Places to visit
Check out our below guide to local attractions and things to do in South Devon to keep everyone entertained. From National Trust houses to saunter around or maybe the thrill of the local theme park, there is so much to see and do in the South Hams!
Saltram House - National Trust
A Grade I listed George II era mansion house located in the parish of Plymton, near Plymouth. The house is one of the most impressive in the country with the gardens as equally stunning. There are beautiful walks in the estate of Saltram to be explored along with tea rooms, café, bookshop and even the duck pond.
Dogs are welcomed in the woods and parkland. Visit the National Trust website for more information on prices and opening times.
Address: Saltram, Plymton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH
Greenway House - National Trust
This is the beloved holiday home of the famous Agatha Christie. The house is set in the 1950’s when Agatha and her family and friends spent summers and Christmases here.
The gardens and the woodland surrounding the house are beautiful and stretch down towards the amazing River Dart. There are walled gardens home to a restored Peach House and vinery as well as an allotment (cared for the by the local school children).
The Boathouse is a must see, featured in the scene in ‘Dead Man’s Folly’ and also the battery complete with cannon is a grand sight.
Enjoy exploring Greenway as part of your Dartmouth adventure!
Address: Greenway Road, Galmpton, Nr Brixham TQ5 0ES
Paignton Zoo
This Zoo is part of South West Environmental Parks Ltd, owned by Wild Planet Trust which is a registered charity. They home over 2,500 animals across 80 acres ensuring a full day of exploring when you visit! The have split the park into specially designed habitats from Savannah to the Wetlands to the tropical forest. The Zoo is one of the main attractions in this area and is well worth a visit for all ages! Please visit their website for up to date news and opening hours.
Address: Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU
Dartmouth Castle
This amazing castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy vibrant port of Dartmouth for over 600 years. The climb to the top is rewarded with breath taking views across the estuary. There is plenty to do inside the castle as well as visiting the riverside tea rooms. The walks that surround the castle are simply beautiful, try a boat ride from the town quay up to the castle, it won’t disappoint!
A wonderful place to visit, highly recommended.
Address: Castle Road, Dartmouth Devon TQ6 0JN
Woodlands Leisure Park
Family fun filled theme park! This is the largest theme park Devon has to offer, a child’s (and adults) dream! Woodlands has thrilling rides, animals to see, indoor play areas, acres of outdoor space and even water slides that can leave you wishing youd brough a change of clothes! It is well worth booking online to receive a discount. The park often holds themed events centred around the time of year and throughout the summer they will often hold special events.
It can be super busy in the height of the season but crowds are lost well in the expanse of space that Woodlands have.
A family day out that will never disappoint!
Address: Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes TQ9 7DQ
Overbecks - National Trust
A stunning house perched high on the cliffs that look down over Salcombe. The gardens are full of tropical plants including palm trees, banana plants, citrus and olive trees. The views that you experience form the garden over the estuary are insanely amazing along with a few secrets in the house makes Overbecks a great place to visit.
The admission provides access to the gardens, tea rooms, shop, and house. Afternoon tea can be booked in advance, please note only assistance dogs are allowed at Overbecks.
This is one of Salcombe’s treasures and a visit isn’t complete without experiencing the views from Overbecks down over Salcombe.
Address: Sharitor, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8LW
Dartmouth steam Railway & River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the South Devon coast and into the Dart Valley with stations at Goodrington Sands, Churston and the beautiful village of Kingswear which sits opposite the pretty Port of Dartmouth.
Address: Dartmouth, Kingswear, Totnes, Paignton, Torquay, Brixham & Churston
Burgh Island & Bigbury-on-Sea
Burgh Island is a small tidal island near Bigbury on Sea. At high tide a sea tractor, operated by the hotel, takes guests back and forth. At low tide you can access by foot.
Burgh Island is famous for the large Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, built in 1929, extended in 1932 and then completely restored to its original glory in 2006. Sadly the present owners have now made the island almost exclusive, prohibiting walkers and closing all but a few footpaths, however, what can be walked, must be walked as the views are outstanding and private coves shelter seals and dolphins with rare birds nestling in the cliffs.
Address: Burgh Island, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4BG
