Devon Off The Beaten Path

  Tramway, North Light
by maykal
 
  • Tramway, North Light
      Tramway, North Light
    by maykal
  • Cockington Church,
      Cockington Church,
    by freya_heaven
  • The Drum Inn.
      The Drum Inn.
    by cazz38
  • Roof boss: St Thomas a Becket
      Roof boss: St Thomas a Becket
    by leics
  • Painted corbel 1
      Painted corbel 1
    by leics
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The Tarka Trail Part #1 - Barnstaple to Instow

by johngayton

It had been a long, long time since I had cycled purely for the pleasure of it and I had all but forgotten the simple joy of pedalling along with no particular hurry to get anywhere specific, just enjoying the fresh air, the changing scenery and the casual bonhomie of the passing encounters with my fellow travellers.Having recently moved back to North Devon and being about 4 miles from the nearest pub (apart from mine of course) I reckoned it would be a good idea to invest in a new bike (well 2 in fact :-X)). Having bought them I decided that whilst the nearest pub was all very well and fine, there must be more to cycling than just darting off to there whenever the chance arose - i.e. there must be other pubs within my cycling range!!!!This is why I am falling in love with The Tarka Trail - there are crackin' pubs all along it :-)))This, my first outing, took me the 6 miles from...

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The Tarka Trail - 180 Car-free Miles :-)))

by johngayton

The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile figure-of-eight loop of walking, cycling and horse-riding pathways which encompass a "taster" of the magnificent diversity of land and seascape that Devon has to offer. Centred around the thriving mini-metropolis of North Devon - Barnstaple - The Tarka Trail strikes both northwards and south following at times disused railway lines, wooded river valleys, coastal stretches with sheer drops into the Atlantic, the chalk and cheese twins of the county's two moors, and in-between, tracts of rural serenity with ever-fattening herds of sheep and cattle grazing on the lush water-laden greenery which so defines the County of Devon.The seeds of the trail were sown in 1988 as a local government initiative to counter the then decline in the quality and character of life here in mid to north Devon with modern farming practices, industrial developement and urbanisation...

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Slapton Sands

by stevezero

Not to fsr off the beaten track, but a lovely bit of beach none the less. there are fine views of nearby cliffs, and the sea is lovely and safe. Only downside is the expensive carpark charges.Between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, on the A379

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Cockington an old worldly village

by LouiseTopp

Cockington village (480 acres) is a hidden gem of Torquay. It’s one of those old time villages, which has stopped in time. There’s a bus to the village from Torquay which runs daily, also there’s a car park here as well. Narrow windy lanes add to the peaceful atmosphere, there’s also a horse drawn carriage ride for £10 as well. Walk through the gardens and past the cricket ground to a country manor where the carriages all park, you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Inside the house is a elaborate staircase, upstairs there are several craft rooms ranging from pottery to scents and fragrances.Nearbye is the Drum Inn, a 1930's pub & resturant with varied menu. Close by is Rose Garden tearooms where piano music is played, there's also small gardens to see here.There's many walks for dog lovers, & there's the world famouse forge althrough the roof is a little low. Here you will find...

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Shaldon Village

by LouiseTopp

Shaldon is a small village off the coast of Teignmouth. To get here you can either catch the ferry which costs £1.20, or walk along the bridge. Upon Shaldon ther's a pub called The Lifeboat Inn & severale cafe's. One is called the Beach comber which has outdoor seating in a small yard overlooking the harbour water. Here you can have cream tea's or slices of cake, althrough it's a bit pricey. Ther's an in door returant area as well & the staff are pretty friendly. Ther's a cafe up the road called The Clipper which also has outdoor & indoor seating, ther's a big menu on the wall. They also run a B&B for £190 for the week, check out the gift shop that they have. In Shaldon itself ther's a post office, butchers, fishing tackle shop, newsagents, convienience store & a bowling green. Walk up the road up the hill past the Ness Cliff Hotel & you'll come across a smugglers tunnel. Walk through...

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Newton Abbot

by LouiseTopp

Newton Abbot, Devon, England is in the South West of England within Teignbridge District Council's area. Close to the Dartmoor National Park with its beautiful scenery, as well as pretty beaches at Dawlish, Teignmouth & Torquay. Every Wednesday & Saturday there’s a market held in the square which has lot’s of bargains, there’s also a stall which does beauty products like Oil of Olay, Dove, Clinque & much more for cheap price’s then you would get on the High street. There’s also an indoor area which is interesting to see, you can get all sorts o9f things here from music, household to crafts & antiques. Out on the main streets there’s quite a lot to see & you know your never far from the sea as you can hear seagulls calling all day. There’s also a clock tower which strike’s the hour. Telewest Cable TV, high speed broadband & telephone services can be obtained in Newton Abbot as can NTL &...

