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Buckfastleigh - Riverford Organic VegetablesThe planning permission granted to
Riverford means that visitors must book in advance (but it's always worth
calling at the last minute to see if there's space), accompany their meal
with a farm tour or walk, cookery demo or other activity. Walks can be
long, short, guided or not; the choice is yours. Children of all ages are
very welcome, and infants under 3 years can eat and tour for free. So what
happens here? Riverford is a pioneer of organic husbandry, and you can
enjoy lunch or supper, savouring the farm produce, and experiencing tastes
that might even inspire you to try something new at home. The set menu
makes imaginative use of the best seasonal produce with a vegetarian and a
meat option. Irresistible puddings follow! Chef Jane Baxter brings a wide
range of flavours to the dishes that are influenced by her time at the
River Cafe in London. This field kitchen is the first of its kind in the
country, inspired by a trip Guy Watson made to Alice Water's restaurant in
San Francisco, where fresh, organic, seasonal produce is the starting
point for any meal. Visitors to the farm can see how good the farm's
produce can taste, fresh from the field, generously and creatively
prepared demonstrating a real connection between farm and plate. The field
kitchen has become an integral part of the farm experience for visitors
who return time and time again.
Buckfastleigh - Buckfast AbbeyBuckfast Abbey was founded nearly
a thousand years ago and stood for five hundred years before it was
closed by Henry VIII. The present community of monks, who returned in
1882, rebuilt the present Abbey on its medieval foundations. The Church
you see today was completed in 1938. Now, Buckfast is home to a community of Benedictine monks who lead a
life of prayer, work and study. True to the Benedictine Rule, guests have
always been welcomed and Buckfast Abbey attracts visitors from around the
globe. It has become renowned for stained glass, bee keeping and of
course, its famous Buckfast Tonic Wine. Easy to find and with no parking
or admission charges, Buckfast offers a visit filled with history,
heritage, delightful food, and fine shopping. Above all, this is a
spiritual place, with centuries of monastic work behind it.
Buckfastleigh - Pennywell FarmA mega fun day out - and how true that is! With
activities ranging from pets corner through a wildlife assault course,
falconry displays, pigs, ferrets, lambs, sheep dog trials, trampolines,
and farmyard theatre, this is a one stop entertainment centre for kids and
adults alike that will keep the whole family amused all day long.
Lyme Regis - Chimp and Zee, Bookshop by the SeaSimply the most magical bookshop you will ever visit! Original art, cards
and signed children's books by author/ illustrator team, Catherine and
Laurence Anholt whose 90 best-selling titles have won numerous awards and
are published all over the world. Described as 'like stepping inside a
storybook'!
Modbury - The Brownston GalleryA stunning new contemporary art gallery
featuring original work from local, regional and
nationally renowned artists. The Brownston
Gallery is based in the beautiful Georgian town
of Modbury. As well as contemporary paintings
and mixed media pieces, the gallery shows
sculpture, ceramics, glassware and jewellery
from a wide range of outstanding established and
emerging artists.
Plymouth - National Marine Aquarium Britain's biggest aquarium
Plymouth Powerboat School Learn new skills or improve your existing skills. Increase your confidence. Improve your safety
and enjoyment of the water. Gain internationally recognised certificates.
The school offers the full range of RYA powerboat courses and skippered RIB Charter.
They have experienced and friendly instructors with a passion for powerboating,
a range of high quality, well equipped boats, and also offer own boat tuition anywhere.
The school will undertake boat deliveries and assisted passages. There are
special kids courses as well as bespoke and corporate tuition, and they
can arrange local accommodation for all budgets.
Plymouth - Plymouth GinDiscover Gin's colourful history and over
200 years of gin distilling at Black Friar's distillery - the working home
of Plymouth gin since 1793.
Plymouth - Aerosaurus Balloons Over 400 flights a year, with gift
vouchers, magical champagne balloon flights, in-flight photos, and a
certificate to prove you were there! A perfect gift or a treat for
yourself and the family.
Plymouth - Smeaton's Tower, The Hoe, Plymouth Admission details for all these three
attractions can be found at
www.plymouth.gov.uk/museums
Plymouth - Elizabethan House Go back in time to Drake's Plymouth, Spiral stairs, sloping floors and
period furniture give you an insight 'into how a merchant or sea captain
might have lived in the 1600s. A restored kitchen has been recently
completed while the development of a Tudor garden is underway.
Plymouth - Merchant's HouseThe former home of the famous Elizabethan privateer, Captain William
Parker, this four storey town house provides a fascinating snapshot of
Plymouth's history. Old curiosities, a chemist's shop and a Victorian
schoolroom give you a feeling of what life was like in the past.
