Castle Drogo
A dramatic granite castle commanding spectacular views of Dartmoor. An architectural gem with formal gardens and hillside walks.
www.nationaltrust.org.ukWe are gradually getting links to our friends, suppliers and partners.
Route 369 bus times: https://bustimes.org/services/369-morchard-bishop-exeter-city-centre
A dramatic granite castle commanding spectacular views of Dartmoor. An architectural gem with formal gardens and hillside walks.
www.nationaltrust.org.ukRuins of the largest castle in Devon in an outstandingly picturesque setting on a wooded spur above the rushing river Okement. Okehampton castle is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and boasts a Norman motte and the jagged remains of the keep.
Closed November - March
www.english-heritage.org.ukA magnificent medieval castle, home to the Earls of Devon for over 600 years. The castle is set in wonderful parkland which is home to 600 deer.
www.powderham.co.ukDrakes Farm & Café is a family friendly café with animal paddocks to visit.
www.drakesfarm.netNarrow gauge and model railways, numerous children's train-based activities
www.devonrailwaycentre.co.ukDartmoor is an area of outstanding natural beauty and there are numerous places to walk and explore.
Dartmoor National Visitor Centre
https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk
Exmoor National Park
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
A place of great natural beauty. It retains its role as a family home and is increasingly a flourishing centre of rural enterprise but also has a wonderful range of activities for children such as woodland walks and play areas
https://www.escot-devon.co.ukExplore the canal from Tiverton aboard a traditionally painted horse drawn barge.
https://www.tivertoncanal.co.uk/horse-drawn-barge1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, people travel from far and wide for the great selection of organic meat, vegetables, cheese, preserves and other locally produced products and crafts.
Devon's most magnificent historical gardens, the park is home to many beautiful and rare species collected from around the world and houses a spectacular palm house. Also plenty of activities s for families with an all year ice rink, narrow gauge railway, museum and numerous play areas.
https://www.bictongardens.co.uk11th Century house with glorious hillside garden and renowned Killerton dress collection exploring fabulous and luxurious dresses of the past 200 years. Killerton House built in 1778-9 brings to life the generations of Aclands, one of Devon's oldest families and the garden created by John Veitch is a real gem with rhododendrons, magnolias and rare trees surrounded by glorious rolling Devon countryside.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.ukStriking Victorian Gothic mansion with richly decorated interior set within one of Devon's finest gardens which is renowned for its rare trees and shrubs. The restored and fully productive organic kitchen garden is a treat for everyone who enjoys local produce.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.ukA garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded sides.
https://www.rhs.org.ukCarp and Tench day fishing. Set in peaceful picturesque surroundings, two 18th century spring fed waters offer some of the best carp fishing in Devon.
http://www.creedylakes.comWelcomes visitors but you will be required to present a valid handicap when signing in.
https://www.downescreditongc.co.ukSwimming pool, learner pool, gym and Sauna plus children's fun sessions.
https://www.facebook.com/lordsmeadowWalks near by
A Dramatic landscape comprising wide open moors, peaceful woodlands, picturesque farms, and charming valleys; Exmoor National PArk is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Featuring 692km² of wild and rugged terrain that is waiting to be explored, you will have no shortage of grand adventures on your next visit to this beautiful region that is steeped in history.
https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/exmoor-national-park/Walk out of Belstone village on the western side, go through the gate and out on to the moor, then make your way towards Belstone Tor. Near the base of the Tor you will see a stone circle or cairn erected to surround a round burial barrow from the Bronze Age, or Kistvaen, as they are named on Dartmoor. On the Ordnance Survey Map the stone circle appears as Nine Stones, but it is more widely known as The Nine Maidens.
Home to England's highest waterfall situated within Dartmoor National Park. The waterfalls tumble down to ancient rock formations to meet the tranquil lakes below offering some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in Devon.
Archaeological remains confirm that a community has existed here for at least 4,000 years. In historical times, Chagford grew due to the wool trade and from tin mining in the area, and in 1305 was made a stannary town where tin was traded. A cattle market in the town survived until the 1980s. Today Chagford is a thriving community with busy streets, and an unusually wide range of shops for a town of this size.
Spectacular 1.5-mile-long ravine with plunging whirlpools and dramatic waterfall. This lush oak-wooded steep sided river gorge can be explored through a variety of exhilarating short or long walks.
Surrounded by forest and open moorland, and is a beautiful area in which to spend free time. From the main car park, a purpose-built path has been constructed following the route of Potter's Walk. From here you will enjoy good views over prehistoric hut circles, the magnificent dam and the reservoir itself.
Exmoor has many varied places to explore, we recommend: Lynton and The Valley of the Rocks; Porlock Weir and Dunster Castle. General information please see: https://www.exploredevon.info
(45 miles) - Starting on Exmoor, crossing Devon's heartland north and south through the scenic central part of the route to reach the beautiful Exe Valley.
(11 miles) - A level walk along the banks of the canal starting in the canal basin in Tiverton.
(100 miles) - Passing through Devon's heartland to link Dartmoor and Exmoor.
https://www.twomoorsway.org(180 miles) - A figure of eight shaped walk, centred on Barnstaple but slipping into Devonshire's heartland in the Eggesford area. The trail follows the travels of Tarka the Otter. The Eggesford part of the walk is approximately four miles and an easy circular route which should take a couple of hours.
https://www.exploredevon.infoThere are plenty of lovely walks and footpaths to explore without getting in your car, please see guide provided here.
The best hotel deals from all the top travel sites.
The Lamb Inn was awarded 9.3 / 10 in the Hotels Combined 2018 Recognition of Excellence.
www.hotelscombined.co.ukA small city that packs a big punch, Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England.
Find out what's going on in Exeter and read reviews of local attractions and places to eat and stay.
www.visitexeter.co.ukSara Nunan moved down to Devon from London in 2011, having worked for 20 years as an art editor, graphic designer and illustrator for book publishers such as Dorling Kindersley, Harper Collins, and BBC worldwide.
She now works mainly as an illustrator on commercial and private commissions and on her own work for exhibitions together with the sale of prints and greeting cards.
Her contact details are on her website:
www.saranunan-illustration.co.ukYsella is a writer, poet and producer. She writes poetry, fiction and creative non fiction about nature, belonging and the nature of belonging.
Her contact details are on her website:
ysellasims.com