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The Eden Project.
An unforgettable
experience in an
epic location.
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View your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday.
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Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge stands at the head of the estuary, and is full of interesting lanes and passageways with specialist, often family run, shops.
50.287
-3.779
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Dartmouth
Historically, Dartmouth was of strategic importance as a port used in the crusades of 1147 and 1190. Dominated by Britannia Royal Naval College, it has two fortified castles protecting the mouth of the River Dart. There are many historical buildings, a cobbled market place, shops, galleries, gourmet restaurants and delicatessens. National Trust Gardens, the South West Coast Path and clean beaches are nearby.
50.352
-3.582
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Plymouth
Plymouth is fast becoming a sleek, cosmopolitan destination with much to offer the visitor. The architectural eyesores of the 60s and 70s are steadily being torn down to be replaced by chic, contemporary buildings and the city is changing to accommodate great shopping, swanky bars, cafes and gourmet restaurants. The historic ‘Hoe’, the vast public space next to the water is a wonderful place to soak up the view across Plymouth Sound to Drake’s Island.
50.371
-4.134
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Totnes
An old market town with archetypal crooked, narrow lanes and quaint cottages. Totnes now has a slightly bohemian air, with lots of tempting delicatessens, eco-friendly shops and wholefood cafes.
50.432
-3.688
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Bigbury-on Sea
Huge expansive yellow sands, an enchanting island reached by foot at low tide and fat, juicy Bigbury Bay oysters – Bigbury-on-Sea has much to offer the visitor. Take a trip by sea tractor to Burgh Island, where Noel Coward and Agatha Christie attended elegant parties in the 1920s, hire a surfboard and catch some waves, walk the coast path or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning views - Bigbury is at the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
50.284
-3.894
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Brixham
A classic English harbour town with pastel coloured fishermen’s cottages clinging to the hill in crooked rows. There’s a swanky marina complete with restaurants and bars, a choice of beaches and a saltwater outdoor swimming pool. The beautiful coastline here can be explored either by foot on the coast paths or by taking a trip on the ‘Brixham Belle’, which sails to Dartmouth, Paignton and Torquay.
50.395
-3.518
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Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton lies on the very western tip of the Jurassic Coast and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by open countryside and woodlands, with rich red cliffs rearing up either side of the town, Budleigh Salterton is a blissful escape from the 21st century. The pebbly beach has room for everyone with two and half miles of seafront with beachside cafes and even some classic beach huts available to hire.
50.629
-3.323
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Dawlish
Once a busy resort in Georgian and Victorian times, Dawlish now has a tranquil, relaxed feel. Some fine period architecture adds to the classic English seaside atmosphere and Dawlish has some very pretty ‘civic’ spaces – the Lawn is a public park that provides a beautifully green heart to the town through which a shallow river known as Dawlish Water runs, heading for the nearby sea in a series of small waterfalls; throughout the evening, coloured fairy lights along this waterway create a little magic for strollers.
50.581
-3.468
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Exeter
Exeter has always had real character due to its lovely cathedral, which is surrounded by peaceful green spaces and cobbled streets. The historic quayside is full of interesting shops to browse and cafes to while away an afternoon of people watching. There is a worthwhile visitor centre which traces Exeter’s history back into the mists of time.
50.725
-3.522
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Exmouth
Just ten miles downstream from Exeter, Exmouth sits where the River Exe meets the sea. Famed for its two miles of sand, Exmouth is a well-loved family holiday resort. The area has some fantastic walking, whichever direction you head off in. Along the coast, millions of years of geological history are in evidence in the vibrant red cliffs; the rocks here are older than any others on the Jurassic Coast that stretches through Devon and Dorset. Walking inland is just as lovely; alongside the river to the picturesque village of Lympstone is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
50.618
-3.413
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Honiton
Once famous for lace-making, now renowned for its busy antiques trade. Georgian houses line the streets and give Honiton the perfect atmosphere for a spot of antique shopping.
50.801
-3.189
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Kingswear
Teetering on a little headland that stretches into the River Dart, Kingswear faces Dartmouth across the water, and has just as much Devon charm. Being in Kingswear is all about slowing down and taking time to relax and watch the yachts bob on the river, enjoy really fresh seafood at a waterfront café or mooch around the shops and galleries. If you fancy exploring the river, try a trip on the Picnic Boat, with luxury picnic hampers provided as you sail along.
50.349
-3.571
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Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot has a long, rich history in many different trades, from wool and leather in medieval times to the locomotive industry in the Victorian era. All have left their mark on the town, which has an interesting architectural legacy, including plenty of well-preserved, imposing Victorian buildings. Now, Newton Abbot is more geared towards leisure; a much-loved race course, no less than three public parks and England’s only traditional malthouse that is open to the public – and yes, you can sample the ales!
