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Devon
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Bantham
A wide stretch of sand by south coast standards, Bantham is backed by dunes. When conditions are right, surfing is possible here.
50.279
-3.883
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Castle Drogo
England's youngest castle, designed by Lutyens and built of Dartmoor granite with all the mod-cons of the 1920's. At 300 metres high, it catches the wildest of Dartmoor’s weather. Try a spot of croquet on the croquet lawn or amble through the garden and miles of walks in the Teign Gorge.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
50.695
-3.812
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Exmoor National Park
This route is along the highest of the sea cliffs in the Exmoor National Park. Starting at Combe Martin take the coast path around Wild Pear Beach, then a stiff climb to Little Hangman (715 feet high). Climb on - more gradual this time - up to 1046 feet and the summit of Great Hangman to get the best of the panorama across Combe Martin Bay.
51.199
-4.025
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The Teign Ferry
Please note, this service has been suspended and a restricted, temporary service is in place. Please check the Web site for updates. Considered to be one of England's oldest working ferries, the Teign Ferry provides a regular service between Teignmouth and Shaldon across a picturesque harbour estuary. The first recorded service across the Teign dates to the 10th Century.
www.teignferry.com
50.54068
-3.498198
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50.905
-3.489
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Berry Head National Nature Reserve
A haven for rare and threatened species, Berry Head is home to one of the largest colonies of Guillemots on England's south coast. The Visitor Centre lets you watch them on CCTV and there are also many other migrant birds that come to the reserve. The limestone peninsular, which forms the southern arm of Tor Bay, is home to two Napoleonic-era forts as well as gardens rich with wild flowers from May to August and caves that house horseshoe bats.
www.countryside-trust.org.uk
50.399
-3.497
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Berry Pomeroy Castle
Reputedly Devon's most haunted castle, Berry Pomeroy is secreted away in a steep wooded valley. The 15th century ruin still displays a wall painting of the Three Kings in its gatehouse chamber. The great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End, however, it was abandoned by 1700 and subsequently became the subject of many a chilling ghost story, some of which can be heard in the audio tour. To get a good view of the ruin from below, take the woodland walk, although this can be steep in parts.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15446
50.443
-3.64
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Bigbury on Sea Beach
Bigbury on Sea Beach is a popular family destination, with easy access and good parking. Just across the water is Burgh Island, where Agatha Christie and Noel Coward once kicked up their heels. You can visit the island during the summer courtesy of a special ‘sea tractor’.
50.281
-3.896
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50.69226
-3.137698
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Carpenters Arms
Attractive tradtional pub in the village of Islington on Dartmoor.
50.57096
-3.715252
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Church House Inn
Using the highest standard of local produce where possible, the Church House Inn has established itself as a well known pub for great food. Traditional and contemporary dishes combine to form an impressive array of mouthwatering offerings from the ever evolving menu - don't miss Chef's taster evenings every third Thursday of the month.
www.churchhousemarldon.com/restaurants.html
50.46
-3.599
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Clovelly
A beautiful, unspoilt fishing village enveloped in green countryside. From Clovelly it is easy to take a boat trip across to Lundy Island, a pristine little wilderness just off the coast.
50.998
-4.399
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Dartington Hall
Dance, arts, film, contemporary performance, literature, music - there's a year-round programme of events at this wonderful medieval house set on a 1,200 acre estate by the River Dart.
www.dartington.org
50.45166
-3.692619
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Dousland to Princetown Railway Track
This disused railway line has been transformed into a spectacular walkway and rough cycle track that winds through deciduous woodland and past high moorland Tors. There are marvellous views of Burrator Lake and the Walkham Valley and the track passes the quarries of Sweltor and Foggintor, once famous for the granite used on many London buildings, including London Bridge.
50.501
-4.064
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Drake's Trail
Named after one of Devon's most famous sons, Sir Francis Drake, the Drake's Trail project, launched in March 2009, includes a range of walking and cycling routes in West Devon for all age groups and fitness levels. The new off-road cycling route follows the old railway track between Tavistock and Plymouth, crossing open moorland at Roborough Down before reaching the wooded valleys of the River Meavy and eventually the River Plym.
www.drakesdartmoor.co.uk
50.512
-4.112
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East Portlemouth Beaches
Along with Sunny Cove, Mill Bay opposite Salcombe on Kingsbridge Estuary can be reached via a regular pedestrian ferry from Salcombe, there is also parking available. The beaches are lovely, there is a stream and good facilities.
