Thinking of heading to South Devon? Excellent choice! Whether you’re a beach lover, nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or just someone who appreciates a good cream tea (jam first, obviously), South Devon is the place to be. We’re here to give you the inside scoop – a not-too-long, not-too-short, totally delightful guide to what makes South Devon so brilliant. So, pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s explore everything this charming corner of the UK has to offer!
Natural Beauties: Because Mother Nature’s Showing Off
Kents Cavern
Ready to go full-on Indiana Jones? Kents Cavern in Torquay is one of Europe’s most important Stone Age sites. You’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient humans (don’t worry, they’ve cleaned up since then), and see dramatic rock formations that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy novel. It’s spooky, it’s educational, and it’s perfect for that dramatic echo moment: “Helloooooo!” Guaranteed giggles.
Canonteign Falls
Welcome to the home of Devon’s tallest waterfall! It’s the kind of place that makes you say “wow” without even realising you’ve said it out loud. Explore magical fern gardens, climb woodland trails, and soak in the scenery. Bonus points if you manage not to get your shoes muddy (but let’s be honest, that’s half the fun).
The South West Coast Path
If you fancy stretching your legs and giving your camera a workout, this one’s a winner. The South West Coast Path is over 600 miles long (don’t panic, you don’t have to do it all in one go). There are loads of bite-sized sections perfect for beginners. You’ll stumble across hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and cute seaside towns with excellent fish and chips. Walking boots at the ready!
Beaches
South Devon is absolutely spoilt for beaches. Whether you like your beach days peaceful and postcard-worthy or full of family mayhem, you’ll find your happy place here.
Dawlish Warren is your classic British beach experience: arcades, sandcastles, and maybe even a cheeky seagull trying to nab your chips. Ness Cove in Shaldon? More of a hidden gem – accessed through a smugglers’ tunnel! It’s peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for a seaside picnic.
Fancy diving deeper into the local beaches? We’ve got a dedicated beach blog for that. Read here.
Out & About – Fun Stuff to Do
Paignton Zoo
Lions, tigers, and meerkats – oh my! Paignton Zoo is a wild day out (pun intended). It’s more than just animals too – think beautiful botanical gardens, learning zones, and play areas for the little ones. Pro tip: wear comfy shoes. There’s a lot of ground to cover and you’ll want to see it all.
Crealy Adventure Park
This one’s for the adrenaline junkies – and those who just want to hear their kids yell “AGAIN!” 60+ rides, live shows, indoor play zones, and animals galore. Basically, if you’re under 12 (or just young at heart), you’re going to have the best day ever.
Exe Adventures River Sports
Ever tried paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing? Now’s your chance. You don’t need to be a pro – Exe Adventures will gently guide you along, and if you fall in, well… it’s part of the fun, right? Just don’t forget a towel and a sense of humour.
Starcoss Golf
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or your idea of golf is crazy golf with a windmill, Starcross Golf is great. It’s casual, friendly, and welcoming to everyone – no stuffy dress codes here. Plus, you get stunning views while you play. And if your ball ends up in the water hazard… consider it part of the charm.
National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth)
Rainy day? No worries. Head to the UK’s largest aquarium, where sharks glide overhead and clownfish peek out from coral. It’s immersive, educational, and just plain cool. Fun fact: some of the tanks are so big, you might feel like you’re underwater yourself!
People, Culture & Devonian Quirks
Dialect 101
Ever heard someone say “proper job” or “gurt lush” and thought, “Eh?” Welcome to Devon dialect! It’s all part of the charm, and we’ve even created a blog to help you decode it. Locals are friendly, but don’t be surprised if you need a mini translation now and then – especially if you’re upcountry.
Read our Devonshire Dialect blog here!
Famous People
Turns out, South Devon has more than its fair share of celebrity connections:
Agatha Christie, queen of crime, was born in Torquay. You can even visit places that inspired her books. Read more here.
Chris Martin from Coldplay grew up in Exeter. Who knew the land of scones and cider could also produce global rockstars?
Tom Daley, Olympic diver extraordinaire, is a proud Plymothian – and rumour has it he still pops back now and then.
Random (But Cool) Devon Facts
Because who doesn’t love a bit of trivia?
- Parliament Street in Exeter is the UK’s narrowest street. So narrow, in fact, you might need to breathe in to walk down it!
- The pasty actually comes from Devon – Cornwall might have won the popularity contest, but we got there first.
- The Met Office is based in Exeter. Yep, South Devon is basically where the weather happens.
- There are over 8,000 miles of road in Devon. That’s more than any other county in the UK!
- Plymouth is home to the oldest working gin distillery in the world. Cheers!
So, Why Visit South Devon?
Honestly? Because it has everything. Rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, charming villages, quirky attractions, and more cream teas than you can shake a scone at. Whether you want peace and quiet or family-friendly chaos (the good kind), South Devon delivers.
So pack your bags, grab the sunnies (and maybe an umbrella, just in case), and head to our little slice of coastal heaven.
We promise you’ll fall in love – and probably start planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
If you enjoyed our Beginners Guide to South Devon, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.
If you’re planning your next getaway, book your stay with us at Lady’s Mile today. Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!
