Devon - 87 Attractions You Must Visit

The National Trust's Knightshayes, Devon, is a Victorian country house surrounded by acres of glorious gardens and parkland. The house is Grade I listed. The gardens are Grade II* listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Out in the parkland, there are woodland walks, acres of tenanted farmland (home to our tenant farmers Exmoor Horn sheep), and our wild play area- so there really is something for everyone.

A beautiful unspoilt island that was home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery. It is 400ft at its highest point, is the largest in the Bristol Channel and quite possibly the most unique. The Island creates a rich diversity of animal and plant life loved by walkers, climbers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone, the waters also play host to a spectacular array of marine wildlife

It is the highest and the steepest totally water-powered railway in the world which was opened in 1890. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth providing stunning coastal views that will be the highlight of any visit. This working heritage railway is grade II listed, the UK's only fully water-powered railway and one of just three examples left in the World!

Meldon Reservoir is a local Dartmoor beauty spot in the northwest section of the National Park. The reservoir sits below Yes Tor and High Willhays which are the only two mountains in southern England. Explore open moorland, dramatic tors and a Scheduled Monument: boasting a special combination of industrial heritage, wildlife and nature trails, Meldon is the perfect location to enjoy a unique day outdoors.

Mill Bay, a privately owned sheltered sandy beach popular with families because of the very safe and clean bathing conditions, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Access to the beach is from the South West Coast Path and private access path, but public access is signposted. It was one of the iconic attraction which is suitable for family.

A historic copper port has been restored as an outdoor museum of industrial heritage. See a miner's cottage, waterwheel, assay laboratory, smithy, cooperage, lime kilns and other buildings that create a fascinating experience of the history of the area. This small mine has many features characteristic of the other mines found throughout the Tamar Valley, but here you can actually journey underground and experience something of the working conditions of the miners during the 19th century.

La Ronde is an 18th-century 16-sided house located near Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon, England, and in the ownership of the National Trust. The house was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter. The inspiration behind the building’s design is often attributed to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, with its many-sided shape and vaulted octagonal tower. The finished structure consists of 20 rooms, all intricately decorated by the cousins themselves.

Coleton Fishacre is a wonderful country house in Art Deco style, set in a beautiful wooded valley on the south Devon coast near the mouth of the River Dart. The garden at Coleton Fishacre runs down a narrow combe from the house to the sea at Pudcombe Cove. It was originally planted by Lady Dorothy and features rare and exotic plants, some of which are unusual in their ability to grow.

The National Trust's Compton Castle, Devon, is a dramatic fortified manor house and small formal garden. A rare survivor, this medieval fortress with high curtain walls, towers and a portcullis, set in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards, is a bewitching mixture of romance and history. One of the iconic attraction here and it attracts a lot of tourists.

Killerton House is the focal point of a substantial estate given to the National Trust in 1944 by Sir Richard Acland. The Aclands settled in this part of the country in the 16th century and earned the hereditary title of baronet by their loyalty to the King in the Civil War. The estate covers some 2590 hectares. Included in the Estate is a steep wooded hillside with the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort on top of it, also known as Dolby, which has also yielded evidence of Roman occupation, thoug

The National Trust's Lydford Gorge, Devon, is the deepest gorge in the South West and has a spectacular 30m waterfall. The waterfall trail is a moderate circular walk of about an hour on a mostly one-way route. The gorge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology, flora and fauna.

Watersmeet House is a former fishing lodge located near Lynmouth and used today as an information center, tea room, and shop by the National Trust, who have owned it since 1996. It stands at the bottom of a deep gorge at the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water. The house itself lies on the east bank of the river in the civil parish of Brendon and Countisbury, although the other bank is in Lynton and Lynmouth parish.

The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1539, the castle declined into a ruin.

Orcombe Point is the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. The dramatic red mudstone and sandstone reveal evidence of a previous desert environment crossed with seasonal life-giving rivers similar to Namibia today.

An Edwardian house with a wonderful sea view. The museum houses Overbeck's collections of stuffed animals, and exhibitions of model sailing ships and various nautical and shipbuilding tools. There is also a sub-tropical garden paradise that has unusual plants from all round the globe.

Pecorama is a beautiful tourist attraction with 9-acre site that includes the manufacturing production of the world-famous PECO products, the team behind Railway Modeller and Continental Modeller magazines. It also includes a display of many model railways, gardens, a shop, and the Beer Heights Light Railway and so more.

Pennywell Farm is packed full of animals, activities, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South West and there’s something new happening every hour. It is a centre for the breeding of miniature pigs, a variant of the New Zealand kune kune breed.

Powderham Castle enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary, just south of Exeter. Over 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon's oldest family homes. It is situated on flat, formerly marshy ground on the west bank of the River Exe estuary where it is joined by its tributary the River Kenn. On the opposite side of the Exe is the small village of Lympstone. It is a Grade I listed building. The park and gardens are Grad

Quince Honey Farm in South Molton is a family run business which was first established in 1949. Now in its third generation and with over 1500 hives, they are always refining new beekeeping techniques and growing in knowledge.

The River Heddon is a river in Devon, in the south of England. Running along the western edges of Exmoor, the river reaches the North Devon coast at Heddon's Mouth. It was renowned for its natural environment, with bridges and stepping stones along the river, meadows, and walks that start from the National Trust shop.