Beaches, History & Heritage
Beaches
Teignmouth Beach, Teignmouth
Dolphins are often spotted from this long sand and shingle beach, which stretches from the mouth of the River Teign towards Dawlish and is dominated by the grand Victorian pier. Look out over the famous Jurassic Coastline and see how the sand bars here can change shape overnight. (Dogs banned from the beach from May to September)
Broadsands Beach, Torquay
A great sandy beach with easy access. Safe and sheltered, the beach rests between rock headlands and the long promenade with its colourful beach huts provides a level walk to both ends of the beach.
Elberry Cove, Torquay
Beautiful clear waters in an idyllic setting make Elberry Cove a lovely place to visit. Visitors can reach the shingle beach on a footpath from nearby Broadsands.
Goodrington Sands, Paignton
Recommended by the Good Beach Guide, this award winning sandy beach has rock pools to keep children of all ages entertained. It's also a good beach for swimming, and there is easy access for all as well as ample parking.
Breakwater Beach, Brixham
Breakwater is a small shingle beach adjacent to picturesque Brixham Harbour. It's popular with divers because of its blue waters and there are plenty of facilities including a shop and restaurant with views over the bay.
Sidmouth Beach, Sidmouth
The beach is formed by a large expanse of legally protected pebbles. At its western end the beach has some lovely rock pools, and cliffs overhang the beach at the eastern end. An esplanade runs along its entire length.
History and Heritage
Killerton, Exeter
A family home famed for costumes and comfortable living, this elegant 18th century house boasts wonderful views and period rooms displaying over 9,000 outfits of the 'Paulise de Bush' costume collection. There are some lovely walks in the park and a great tea room/restaurant.
Castle Drogo, Exeter
The last castle to be built in England, and one of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens. Constructed between 1910 and 1930, it commands spectacular views over Dartmoor from its 900ft high perch above the River Teign, and its interior combines the grandeur of a medieval castle with the comfort of the 20th century.
Powderham Castle, Exeter
Set amid an ancient deer park, this magnificent medieval castle has been a family home to the Earls of Devon for over 600 years. Tour guides will entertain you with fascinating stories of the castle as you explore its impressive rooms.
Kent's Cavern, Torquay
Kent's Cavern is recognised as the most important Palaeolithic cave system in Britain and is home to the most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. The caves are classified as the oldest Scheduled Ancient Monument in Britain.
Bygones, Torquay
Explore a bygone age with over 20 life size Victorian shops, with their windows filled with thousands of original items like porcelain and dolls houses. You can even experience the sights, sounds and smells of a WW1 trench from 1916 France. There's also a working model railway.
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh
Home to a community of Benedictine Monks, Buckfast Abbey is a spot of natural beauty and tranquillity where many find a connection with God. The Monks still keep the traditions of bee keeping and tonic wine making and you can buy the fruits of their efforts in one of the shops.
Tuckers Maltings, Newton Abbot
Producing malt in the conventional fashion, this company are also unique as they are the only traditional maltings in the country that give guided tours to the public. Spend some time in their speciality bottled beer shop and take home the perfect souvenir for your trip.
Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth
Dating from the 14th century, this well preserved castle juts out into the narrow entrance of the Dart Estuary, and was intended to protect the homes of Dartmouth merchants from shipbourne attack. Explore 600 years of history, journeying through time from the Tudor period and the Civil War to World War II.
Finch Foundry , Okehampton
Run by the Finch family from 1814 to 1960, the Foundry harnessed the power of the River Taw in Sticklepath village to produce agricultural implements and mining tools for the tin and copper mines and china clay industry of Devon and Cornwall.
Compton Castle, Paignton
A rare survivor, this medieval fortress with high curtain walls, towers and two portcullis gates, set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, is a bewitching mixture of romance and history. Home for nearly 600 years to the Gilbert family, including Sir Humphrey Gilbert, half-brother to Sir Walter Ralegh.
This information is accurate at time of publishing and should be used as a guide only. Please get in touch if anything is out of date.