Salcombe - Estuary CruisesExplore the sheltered scenic estuary waters
between Kingsbridge and Salcombe, a local nature reserve,
aboard the quiet and spacious, 100 seat, double decked excursion vessel
Rivermaid. The estuary's natural beauty is enjoyed from the extensive
views from the upper deck, or the warm passenger saloon. You have various
options, for example, Kingsbridge to Salcombe Cruises in either direction
is a 35 minute cruise each way, following a meandering channel and passing
a 19th century stone road bridge across Bowcombe Creek, historic lime
kilns, lots of birdlife, entrances to Collapit, Blanksmill, Frogmore and
South Pool Creeks, Saltstone Island, the oldMersey ferry Egremont
and panoramic views of Salcombe. The upper reaches of the estuary
provide extensive feeding grounds for a variety of birds such as
Redshanks, Greenshanks, Dunlin, Shelducks, Curlews, Oystercatchers,
Herons, Egrets, Shags and Cormorants. The top deck of the Rivermaid
makes an excellent vantage point.
Torquay - Kents Cavern The warmest cave in Britain, with so many fascinating things to see,
including the
remains of prehistoric inhabitation, reconstructions of how the ancient
people lived in
the caves, and natural beauty in the rock formations - it's well worth a
visit, and you'll be thrilled by the extent of the attractions on offer here. The Cavern ghost shows are spooky
fun for the kids, and
the outdoors walk trail through the woods is a wonderful history lesson
into how the cavemen survived during historic times. All in all,
fascinating and entertaining.
Totnes - Woodlands Adventure Park Another massive
entertainment complex which will
keep the whole family entertained all day! There's the UK's largest indoor
adventure centre for when the weather's bad, and outside a whole host of
rides, attractions, adventures, courses, water rides, food places,
falconry displays...the list goes on and on....with celebrations for
Halloween and fireworks' night with many other special attractions
throughout the
year, you can keep up with the latest fun filled activities on the website.
Totnes - Sharpham Vineyard A working estate which produces
classic wines and great cheese from its own herd of Jersey cows. Tour the
farm and watch all the stages of wine and cheesemaking. You
can enjoy a self-directed tour of the vineyard (30 minutes) followed by an instructed
tasting of a selection of Sharpham wines and cheese, or take a guided tour of both the vineyard and winery, together,
with a tasting of
our wines and cheese. An explanation of the process from vine to wine is
given. This option is available on Wednesdays at 3.30pm, from May 1st to
September the 15th, and lasts approximately 2 hours. Advance booking is
not necessary. The tour is subject to weather conditions. This is a working farm so outdoor footwear
and clothing are highly advisable;
some sections of the trails cover steep and uneven ground.
Babbacombe Model Village Feel like a giant looking down on the world as you see thousands of miniature buildings, people and vehicles, set in various stages of history. The figures are realistically placed, sometimes in comical settings, but the landscape gives a true feeling of village life. The reproduction is set in 4 acres of outstanding gardens, with dazzling floral displays. Occasionally, the tableaux change to reflect the seasons with displays such as Festival of Lights, Halloween Horrors and Santa’s Lapland-style grotto. Babbacombe Model Village
Teignmouth – Grand Pier The old world Grand Pier is found at the
centre of the central promenade, by the East Cliff. Ample car parking is
provided. You will find traditional and modern seaside amusements with
video games, simulators, and the old-fashioned arcade games. Also on the
Fun Deck, there is a children’s roller coaster, pirate ship, railway,
boating pool and go-karts, Formula 1 style. Don’t be put off by the name.
The pier isn’t grand at all, but it is charming.
Totnes – China Blue At China Blue you can buy pottery from the
local kiln, but you have to paint it yourself. Assistance is on hand in
the pottery studio for the whole family to make their own unique designs,
and if it comes out as a mess, then you can buy an item from the vast
range of crockery available in the studio store. Also in the home
accessories store, you will find an excellent range of contemporary table
ware, lamps, vases and much more. Pots of fun for the whole family.
Torbay – Exeter – The Riviera Line The Riviera Line is a local railway line
that connects the city of Exeter to the "English Riviera" resorts of
Torbay. Built originally by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the line cut through
the rugged South coast slopes in a series of tunnels. Along the line, you
can se the original engine houses and signal boxes. As well as being an
agreeable attraction, you may find The Riviera Line convenient to save
traffic and parking hassle. You can save money with a Devon and Cornwall
Railcard.
Ashburton – River Dart Adventures This giant adventure zone is situated on
the slopes of Dartmoor, covering 90 acres of native and exotic woodland.
