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Beginner’s Guide to South Devon

Beginner’s Guide to South Devon

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!

 

A lot of boats docked by a coastal town

 

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.

 

A shark swimming in an aquarium over the heads of viewers

 

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!

 

A typwriter on a table with a lit candle, two books and a pair of glasses

 

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.

 

A castle with woodlands behind on a sunny day

 

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!

19th May 2025

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Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club

Dawlish Warren Life Saving club put a plea on Facebook on the 5<sup>th</sup> of April this year for funds to help the club after seeing their fundraising efforts suffer due to covid over the past two years, Dawlish Life Saving Club posted that they faced an uncertain future, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park and Oakcliff Holiday park owner Jason Jeffery contacted the club’s secretary and offered to help and secure the club’s future with a rolling 2-year funding agreement.

Dawlish Warren lifesaving club have been training beach lifeguards, first aiders, and children from age 7 at the Warren for over 55 years. During the summer season and busy bank holidays they provide a voluntary lifeguarding service both independently and alongside the RNLI. As well as suppling lifeguard cover for numerous open water swimming events, Triathlons and even music festivals all over the country.

Jason Jeffery owner of both Lady’s Mile Holiday Park and Oakcliff Holiday park said “we appreciate all the hard work the committee and the members do to keep the beach safe for our guests and local residents over the summer. We are proud to sponsor the club who are keeping our community safe.

Club Chairman Gareth Jones said “Our club is thrilled with our new sponsors, their community values reflect our own and have enabled us to invest in vital lifesaving equipment to help train new lifeguards and save lives on our beautiful beach and the local area.”

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