a hugely fascinating and rich history and wherever you look you’ll find hints of time gone past, whether that’s a visit to the cobbled streets of Cockington near Torquay, Clovelly in North Devon or one of the region’s castles, history is everywhere.

To help you learn more about the region’s diverse history, we’ve put together some of our suggestions of great heritage attractions to visit during your trip to Devon.

Image: Greenway, National Trust.

One great place to start when looking for heritage locations to visit in Devon is to see what the National Trust has to offer. There are a number of properties managed by the National Trust in the region ranging from stately homes to coastal paths and just about everything in between.
One popular stately home is Greenway in Brixham, the former holiday home of author, Agatha Christie. The house is pretty much as the Christie family left it and has some gorgeous landscaped gardens as well as playing host to a number of Agatha Christie themed events that take place throughout the year.

Being in Brixham means that you can easily access other popular attractions, as well as the wider English Riviera. Torquay and Paignton are both a short journey away and are full of fabulous accommodation options and eateries for those of you planning to stay for a little while.
Greenway doesn’t have parking onsite, so why not make your journey there a heritage trip yourself? Head to Dartmouth Steam Railway and catch the train over to Greenway. It’s a great way to travel and you get the chance to experience a journey on a steam train! The trains travel seven miles along some of the prettiest parts of the south Devon coast and adds a touch of adventure and nostalgia to your trip.

Image: Dartmouth Steam Railway

Being such a popular area with tourists, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied during your trip to the English Riviera once you’ve visited Greenway and ridden on the train. Why not head to Torquay to follow the Agatha Christie mile or go to the Torre Abbey Museum, a museum of history and art located on top of a hill in Torquay overlooking the town centre. The gallery explores local history, while the gardens have won awards and the building also hosts fun, family friendly events throughout the year.

Image: Torre Abbey Museum.

If you’re in the Plymouth area, there are a few National Trust properties for you to explore: Saltram, the former home of the Parker family still retains much of its 18^th century décor and has almost 4,000 acres of land, perfect for visiting with your four legged friends. In nearby Yelverton, you’ll find Buckland Abbey one of the many historical gems you can find in the Tavy Valley. The former monastery was founded in 1278 and was once also the home of Sir Francis Drake. These days the abbey is part museum and part home with plenty of treasures to keep you entertained.

Image: Buckland Abbey.

In North Devon, you’ll find Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum. Based near Barnstaple , this classical regency house is a real gem, with both the house full of ornaments and the Carriage Museum which houses over forty regency and Victorian carriages.
While you’re in the Barnstaple area, make sure to visit the town centre and the historic Pannier Market which has been a central point for markets and trading for hundreds of years and visit the remains of the former castle. For even more ancient history, nearby is the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park home to a number of endangered animals and of course, dinosaur and Jurassic themed activities. Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle is also only a short journey away offering a unique way to enjoy a heritage attraction, like the castle while combining it with theme park rides.

If castles are your thing, you’re in luck, Devon has loads of them! From Berry Pomeroy Castle in the south of the county which features ruins and ghost stories to those in the middle of the county which offer accommodation, events and family friendly activities all year around.

Powderham Castle on the outskirts of Exeter is privately owned and has been in the same family for over 600 years. There are a number of tours of the grounds and the buildings, as well as gardens to explore. The castle hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including musical performances (Michael Buble is appearing later this year) and markets and is so big, you can even have a free return visit!

Image: Exeter Cathedral.

While you’re on your quest for heritage attractions, head into Exeter itself for a chance to visit the famous cathedral. The city also has one of Europe’s only underground tours which take you through the city’s secret tunnels!
In nearby Tiverton is Tiverton Castle Originally built for Henry I in the 1100s, it has been expanded over the years and even saw battle during the English Civil War. Visitors will get the chance to learn more about the region’s history through the castle’s displays and you can even stay over in their onsite accommodation.

There is a lot of history in Mid-Devon aside from the castles and the cathedral in Exeter. The region is rife with museums, particularly working ones, which give you the chance to really immerse yourself in the industry of yesteryear.

One must visit attraction for those interested in history is the Tiverton Canal Co. Not only will this allow you to explore the beautiful nature reserve that surrounds the Tiverton Canal but you also have the chance to take a trip in one of the last horse drawn barges in the UK. There are a range of family friendly attractions and activities to entertain you around Tiverton Canal, you can easily spend the whole day there, so make sure to add it to your itinerary next time you’re planning a trip to the region.

Image: Morwellham Quay.

Also in the middle of the county, in Tavistock, is Morwellham Quay, which forms part of a World Heritage site and includes an historic port, village and copper mine. The mine itself is the only open copper mine in Britain and is a wonderful way for the whole family to find out more about this industry. Visitors can also make their own bread and chocolate onsite using traditional methods to find out more about how people lived and worked in times gone by.

Another way that you can learn more about how people lived and worked in Devon is by visiting Coldharbour Mill in Cullompton. Recognised as one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK, Coldharbour Mill has been in continuous production since the 1700s and continues to use traditional methods to produce fabric. The working museum allows you the chance to take part in guided tours and to hear the stories of experienced mill workers. Speaking of working museums – if you happen to be in Torrington, head to Dartington Crystal, the UK’s only remaining glass factory which lets you tour the entire production areas as well as a chance to buy unique gifts in the attached shop. If you were interested in the monastic history of Buckland Abbey, head to Buckfastleigh and visit Buckfast Abbey.

Image: Buckfast Abbey

Surrounded by the tranquillity of Dartmoor National Park, this remains a working monastery and offers a peaceful retreat from everyday life. Though a living monastery, the abbey retains many of its original features and gives a great insight into the lives of monks through the years.

If your interest in history stems a little further back than those we’ve mentioned above, don’t worry, there is still something in the county for you. Kents Cavern in Torquay is part of the English Riviera’s UNESCO Global Geopark site and is one of Europe’s top stone age caves. The caverns are easily accessible and are open daily giving you plenty of chances to experience what life was like for the cave dwellers who once roamed around Devon’s shores.
Similarly, along the Jurassic Coast, there is the Beer Quarry Caves which have been in use for over 2,000 years having been mined by the Romans. Guided tours take you through the caves and talk you through the importance of the Beer stone before you can find out more at the museum located onsite.

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of the many heritage attractions that you can find in Devon, from museums to stately homes, there is really something for everyone, no matter what era of history you’re into. You can find more heritage attractions here and a list of Devon’s museums and galleries here.