About Devon
Devon, situated in the southwest of England, is an alluring region known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines to rolling countryside. The county offers a rich blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. With a mild climate, picturesque villages, and a strong maritime heritage, Devon provides a perfect escape for those looking to experience traditional English charm combined with breathtaking scenic views.
6 Unforgettable Tourist Attractions to Explore in Devon
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Devon
1. Pennywell Farm – Tourist Attraction
In the center of Devon sits the family-friendly farm attraction Pennywell Farm. It provides a practical experience with a variety of animals and activities. It is well known for its engaging and instructive experiences, which make it ideal for tourists of all ages, especially those with small children.
Location
Pennywell Farm is near Buckfastleigh, South Devon, just a short drive from the Dartmoor National Park. The farm is easily accessible from the A38 and offers ample visitor parking.
Key Attractions
- Miniature Pigs: Pennywell is famous for its adorable miniature pigs, which visitors can interact with in a safe, fun environment.
- Animal Encounters: The farm offers a variety of other animals, including goats, rabbits, and chickens, allowing for hands-on experiences like feeding and petting.
- Pig Racing: Many people highlight the exciting pig racing event, in which miniature pigs race around a track.
Things to Do
- Animal Feeding & Petting: Children can help feed the farm animals, including goats, ponies, and ducks, for a great learning experience.
- Tractor Rides: Enjoy a fun, informative ride around the farm on a tractor guided by friendly staff.
- Interactive Shows & Events: Pennywell hosts a variety of live shows, including animal demonstrations and interactive talks on farming and animal care.
2. Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Theme Park
Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon is a family-friendly attraction offering a mix of thrilling rides, adventure play areas, and animal experiences. Set in scenic surroundings, it provides fun for all ages with over 60 attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. The resort also features holiday accommodations, making it an ideal destination for a full-on, fun-filled vacation in the heart of Devon.
Location
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is near Exeter, Devon, just off the A3052. It’s easily accessible by road and offers convenient parking for visitors. The park is a lovely diversion from the city because it is in a beautiful rural area.
Key Attractions
- Roller Coasters: Crealy is home to exciting roller coasters like Maximus and Twister, which offer thrills for adrenaline seekers.
- Water Rides: Enjoy the “Tidal Wave” and other water-based attractions for those seeking a splash, which are perfect for cooling off on warm days.
- Themed Rides: The park features various themed rides, including “Pirate Ship,” “Dragon’s Kingdom,” and “Dinosaur Valley,” which are popular with younger visitors.
Things to Do
- Live Entertainment: Crealy regularly hosts live performances, including circus acts, magic shows, and character meet-and-greets, providing a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
- Themed Zones: Explore different themed park areas, such as the Lost World and Pirate’s Cove, each offering unique rides and experiences.
- Miniature Golf: Challenge friends or family to a round of mini golf on the park’s fun and colorful course.
3. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park – Zoo
One of the biggest and most reputable zoos is Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, located in the center of Devon. It offers a unique combination of animal exhibits, conservation efforts, and educational opportunities, making it a fantastic destination for animal lovers, families, and those interested in environmental conservation. With its wide variety of species and beautifully landscaped grounds, Paignton Zoo provides a fun and informative day out.
Location
The Paignton Zoo is in South Devon’s beach town of Paignton, which is close to the A3022. Due to its proximity to the South Devon shore and easy access from the neighboring cities of Torquay and Dartmouth, the zoo’s expansive grounds provide a beautiful setting.
Key Attractions:
- African Savannah: Home to iconic animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, this exhibit allows visitors to experience the vast African landscape up close.
- Tropical Rainforest: A stunning indoor exhibit featuring exotic species like monkeys, birds, and reptiles amidst lush tropical vegetation.
- The Madagascar Exhibit: Explore the island of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, including lemurs, tortoises, and other species found only on the island.
Things to Do:
- Animal Encounters: Participate in animal feeding sessions and educational talks led by expert zoo keepers, offering behind-the-scenes insights into animal care and conservation.
