We are incredibly lucky to be located near to some of the best beaches that South Devon has to offer. The beaches below are some of the most spectacular and well-known but there are plenty of others to choose from! We are happy to provide you with a map and a few tips for finding a quiet cove or the best place for rock-pooling with the kids.

Mothecombe 22 mins - 9.3 miles
Explore Mothecombe
Bigbury 27 mins – 10.9 miles
Explore Bigbury
Bantham 30 mins - 12.2 miles
Explore Bantham
South Milton (National Trust) 32 mins – 14 miles
Explore South Milton

The Box is Plymouth's major new museum, art gallery and archive – located just a short walk from the main city centre.

Come and see a series of galleries that showcase the city’s incredible collections with thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size replica woolly mammoth, wonderful works of art, amazing archive film and photography, and fascinating documents, maps and plans.

Buy a gift or souvenir in the great onsite shop which is packed full of locally sourced products. Enjoy a delicious bite to eat, a drink or a snack from The Box Kitchen & Bar restaurant or The Little Box cade.

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland on the edge of Dartmoor with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, cheetah, jaguar and lynx (the largest variety of big cats in the region), bear, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoon, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
Home of the Hollywood film “We bought a Zoo”, Dartmoor Zoo is a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and research. It works hard to ensure that the development of the zoo does not have an adverse effect on the beautiful woodland environment which makes it quite unique among zoos. As a consequence they have plenty of open spaces for the kids to run free and visitors are very welcome to bring a picnic and simply enjoy the surroundings.
There are regular daily events such as public talks at feeding times, animal encounters and special activities for the family during the holidays such as quiz-trails and face-painting. The restaurant is a great place to stop off for a coffee and cake or a freshly cooked lunch and there's space set aside for the under-fives to have in-door fun.

Treat your family to a full day of family fun and animal action at Pennywell Farm. With a different activity, show or display every half hour, hundreds of friendly animals and four FREE rides, you won’t waste a single minute.
Bottle feed baby animals, race ferrets, meet hedgehogs, explore ponds and enjoy fantastic entertainers every day during the Devon school holidays. You can even cuddle one of the world famous Pennywell Miniature piglets or groom and pamper our very sociable pint sized ponies. Pennywell Pig Racing is a must and we guarantee you won’t have experienced anything quite like it.
There is plenty of indoor space to play and picnic and if it rains during your visit we will give you a FREE return ticket.

Welcome to the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter SanctuaryA friendly south Devon attraction, ideal for a family day out
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.
In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.

It has been said by people of 'a certain generation', who have memories of trips to school by train, that the magnificent, snorting steam locomotive at the head of the train was really alive - that it had a heart and soul, and breathed like you and me. Well, if you come to the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh, you'll discover that they were probably quite right. The South Devon Railway is a branch line of the former Great Western Railway. Gleaming, historic GWR steam engines haul trains full of enthralled passengers of all ages on a round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
The line passes through some of Devon's most beautiful countryside, hugging the river Dart along almost all of its length - and through countryside rich in wildlife, barely any of which is visible from the road. At Buckfastleigh, there is a riverside walk and picnic area, play area, gardens, a fascinating museum, our workshop and historic steam and diesel engines as well as our well stocked shop and refreshment rooms. There is even a heritage bus service to the town and Buckfast Abbey on some days. Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies is adjacent to Buckfastleigh station and you can buy joint tickets for both attractions.
Down the line you'll discover sleepy Staverton, where time really has stood still, and on to historic Totnes. Our station here has been rebuilt from buildings and artefacts rescued from all over the west country and is well worth a visit. While you are there, visit the award winning Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, right next door to our station. Joint tickets can be bought. We're also a short walk from the town and main line station. On certain days, a ferry runs to the town from close to our station.