Activities vary from gentle walks in the parkland among the rhododendrons
and azaleas to adrenaline packed adventures, including high ropes courses,
canoeing and an indoor climbing wall.
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway This authentic attraction, using original
engines, travels along a 7 mile track, through some of the most superb
Devon scenery, along the spectacular Torbay coast to the woodlands of the
Dart estuary. At Dartmouth there are connections to passenger ferries,
which take you up-river to Totnes, or along Torbay's spectacular coast. An
open-top bus can be taken to complete the round trip.
Totnes and Dartmouth – Dart Pleasure Craft Limited (River Link Operators) The company operates a comprehensive range
of cruises between Totnes and Dartmouth, with Harbour, Coastal and
Wildlife cruises from Dartmouth. Services are timed to coincide with the
steam train and open top bus services.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Paignton Zoo, one of the most stunning zoos
in the country, contains a collection of some 1,200 beasts, representing
over 300 species. Special attractions include a crocodile swamp and
botanical gardens. The zoo is operated by a charitable trust dedicated to
conservation of the world's wildlife. Paignton Zoo was recently favourably
featured on ITV’s Zoo Story.
Buckfastleigh and Totnes – South Devon Railway Genuine historic steam engines haul trains
on a round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, on what was once a
branch line of the Great Western Railway. The line passes along some of
Devon's most spectacular countryside, along the tranquil valley of the
river Dart, through a rural idyll rich in wildlife. At the stations are
picnic areas, play areas and a museum of steam. A heritage bus service
connects to Buckfast Abbey and other places of interest.
Newton Abbot – Trago Mills Family Shopping & Leisure Park Set in 100 acres of countryside, the
190,000 sq ft shopping centre offers a whole high street under one roof.
The shopping complex is noted for its variety of merchandise and
discounted prices. Included are leisure facilities with a miniature steam
railway, bumper boats and cars, an Edwardian penny arcade and a slide
complex. Fishing lakes are stocked with carp, roach, rudd, bream and tench.
Open seven days a week-all year round.
Newton Abbot – Hedgehog Hospital at Prickly Ball Farm This is a genuine hedgehog hospital, unique
as far as I know, where the patients receive the finest treatment before
being released to the wild. As well as meeting the patients, you can see
baby hedgehogs bottle feeding and look into hedgerow village, where you
can learn more about our spiny friends. Also for the children, there are
pony and cart rides, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and bottle fed lambs.
Teignmouth – Shaldon Wildlife Trust Shaldon Zoo is home to a unique collection
of some of the world’s most endangered species, many of which cannot be
seen in other zoos. This is a unique opportunity to see marmosets and
tamarins from South America, and a family of pygmy marmosets, the smallest
monkey in the world. Also admire the ocelots, lemurs, and yellow-breasted
capuchin monkeys, one of the world’s most endangered primates. The bug
room houses an assortment of creepy crawlies and poison-dart frogs. You
can even try the ‘Keeper for a Day Scheme’ which gives anyone over 14 the
opportunity to involve themselves in the work of a keeper.
Torquay – Living Coasts Living Coasts features a considerable range
of local coastal creatures from penguins to seals, with puffins, waders,
sea ducks and many more. Special windows and viewing devices allow you to
see the creatures in their natural environment, on sandy beaches and
rugged cliff faces. A meshed aviary allows birds to fly free over your
head, and a viewing room gives crystal clear spectacles of seals
underwater.
Exeter – Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World The Centre aims to provide a system of
exhibitions and projects, concerned with present day environment issues.
There are four exhibitions a year, presenting a variety of artistic
mediums, with resident artists engaging with visitors. Some of the
resultant work from the exhibitions goes to forms a permanent collection.
Also there are live events with work in other art forms involving
literature, music and dance.
Kingswear – Coleton Fishacre House & Garden The art deco house was created by Rupert
and Dorothy D'Oyly Carte in 1925. Although some stylish changes have since
been made to the house, it retains the gentle charm of that unique period.
The extensive garden, in a stream fed valley, contain many species that
thrive in the mild climate but cannot survive in other parts of the
country.
Paignton – Compton Castle Compton is not so much a castle as a
fortified manor house. It was built in 1340 by the Gilbert family and has
been their home for most of last six centuries. You can view the
buttresses and battlements, spiral staircases and a fully equipped
medieval kitchen. The Great Hall contains memorabilia of the Gilbert
family, who were noted explores and colonisers of the New World. Outside
can be found a charming rose garden and a perfumed herb garden.