50.531
-3.601
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Newton Ferrers
At the end of a steep, narrow lane that leads nowhere but into the village, Newton Ferrers is a little piece of Devon that few stumble across. It sits on the banks of the Yealm Estuary, surrounded by ancient woodland and creeks. Although the village is just 10 miles from the city sprawl of Plymouth, Newton Ferrers teems with wildlife; kingfishers, egrets and herons are often spotted around the water. The heart of the village is the pub, The Dolphin Inn, which is surrounded by thatched cottages – the word ‘idyllic’ will be on the tip of your tongue.
50.316
-4.036
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Ottery St Mary
One of the oldest towns in Devon, Ottery St Mary pre-dates the Domesday Book by some margin. Nestling in the Otter Valley, Devon’s rolling countryside spreads in every direction. Just a few miles to the south are the beaches of the south coast, perfect for days out. Ottery St Mary has a number of mystifying annual celebrations that are always great fun to witness: Tar Barrel Rolling in November (the barrels are on fire!), the spectacular carnival and Pixie Day, when local bellringers are taken captive by ‘pixies’, with a fete, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
50.752
-3.280
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Paignton
Families have been flocking to Paignton for generations to enjoy a traditional English seaside resort. Much loved by the Victorians, the pleasures of Paignton have changed little – sand castle building, picnics on the beach and a dip in the sea. Paignton Zoo has a world-wide reputation for its conservational aims and offers an excellent day out for animal lovers; state-of-the-art enclosures afford the animals greater freedom to exhibit natural behaviour, which in turn makes for an exciting display for visitors.
50.440
-3.570
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Salcombe
Long the favoured destination for yachties, Salcombe is in an exquisite location surrounded by sheltered water and a string of tiny, sandy bays. There is a distinctly upmarket feel to the town itself; boutique shops and chic cafes and restaurants abound throughout Salcombe’s quaint streets. Activities revolve around the wind and waves; sailing is the number one sport here and there is plenty of opportunity for lessons for the beginner or boat hire for the more experienced.
50.236
-3.769
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Saltash
Wherever you are in Saltash, it’s impossible to miss one of Brunel’s most dramatic pieces of engineering. The Royal Albert railway bridge strides across the Tamar, linking Devon and Cornwall and providing some truly astounding views. The more recent suspension road bridge is an equally imposing landmark. The Tamar Valley stretches away behind Saltash, offering a glorious backdrop to fun water activities like sailing or canoeing.
50.408
-4.208
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Seaton (Devon)
Once a thriving port, Seaton is now one of Devon’s most traditional seaside resorts with working open top trams trundling along the estuary. Part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Seaton is gripped by deep red cliffs that exhibit millions of years of geological history. The town is also bordered by marshes and wetlands that are home to a wide variety of bird species and many visitors arrive festooned with binoculars hoping to spot a rarity.
50.710
-3.069
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Shaldon
Shaldon is an unspoilt village situated on the mouth of the river Teign between Torquay and Teignmouth. It has a thriving livelyhood based on the estuary. On a clear day, Portland Bill can even be seen despite being 50 miles away. A pretty village with 2 churches, a boutique, butcher, coffee shop and many conserved areas for all to enjoy.
www.shaldon-devon.co.uk
50.540
-3.509
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Sidmouth
Sidmouth has all the classic appeal of a traditional English seaside resort, with wonderful Regency architecture and a genteel atmosphere. Tourism has been kind to the town, leaving its character intact.
50.679
-3.238
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Teignmouth
Teignmouth has all the attractions of a seaside town, including a Victorian pier, together with the fascinating activity of a working port - large ships, fishing vessels and pleasure craft move between the sea and the estuary.
50.547
-3.491
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Torpoint
The first and last Cornish town, Torpoint lies opposite Plymouth, separated from Devon by the Tamar River. It offers the best of both worlds; close proximity to all the urban delights of Plymouth, which has excellent shopping, eating and entertainment, and easy access to Cornwall’s most easterly beaches, like Cawsand, Kingsand and Downderry.
50.376
-4.198
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Torquay
Elegant Victorian architecture, a series of wide, crescent beaches and a backdrop of seven hills encircling the town – it’s hardly surprising that Torquay has been such a popular holiday resort for generations. This is the English Riviera at its most classic and the best way to enjoy it is to stroll along the palm-lined promenade, ice cream in hand, watching the sea lap the shore.
50.472
-3.523
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Wembury
Homes in the South Hams area of Devon are among some of the most expensive in the country for good reason. Utterly unspoilt, brimming with natural beauty at every turn and edged with gorgeous beaches, the South Hams are idyllic. Wembury village perches on a particularly lovely spot of coastline, with low, rocky cliffs to the front and gentle green farmland behind. Don’t miss the Wembury Marine Centre, where they’ll tell you all about the rich sea life that inhabits the south Devon waters.
50.318
-4.083
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