- Wildlife Talks: Attend daily talks and presentations to learn about the zoo’s efforts in conservation, breeding programs, and protecting endangered species.
- Exploration Trails: Follow the zoo’s themed trails, such as the “Jungle Trail” or “Wildlife Walk,” which guide visitors through the various exhibits and offer fun facts.
4. The Milky Way Adventure Park – Theme Park
The Milky Way Adventure Park is a family-friendly theme park in North Devon. Known for its mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, it provides a fun and exciting day out for visitors of all ages. With a focus on interactive experiences, thrilling rides, and educational entertainment, the park offers something for everyone, from young children to adults looking for adventure.
Location:
The Milky Way Adventure Park is located near the village of Clovelly, in North Devon, just off the A39. It’s a short drive from the coastal town of Bideford and is easily accessible from nearby areas such as Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.
Key Attractions:
- Cosmic Coaster: One of the park’s signature rides, this indoor roller coaster offers a fun and thrilling experience with cosmic-themed twists and turns.
- The Twister: A spinning ride that takes visitors on a dizzying adventure, perfect for those looking for excitement.
- Air Racer: A flying-themed ride that lets visitors feel the thrill of soaring through the air in a controlled, exciting way.
Things to Do:
- Indoor Play Areas: The park boasts several indoor play zones, including a soft play area for younger children, a large adventure play area with climbing structures, and an arcade for indoor fun.
- Live Shows & Entertainment: The park delights visitors all year long with a variety of live performances, including dance routines, magic shows, and character meet-and-greets.
- Go-Karting: Visitors can race around the track in go-karts, adding an extra dose of fun and friendly competition to their visit.
5. Babbacombe Model Village – Tourist Attraction
Babbacombe Model Village is a charming and whimsical miniature park located in Devon. Known for its meticulously crafted miniature buildings, landscapes, and lifelike settings, it offers visitors a chance to explore a world in miniature. This family-friendly attraction has been delighting visitors since 1963 and continues to be a popular destination, blending creativity with detailed craftsmanship to create an enchanting experience for all ages.
Location:
Babbacombe Model Village is located in the seaside village of Babbacombe, near Torquay, on the English Riviera in South Devon. It is situated just a short distance from the coast and is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available for visitors.
Key Attractions:
- Miniature Villages & Landmarks: The village is famous for its lifelike recreations of British towns, streets, and landmarks. The models include iconic buildings, such as castles, train stations, and bridges, all created to scale.
- The Model Railway: One of the key highlights is the impressive model railway that winds its way through the miniature landscapes. It is a popular feature for children and adults and demonstrates advanced engineering and craftsmanship.
- Themed Areas: Throughout the park, there are several themed areas, including a traditional English village, a seaside town, and a countryside setting with windmills and farms.
Things to Do:
- Take a Ride on the Miniature Train: Hop on the model railway and enjoy a scenic ride through the mini villages and past the park’s famous landmarks.
- Interactive Fun: Engage with the models by pressing buttons that bring certain scenes to life, such as vehicles moving, people waving, and trains operating.
- Take Photos: The models and gardens make for fantastic photo opportunities. Snap pictures of the intricate designs and quirky miniature details, creating lasting memories of your visit.
6. Exeter Cathedral – Cathedral
One of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom is Exeter Cathedral, well-known for its exquisite design, minute details, and extensive history. It has been a house of worship for over 900 years and is essential to Exeter’s religious and cultural life, serving as the city’s spiritual center. The cathedral is a must-see landmark in Devon because of its stunning splendor, which includes its majestic façade and lofty vaulted ceilings.
Location:
Exeter Cathedral is in the heart of Exeter, the capital of Devon. It is in the city’s historic center, just a short walk from the high street and the bustling markets. The cathedral is easily accessible by foot, bus, or car, and there are nearby parking facilities for visitors.
Key Attractions:
- The Nave: The cathedral’s magnificent nave and intricately designed ceiling are a must-see. The vaulted roof, known as the “Exeter Vault,” is one of the longest continuous medieval vaults in the world and a marvel of engineering and artistry.