Totnes – Dartington Hall Trust Dartington Hall Trust is a pioneering
charity for the advancement of the arts, social justice and
sustainability. Visitors to the 1,200-acre can view the medieval Great
Hall and courtyard and the listed gardens. They are also invited to take
part in the performance programmes, short courses and learning
opportunities.
Newton Abbot – Blackdown Rings Blackdown Rings consists of an Iron Age hill fort with a Norman Motte and Bailey built within the prehistoric embankment. It provides a unique opportunity to study the rock formations and the landforms of the South Hams. The rocks underlying the site, Staddon Grits, can be seen in a quarry by the site entrance. Devon's oldest rocks are visible in the distance to the south. A panoramic viewpoint allows views of the deeply-cut valley of the River Avon, and its rugged woodlands. Round about are pathways which lead along woodlands and by the Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve.
Newton Abbot – Grimspound Grimspound contains the remains of a Bronze
Age settlement, with a walled enclosure with circles of granite boulders,
the relics of round houses. The settlement can be seen in its entirety
from the adjacent Hookney Tor. A farming community existed here about
3,000 years ago, but the site may well have been in use in earlier times.
There are remains of tin mining activity in the valley below Grimspound.
Dartmouth – Britannia Royal Naval College The College exists for the training of
officers for the Royal Navy yet allows visitors to tour its ancient
courts. The building is known for its superlative Edwardian architecture,
designed by Sir George Aston Webb. The Quarterdeck with its vaulted
ceiling is surrounded by the finest wrought ironwork of the Poop Deck
gallery which leads to the Commodore's Flat containing a unique and
complete collection of Second World War naval portraits by Sir Oswald
Birley. The Main Corridor, the second longest in Europe, takes you from
the beautiful Chapel and its memorial side chapels, to the splendour of
the Senior Gunroom. The hand-painted and gold leaf bosses of the ceiling
compliment the finest portraits of Admirals that line its oak-panelled
walls.
Kingsbridge – Cookworthy Museum of Rural Life This is a 17th century school house,
converted into a vibrant local museum. You can se the trappings of the old
schoolroom, the Victorian kitchen and a farm gallery in a walled garden.
There are exhibits of three centuries of costumes, farm implements and the
paraphernalia of everyday rural existence. Also available are photographs
maps and local newspapers from 1855.
Plymouth – Saltram Saltram is a magnificent Georgian mansion
with its original contents intact, set in a period landscaped park. Much
of the interior was designed by Robert Adam in the neoclassical style.
There is an extensive collection of fine period furniture, ceramics and
silver, with several portraits by Reynolds. The garden contains several
intriguing follies in the neoclassical style.
Totnes Guildhall The Tudor Guildhall was established in the
reign of Edward VI as the seat of local authority. The Mayor is still
sworn in here in May. Famous visitors have been Charles I, Elizabeth I and
Oliver Cromwell, who billeted troops here, some of whom died of the
plague. Visitors can see the Tudor panelling, the refectory and kitchens
of the old Benedictine Priory closed in 1536 and exhibits of five
centuries of period pieces. This is the oldest building in the area but
still admirably preserved.
Salcombe – Overbecks Museum and Garden Overbecks museum houses the collections of
curios and nautical artefacts of the eccentric scientist Otto Overbeck.
Many of Overbeck's inventions are also on show, including the intriguing
rejuvenator machine. One of the rooms can be entered by a secret door
concealed in the wooden panelling of the room outside and contains a
display of dolls' houses. The museum contains a Polyphon, a large musical
box which plays music encoded as holes punched in large sheet-metal discs.
There is a collection of discs of popular melodies of the day which are
played from time to time. The house is set in seven acres of exotic
gardens with spectacular views of the Salcombe estuary. It enjoys a
sheltered microclimate and contains many rare plants and a sub-tropical
garden.
Dartmouth – Newcomen Engine House The building was restored as a memorial to
Thomas Newcomen, born in Dartmouth in 1664, and inventor of the
Atmospheric Steam Engine. Newcomen invented his device to pump water from
the local mines. His engine was to spark off the industrial revolution of
the 18th century. The museum houses the Dartmouth engine which was built
at the end of the 18th century and is a direct descendant of Newcomen’s
first engine, built in 1712.
Dartmouth Castle The castle was built in 1388 as a defence
against French invasion. The Gun tower was built in 1481 and expanded to
its present length by order of Henry VIII. It continuously served as a
working Gun Battery through to the World War Two, when it oversaw the
preparations for D Day. Visitors can see military objects dating from
Tudor times through to the 20th Century, and enjoy the superb waterfront
setting, which the castle offers as guardian of the Dart estuary.
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