50.23
-3.767
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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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Exeter Underground Passages
Explore the medival passages that lie beneath Exeter High Street. Learn about the history of the tunnels with an interactive display, exhibition and film, then don a hard hat for a guided tour of the pasages that once piped fresh water to the city.
www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
50.7247
-3.526731
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50.674
-3.869
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James Duckett at The Old Custom House
French/European cuisine with a modern twist. Opened in August 2008, the Old Custom House aims to put North Devon on the culinary map of the South West. Chef James Duckett has a wealth of experience in renowned restaurants in London, Europe and further afield. Informal tapas-style lunches and authentic fine dining at dinner.
www.jamesduckett.co.uk
51.078
-4.061
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51.194
-4.09
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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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Merrivale Stones
Dartmoor is littered with mysterious standing stones, hut circles and old burial chambers believed to have been constructed up to 5,000 years ago. The stones at Merrivale are probably Dartmoor's most easily accessible, and include the longest double stone row in Europe, a stone circle, menhirs (standing stones) and a kistvaen (burial tomb).
50.555
-4.039
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National Marine Aquarium
Check out the oceans’ strangest creatures and marvel at the beauty of the coral reef. With 50 live exhibits, three massive tanks, over 4000 animals, and six zones to explore- Explorocean, The Shallows, Atlantic Reef, Mediterranean Sea, Weird Creatures and Coral Seas - there’s plenty to keep the family entertained. Budding scientists and ocean explorers will love Explorocean, two floors of interactive exhibits exploring how technology is being used to help us understand and care for our oceans.
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
50.366
-4.131
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Ness Cove
This pretty beach nestled at the foot of Ness Headland is reached through an old smugglers tunnel.
50.535
-3.499
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Pecorama Model Railway
Up on the hillside above the pretty fishing village of Beer, Pecorama is home to the Peco Model Railway Exhibition and The Beer Heights Light Railway. The miniature railway carries passengers through the grounds, with great views over Beer and Lyme Bay. On site you'll also find children's play areas, crazy golf, a refreshments car and the colourful Millenium Gardens. During the summer, jugglers, magicians and clowns perform at the Top Spot Garden Theatre.
www.peco-uk.com/Pecorama/Pecorama.htm
50.69622
-3.100976
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50.718
-3.531
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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 two churches, a boutique, butcher, coffee shop and many conserved areas for all to enjoy.
www.shaldon-devon.co.uk
50.54
-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. At the beginning of August the town rocks to the rhythm of the Sidmouth Folk Festival, a week of music, singing, dancing and storytelling.
50.67865
-3.237874
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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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51.051
-4.045
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50.959
-3.875
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The Lamb Inn
An old 16th Century coach house with low ceilings, open fires, comfy sofas, a sheltered garden and a great reputation for food. Listed in the Michelin Pub Guide and the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, 2010.
www.lambinnsandford.co.uk
50.809
-3.666
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50.693
-3.129
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The Old Smithy
Once the local blacksmiths, this friendly local now hosts monthly folk nights. Drop in for a bite to eat in the beer garden or enjoy a pint of real ale in front of the log fire.
www.theoldsmithyinn.co.uk
50.93346
-4.467309
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The Seahorse Restaurant
The Seahorse is the brainchild of award winning restaurateur, food writer, chef and founder of the renowned FishWorks chain Mitch Tonks and long term friends Mark Ely and Mat Prowse. Inspired by travels in the Mediterranean, The Seahorse, with seats for 40 diners, offers an experience with great food served in a relaxed but informal surroundings.
www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk
50.351
-3.578
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Tiverton
Tiverton is set on the Exe and Lowman rivers in a circular layout, now jealously guarded by the planners. Best known for John Heathcoat who set up his 19th Century textile factory with a few wool frames after escaping the luddites in Loughborough, the industry prospered and he built nearby Knighthayes Court as his mansion - now open to visitors with the National Trust. Tiverton Castle is in the centre of the town.
50.905
-3.489
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50.901
-3.488
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Torre Abbey Histoic House and Garden
Explore the ancient ruins of what was once the wealthiest abbey of its kind in England. Try your hand at brass rubbing, take a stroll in the gardens, visit the galleries and round it off with lunch at the cafe in the old kitchen or out on the terrace.
www.torre-abbey.org.uk
50.465
-3.542
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50.79
-3.661
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Fireside Breaks
Storm watching, star gazing, Dorset rocks and Devon stones - four reasons why we love the South West in winter.
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 | The wide open spaces and big skies of Dartmoor naturally divide Devon into three parts. The North is dominated by sweeping expanses of beach, aching to be sunbathed on, walked on and played on. Green rolling hills and a gentle coastline characterise the South - a haven for food lovers, and home to Meccas like The River Cottage. While Dartmoor’s wild, blustery, romantic moors are the perfect antidote to city life, promising to blow away the cobwebs with a welcome blast of fresh, country air.
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 | Some ideas to fill a few days exploring the joys of North Devon. |
 | Browse our selection of hand-picked activities for days out and short breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. |
 | View your personal itinerary of things to do, places to visit and where to eat on your holiday. |
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