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Mount Edgecombe

by freya_heaven

Mount Edgecombe is a country park & a stately home built in 1547, by the Edgecombe family. It was sold to Plymouth & Cornwall Council's in 1971.The House was bombed during the war & was gutted by fire, it has since been renovated. The House sits in 856 acres of beautiful coastal land, most of which is open to the public for free. This is a beautiful place to spend a relaxing day, try to come in the week when it is much quieter. Have to admit Mount Egdcombe is in Cornwall, but it is only a 5 minute ferry ride from Plymouth, which is in Devon!The photo is the Orangery, built in 1760, which is now a restaurant & the Italian Garden. I felt the plants in the Italian Garden are reminicent of a council roundabout! Nice trees & statues though.

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Burgh Island

by freya_heaven

Burgh Island just off the South Hams coast has a wonderful history, a favourite haunt of wreckers & smugglers in centuries gone by. Home to mead brewing Monks & there is still a ruined chapel on the sumit.The pub on the Island is the Pilchard Inn, which dates back to 1339, named because if the islands connection with the local long gone Pilchard fishermen.At low tide it is possible to walk to the Island at high tide there is a huge tractor which takes you across. The Island is also home to the wonderful art deco Burgh Island Hotel. The hotel, first built in the late 1800s was later renovated to the art deco building you can see today. A variety of famous people stayed here during its hay day including Agatha Christie, Amy Johnson, Winston Churchill, the Duke & Duchess of Windsor to name a few. I HAVE to stay here one day, I shall have to save my pennys as the cheapest room is £260.00 a...

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Day Mark

by freya_heaven

On a hill overlooking Kingswear, on the south coast is a huge day mark. You can see it from miles around & you catch glimpses of it in places you would have though far to far away.Park at the Collaton Fishacre carpark & then it is a pleasant walk on a path in between farmers fields to the Day Mark. You can carry on walking down hill & this takes you down to the South West Coastal Path, at which point you can then turn left & walk to Brixham or right to Kingswear. To the Day Mark from the carpark is a very easy walk, once you get on the coastal path it is very hilly in places.

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Galmpton Creek

by freya_heaven

Galmpton is a pretty riverside village set on the River Dart. It is also where I went to school & lived with my family.There are 2 pubs, a youth hostel, Village shop, campsite, hair dresser & a butchers who service this now sizable village. There is a riding stables & a boat yard which you can walk though & continue along the riverside towards Stoke Gabriel. Galmptons claim to fame is it was home to the wonderful Agatha Christie, author of many murder mysteries, including Murder on the Orient Express & Death on the Nile. Her daugher still lives in the village at the Greenway Estate. The gardens are now managed by the National Trust & certain days it is possible to walk around the grounds.Continue past Greenway to the tiny harbour where you can hire a motor boat & make your own way up or down the river. There is also a small ferry boat which takes you to the village of Dittisham on the...

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Unique Places in Devon

Top 3 Hotels in Devon

Dudley Hotel  Plymouth

 1 Review and 48 Opinions  Plymouth is a place that work causes me to pass through quite often and so over the years I've had... 

 Hotels in Plymouth

Holiday Inn Express Exeter  Exeter

 1 Review and 181 Opinions  We stayed here because it was relatively cheap, and quite close to Andrew's family, who we were... 

 Hotels in Exeter

Braddon Hall Hotel  Torquay

 1 Review and 57 Opinions  We have recently spent a fantastic 3 night stay at the Braddon Hall Hotel and look forward to... 

 Hotels in Torquay

744 Hotels in Devon
 
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Reviews and photos of Devon attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Devon sightseeing.

Experience Devon
Off The Beaten Path: Cities in Devon
  1. Torquay Off The Beaten Path
  2. Plymouth Off The Beaten Path
  3. Exeter Off The Beaten Path
  4. Lundy Island Off The Beaten Path
  5. Dartmoor National Park Off The Beaten Path
  6. Woolacombe Off The Beaten Path
  7. Dartmouth Off The Beaten Path
  8. Teignmouth Off The Beaten Path
  9. Barnstaple Off The Beaten Path
  10. Dawlish Off The Beaten Path
  11. Totnes Off The Beaten Path
  12. Budleigh Salterton Off The Beaten Path
  13. Exmoor National Park Off The Beaten Path
  14. Hartland Off The Beaten Path
  15. Mortehoe Off The Beaten Path
  16. Postbridge Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in Devon

 

Questions and Answers

woadl profile photo

Q:  Hello, I am planning a trip to the UK and I am taking my 75 year old father back to meet up with his sister and husband. I would... 

Geoff_Wright profile photo

A: G'day Brian, and a big welcome to this great travel site. Devon is one of the biggest counties in the UK, and I think you should expand your question a little. For... 

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