Visit the UK's largest Aquarium and be amazed by our fascinating underwater world and how we all play a part in conserving it.
The National Marine Aquarium is a registered charity committed to promoting a sympathetic understanding of the sea through programmes of education, conservation and research.
Your journey will take you across the world's oceans, from the shores of Plymouth to the coral reefs of the tropics. We have over 70 sharks from more than ten different species. The sharks on display range in size from the small catfish to the large Sand Tiger Sharks. Our hosts deliver an action-packed talk schedule, including our not-to-be-missed interactive dive show.
The National Marine Aquarium is a truly unique venue in the stunning Sutton Harbour. Its relaxed environment and breathtaking views make it the perfect venue for a variety of functions and events, from birthday celebrations to wedding receptions.
We have several spaces available to hire and a variety of catering options available. Enjoy fine dining for 120 guests on round tables in our auditorium looking at the amazing Eddystone Reef exhibit or a buffet for 75 in Horizons, with views to die for across Plymouth Sound.

Outdoor fun & adventure set in 90 acres

Activities include:

• • Pirate Ship - surrounded by water.
• • Toddler’s beach.
• • Commando assault course.
• • Spider’s web.
• • Low ropes course.
• • Bike pump track.
• • Jungle Fun.
• • Lilliput – perfect for toddlers.

In addition to the action-packed fun there are lovely scenic walks through woodland and alongside the beautiful River Dart, including nature and tree trails.
Enjoy a relaxing drink or meal in The Old Sawmill café bar, or watch the action from Oasis beach hut which offers a choice of drinks and snacks by the Pirate Ship.
The River Dart Country Park is keen to keep our environment lovely and has a progressive green policy including a hydro turbine which is the first of its kind in the UK and produces 80% of our electricity and is available for all to see, plus a recycling policy throughout the Park.
If you are looking for more adrenalin then why not try our Dare Devil activites, these include mega zip wire over the river, high ropes course, water zorbs, canoeing & kayaking. These are at extra cost and seasonal opening.

With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, it is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and one of Britain’s top zoos. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal. Discover all your favourite species, big and small, including gorillas, orang-utans, giraffes, lions, tigers, crocodiles, red pandas and rhinos, and be ready for a few surprises along the way too. Come rain or shine the Zoo is a fun filled day out for all of the family and you will need a whole day to explore everything it has to offer.
Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats - from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. As you enter the Zoo across the boardwalk you will come across Reptile Tropics. This exhibit is home to an amazing array of reptiles, amphibians and birds from around the world, including chameleons, lizards and poison dart frogs. Check out Lemur Wood to get up close to our three different species of lemur and brave walking over the wobbly bridge. Carrying on in this area of the Zoo you will reach the big primates in the Ape Centre – the gorillas and orang-utans. Paignton Zoo is home to a bachelor group of four Western lowland gorillas and six Bornean orang-utans; both Critically Endangered species.

Overlooking the sea in Plymouth harbour, Tinside Lido is consistently voted in the top 10 of Europe’s outdoor pools. Built in 1935, the lido is archetypal of the then popular art-deco style and is Grade II listed. Open only during the summer months, this beautiful salt water swimming pool is perfect for everyone and is fully accessible to people of all needs. As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is generally considered to be one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun, so remember to bring the sun cream.

Modbury is a beautiful small market town in the heart of South Devon and one of the smallest towns in the region. But Modbury is famous due to its shops’ policy of banning the use of plastic carrier bags in 2007, long before the rest of the UK.
Centrally located in the heart of the South Devon countryside, Modbury is boasts spectacular views, walks and scenery all year round, yet is just a short drive from the coastline and some of the UK's best beaches.
The pretty town is full of independant shops, pubs and cafe's, and is the perfect place to while away a few hours of retail therapy - with unique gifts and local produce on sale.
From arts and crafts to fine dining on quality local produce, Modbury is a picturesque and lively South Devon holiday destination that takes the idea of preserving its unique environment seriously.

Totnes is an historic market town that combines alternative therapies, breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a fascinating history. Sitting in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.

For shopping addicts Totnes offers an excellent range of small independent retailers and unique shops, the town is famed for its promotion of ethical products, wholefoods and fair trade goods. In the Civil Hall Square you’ll find the weekly market which held on Fridays and Saturdays, an Elizabethan market held each Tuesday morning (May-September), when traders dress in Elizabethan period costumes and the Totnes Sunday Good Food Market held the third Sunday of the month in the Market Square.

