Cottages in South Devon

With 120 miles (193.12 km) of coastline, South Devon has an international reputation for water-based activities! You'll find activities such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and much more. Whether you want to take a leisurely paddle down the river in a canoe or try something extreme like battling the waves on a surfboard, South Devon has something to suit all tastes and levels. You can also find dive centres that give you the chance to explore the shallow reefs in places like Exmouth or Teignmouth. South Devon is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts that you have to experience on your own.

There are also routes to suit all levels of keen cyclists, from short rides to challenging climbs. You'll find a variety of mountain biking routes and family trails such as The Granite Way through rural Devon, and others such as the Exe Estuary Trail which runs between Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish Warren. This 16-mile cycle and footpath is easy to pedal and offers spectacular views of the mouth of the River Exe. Haldon Forest Park, 15 minutes from Exeter, is also a great place for cyclists offering 3,500 acres with trails for all levels.

Climb aboard a locomotive, travel through the picturesque countryside, and take in the captivating scenery through the window. South Devon Railway's gleaming steam locomotives will take you through some of Devon's most beautiful scenery! During the winter, enjoy a magical experience on the elegant steam engine of The Polar Express. The award-winning Railway is one of Devon's best-loved tourist attractions and is the oldest steam railway in the South West.

Located near Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast, The Donkey Sanctuary is one of South Devon's highlights. This free attraction is perfect for taking the kids and having a great family day out. You can pet hundreds of donkeys rescued from neglect and abuse, take part in activities and enjoy lunch overlooking the coast at the award-winning Taste of the West restaurant. Interact with these gentle creatures and take home a souvenir from the shop to help support their livelihood. No trip to South Devon is complete without a visit to this beautiful place.

With 80 acres of grounds, Paignton Zoo is home to dozens of different animals that will keep you entertained all day. During your visit, explore the different areas, explore the botanical garden and discover the animals living in nature-themed exhibits. You can see ferocious creatures such as crocodiles, lions, tigers, gorillas, cheetahs, and more cuddly creatures such as the red panda, armadillo, and giraffe. This is one of the best zoos in Britain and is one of the most exciting attractions in South Devon.

Stretching from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, Devon's Jurassic Coast is a historically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel back to the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods by visiting this fascinating place and look for fossils as you walk along the coastline. Walking along the unspoiled coastline you can find 185 million-year-old geological revelations exposed in the cliffs, barrier beaches, and isolated caves.

The multi-award-winning Pennywell Farm is a must-visit in South Devon if you're travelling with the little ones. This is the largest activity farm in the South West and offers activities ranging from milking goats, collecting eggs to feeding deer. Among the animals, you'll find Pennywell's world-famous miniature pigs, alpacas, highland cattle, goats, rabbits, ponies, miniature donkeys, and many more cute animals to cuddle. In addition, you will also find numerous stops for snacks and coffee.

Declared the number one theme park in the South West, Crealy Theme Park & Resort has over 60 outdoor and indoor rides and attractions to keep you entertained no matter what the weather. Feel the power of the Twister as you speed through an undulating track, hold on tight to Maximus as you race down the twisting track and climb Crealy's Tidal Wave Log Flume and drop 8 feet (2.44 m) into the water pool. The park is set on 100 acres and is home to over 200 animals too!

Powderham Castle is one of Devon's oldest family homes and centuries of history not to be missed. Take an entertaining guided tour inside the castle, explore the exterior, seclude yourself in the tranquillity of the American Garden and envelop yourself in the scents of flowers and wisteria in the rose garden. The castle enjoys a spectacular and unique setting within a deer park by the Exe Estuary, which is home to 600 fallow deer.