- The West Front: The cathedral’s artisans adorned the stunning west front with hundreds of figures representing biblical scenes, saints, and kings. This elaborate stonework is a striking example of medieval craftsmanship.
- The Quire: The Quire, where the choir sings during services, is a beautiful, atmospheric space. Its carved wooden stalls, dating from the 14th century, and stained glass windows add to its grandeur.
Things to Do
- Take a Guided Tour: Learn about Exeter Cathedral’s history, architecture, and significance with one of the knowledgeable guides. The tours offer fascinating insights into its construction, the stories behind the artwork, and its historical role.
- Attend a Service or Concert: Exeter Cathedral hosts regular religious services, special concerts, and events. Attending a service or a musical performance in such a magnificent setting is a memorable experience.
- Explore the Cathedral’s Cloisters: Walk through the cathedral’s peaceful cloisters, a perfect spot for reflection. The cloisters are a beautiful example of medieval architecture and offer views of the cathedral’s intricate stonework.
Culinary Delights
Devon is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, charming coastal community, and diverse culinary traditions. The area offers a range of flavors that represent the area’s farming heritage and seaside richness, from delectable cream teas to fresh seafood. These are some of the must-try foods that will make your Devon trip unforgettable.
- Devon Cream Tea: One of the most iconic treats in Devon, the Devon Cream Tea is a simple yet delightful indulgence. Bakers serve freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, typically strawberry or raspberry. What sets the Devon version apart is that people spread the cream first, followed by the jam, a point of proud distinction from neighboring Cornwall’s version. You can best enjoy this with a pot of tea in one of the region’s many cozy tearooms, particularly in Torquay or Dartmouth.
- Fresh Seafood: Given Devon’s extensive coastline, seafood is at the heart of its culinary scene. Fish and Chips is a classic dish, with fresh fish such as cod, haddock, or plaice, often caught straight from the English Channel. Devon crab and Devon lobster are highly prized, usually served simply with butter or in local specialties like crab sandwiches or lobster bisque. The fishing town of Brixham, in particular, is renowned for its seafood.
- Devon Cider: Devon is one of the critical regions for cider production in the UK, particularly in areas like the South Hams. Local orchards grow the apples used to make Devon cider, and you can find a wide range of ciders, from dry to sweet varieties. Many local pubs and cider houses offer tastings of these handcrafted ciders, making it a great way to enjoy the regional flavor. Some famous brands include Sheppy’s Cider and Sandford Orchards.
- Pasties: The Devon pasty is a popular local delicacy, even though the Cornish pasty may receive more attention. These delicious pastries, packed with meat (often beef), potatoes, onions, and swede (rutabaga), are ideal for a filling supper on the run. Usually hand-crimped, Devon pasties have a strong, filling flavor. They are frequently freshly cooked and offered in bakeries throughout the county.
- Devon Beef: Devon is known for its high-quality meat, especially from the Devon Red breed of cattle. Chefs value beef’s rich flavor and suppleness, making it an excellent option for stews and steaks. Many restaurants in Devon serve local meat, frequently accompanied by seasonal vegetables and potatoes grown nearby.
- Clotted Cream: Local producers make clotted cream and serve it as a critical ingredient in Devonshire breakfasts and desserts. This rich, thick cream is made from cow’s milk and has a sweet, velvety texture. People most famously used it in the region’s cream teas. However, it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit cakes and accompanies decadent pies or crumbles.
- Devonshire Cheddar: Devonshire cheddar is the most outstanding cheese in Devon. This cheese, well-known for its firm structure and somewhat acidic, nutty flavor, works well in pies, casseroles, and sandwiches. Two reputable local manufacturers are Quicke’s Cheddar and Yarty’s Cheddar.
Recommended Articles
We hope this EDUCBA information on “Tourist Attractions in Devon” benefited you. You can view EDUCBA’s recommended articles for more information,