As well as shopping and exploring the town’s history there are many wonderful things to see and do in and around Totnes. You can enjoy river trips on the Dart, discover one of the towns museums, visit Totnes Castle, take a ride on a steam railway or visit one of the many arts galleries.

If you love wine and cheese, then a visit to Sharpham Vineyard is the perfect day out - set on the banks of the River Dart, enjoy a tour of the winery and taste its award winning local produce. For the kids, enjoy days out at Pennywell Farm, the South Devon Railway, take a canoe trip up the River Dart

The area around Totnes is stunning and there are a number of walks leading from the town which explores the river banks and surrounding countryside. To the North West of Totnes is Dartington, home to Dartington Hall Estate, with its historic house, listed gardens, barn cinema and shops.
Totnes historic market town

The beautiful town of Dartmouth situated on the mouth of the River Dart is one of South Devon’s most popular and enchanting towns. With its charming historic streets, scenic river location and surrounded by South Devon countryside you have to go a long way to find a town as pretty.

The River Dart is the perfect watersports playground – sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boat trips and more are all on offer – you can even learn to surf at one of the nearby beaches, or just spend a lazy day enjoying the views. One of the country’s top beaches Blackpool Sands is just a short drive from Dartmouth and is not to be missed.

Dartmouth is full of history and heritage, no trip to Dartmouth would be complete without visiting Dartmouth Castle, or Agatha Christie's Greenway National Trust Holiday Home. For the kids, there are plenty of local attractions such as Woodlands Theme Park, and activities and crabbing is a popular pastime on the embankment to keep them amused.

Spend a day exploring the town, with its museum, art galleries, independent shops and places to eat.

After you have finished exploring the town make sure you head out in to the surrounding countryside. Take one of the many footpaths surrounding the town and discover the wonderful countryside or costal views. Walk parts of the South West Coast Path and enjoy spectacular views across the coastline.

Catch one of the many ferries and head for Torquay, Salcombe or Totnes or just enjoy a trip around the river mouth. You could even catch the steam train from Kingswear for a nostalgic trip through the South Devon Countryside.

The beautiful coastal town of Salcombe sits on the banks of the Salcombe Estuary making it one of the prettiest towns in South Devon. Located within the South Devon Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe is known for its outstanding coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, as well as a centre for sailing. Salcombe is a great base for holiday spent messing about on the water or at the water’s edge, or just for a day trip - either way you will fall in love with this beautiful town.

With its estuary location, Salcombe is a water sports haven - whether it be sailing, kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding - everyone wants to get in the crystal blue waters. The local beaches are nothing short of outstanding, with golden sand and turquoise sea. In Town, Salcombe South Sands and North Sands are ideal family beaches, and just across the estuary you will find East Portlemouth, best accessed via ferry from Salcombe. To the west lies the beaches of Bigbury on Sea and Bantham and the famous Burgh Island which is accessed at high tide via a sea tractor.

With the South West Coast Path on the doorstep, you can discover the area’s spectacular coastline at your leisure – a walk to Start Point Lighthouse is an ideal way to spend a day admiring the views.

Salcombe town is lined with boutique shops, high street brands and independent producers, as well as local art galleries and gift shops - you can spend hours browsing through the town. Some of the best restaurants and bars are located in Salcombe, serving locally caught fresh seafood and locally farmed produce. Don’t forget to try some delicious Salcombe Dairy Ice-cream or the award winning Salcombe Gin - both have in town shops and distilleries you can visit.

We’ve long known that Torquay is a fantastic choice for a UK staycation. Basking on the world-famous English Riviera, with Paignton and Brixham alongside, it offers fantastic all year round holidays for everyone, is surrounded by beautiful beaches and stunning countryside, and is within a UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark.

Its attractions have been officially recognised by TripAdvisor, which named Torquay as the UK’s top seaside resort – an award that’s very much worth having: “These awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings by those that really matter – travellers themselves,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson James Kay. “Torquay’s strong showing, the highest of any town in the UK, is testament to the unquestionable appeal of this seaside destination.”

With events and festivals going on all year round, attractions galore, bundles of beauty spots, oodles of outdoor activities, and the wonderful sea to harvest for excellent food, plus a huge range of accommodation, it’s no surprise that it’s seen as the heart of the British seaside holiday.