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Devon’s Top Attractions – Things To Do and Best Days Out In Devon

16 November 2023

Looking for things to do in Devon? Whatever your interests, whatever your age, and whether you’re on your own, a couple, a group, or a family, our attractions in Devon offer you fabulous days out in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Family Attractions

Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey is Torbay’s most historic building, an ancient scheduled monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. FIND OUT MORE

Kents Cavern

Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top Stone Age sites, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. On your underground journey, our entertaining guides will bring stories of early humans, Ice Age beasts and Victorian excavators to life. As you venture through the cave you’ll explore fascinating passageways and stunning chambers with stalagmites and stalactites and discover the 400 million year old story of Kents Cavern. FIND OUT MORE

Exhibition Area Kents Cavern

Bygones

Wander back in time, visit their authentic Life-size Victorian street including forge and sweetshop. Imagine yourself in the nursery, kitchen, parlour or the dentist! Arrive in the Twentieth century, take a break in the station cafe. Marvel over their completely refurbished model railway. The display is designed to evoke thought and remembrance of the First and Second World Wars. FIND OUT MORE

Animals and Nature

Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for an inspirational day out at Paignton Zoo! Located in Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature. FIND OUT MORE

Pennywell Farm

A visit to the multi award-winning Pennywell Farm is something you’ll never forget! Make memories that last a lifetime as you enjoy a fun-filled experience packed full of animals, hands-on activities, rides, play-time, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South West with a different activity happening every 30 minutes, just listen for the bell! Pennywell is home to over 150 animals and has something for everyone, from pig racing to tractor rides! FIND OUT MORE

Becky Falls

Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been attracting visitors since 1903, and no trip to Devon would be complete without a visit. Choose the Blue Trail for a gentler walk along the Becka Brook and through the ancient oak woodland. The Red Trail is where you will discover our stunning waterfall and its dramatic 70ft drop at the heart of the park. Why not have a go at our notoriously fun boulder scramble and if you enjoy that, carry on to the Purple Trail for views of the beautiful lower falls on more rugged terrain. FIND OUT MORE

Railways and Boats

South Devon Railway

The multi-award winning South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west. The SDR is a seven-mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. We run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages. FIND OUT MORE

Stuart Line Cruises

The all-weather attraction sailing all-year round on the calm and sheltered waters of the River Exe and along the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast during the summer months. All boats have an outdoor upper deck with oodles of fresh air and cosy blankets for great viewing and indoor, heated lower decks with huge windows – perfect whatever the weather has in store! FIND OUT MORE

Seaton Tramway

Discover East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley from the top deck of a heritage tram. Seaton Tramway is an award-winning attraction in Seaton, a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Journey from Seaton through two nature reserves alongside the Axe estuary to historic Colyton, “Devon’s most rebellious town”. FIND OUT MORE

Rainy Days

Buckfast Abbey

Located at the centre of a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey is home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks, who live their lives of prayer, work and study according to the ancient rule of St Benedict. The heart of our site is the Abbey Church and Monastery – the place in which the Monastic Community lives and prays at various times throughout the day. Our site is historic – the original Abbey being founded in 1018 AD, by King Cnut. FIND OUT MORE

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM)

Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities.
The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.

The Box, Plymouth

Just a short walk from Plymouth’s main city centre and train station. In 2022, they were awarded a special commendation in the European Museum of the year awards. Entry to The Box is FREE and there’s no need to book. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected bank holidays. Come and enjoy a series of galleries filled with highlights from our art, human history, natural history, film, photographic and archival collections. FIND OUT MORE

Win Top Prizes

You can also win top prizes by entering competitions directly on the Devon’s Great Attractions website WIN PRIZES

Download the Brochure

You can download a brochure with maps and full listings for all Devon’s Top Attractions DOWNLOAD BROCHURE


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