01 Jul Top 10 things to do in South Devon
There are many great places to visit and exciting activities to enjoy across South Devon so we thought that we would share with you our insiders guide to the ‘top 10 things to do in South Devon this summer’.
1. Hunt’s Cider Farm
The Hunts family have been producing cider in South Devon since 1805. Today, the 400-acre farm near Paignton grows almost all the apples used in our cider and apple juice, which is pressed on-site. We run a ‘Wednesday Wobbler’ every Wednesday at 2pm. Have a tour of our cider production facilities and enjoy tastings of our delicious Devon Cider.
2. Paignton Zoo
Twice the size of London Zoo, Paignton houses more than 2,000 animals across an 80-acre site. Endangered species like tigers, rhinos and lowland gorillas call the zoo home (or occasionally ‘Squawk’, ‘Growl’ or ‘Grunt’). From African elephants to Australian kangaroos, Paignton zoo houses animals from all over the world – and there are outdoor and indoor play areas everywhere for
your own little monkeys.
3. Pennywell Farm
This working farm is most famous for being the original breeder of miniature – or teacup – pigs. It is the only place where you can cuddle these tiny creatures, as well as watch them race! As well as the pigs, get up close and personal with hedgehogs (and hoglets!), goats, mini ponies and more. If that’s not enough, go pond dipping, ride the miniature railway and watch a different activity every half hour, including feeding time! Open February to October.
4. River Dart Country Park
Located inside the Dartmoor National Park, River Dart promises excitement aplenty. Several activities are open to all visitors, including the beach (the lakes are fed by the River Dart itself), lake obstacles, desert island, and assault course. Alternatively, pay a small additional fee on a per-activity basis to use the high ropes, zip wire, water zorbing, and more!
5. Woodlands Theme Park
The Woodlands park is an all-weather location divided into 11 zones. Meet meerkats in the Zoo-Farm, explore the Wizard’s Palace in the Fantasi Forest or brave the Tunnel of Fear in the Sea Monster Zone. Plus, buy a one day ticket at the standard rate and get six days of entry for free!
6. Crealy Adventure Park
With more than 60 rides and attractions – including almost 7,000m² of indoor areas – Crealy deserves its reputation as Devon’s biggest day out. As well as rollercoasters, log flumes and waterslides, there are animal viewing areas where you can visit the park’s meerkats, goats and ponies.
7. Living Coasts Zoo & Aquarium
Visit a world of two halves at Living Coasts. Watch otters, seals and penguins (the park is home to the largest colony in the South West!) play above ground, before venturing below the waves to view them – and more – in their natural habitat. Keepers present regular talks through the day, educating visitors on marine conservation.
8. Bygones Torquay
Built by two generations of the Cuming family, Bygones holds more than 100 years of British history over three floors – including a gleaming 27-ton railway engine called Patricia. Stroll along a Victorian street, enter a World War trench or browse a shopping arcade of ’50s memorabilia.
9. South Devon Railway
This award-winning steam railway runs on a seven-mile line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, along the Dart valley. Stop along the route to view historic station buildings, miniature and model railways, and a museum featuring the only surviving locomotive from Brunel’s broad gauge railways: Tiny. As an added bonus, buy a combined ticket providing discounted entry to the nearby Totnes Rare Breeds Centre and Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary.
10. Sharpham Vineyard
The right soil, climate and grapes are combined at Sharpham to produce some award-winning English wines. The farm’s land covers 500 acres, and includes both vineyards and cow pastures – providing milk for handmade cheeses sold on-site and produced in the farm’s own dairy. Tasting tours and vineyard walks operate from March to December.
We hope that you enjoy what South Devon has to offer, we certainly do!
