Top 10 free things to do in South Devon

As part of the English Riviera, South Devon sound like a glamorous, fancy and expensive holiday destination. However, the West Country is all about the simple life, fresh air, the great outdoors and tons of exploration! To help you make the most of your visit, here is a list of 10 free things to do in South Devon!

Agatha Christie Literary Trail

Calling all murder mystery fans! Pick up your free trail leaflet from the Torquay Visitors Centre and follow in the crime writer’s footsteps to discover what inspired her famous murder mystery novels.

The town makes a great base for exploring the area, so why not book yourself into one of our Torquay campsites.

Buckfast Abbey

The abbey (pictured above) has a long, vibrant history as it was founded in 1018, dissolved in 1539, and then loving rebuilt over many years by a group of 6 monks who lived amongst the ruins. The abbey was finally consecrated in 1932, and now has exhibitions, restaurants and gardens for visitors to explore. Learn about the monastery’s history or taste the monk’s surprisingly strong tonic wine recipe.

House of Marbles

Located in Bovey Tracey village (known as ‘the gateway to the Moors’), the House of Marbles is a glass and games factory found within an old pottery works. Visitors can check out the museum, the old factory kilns and examples of Bovey pottery. Some of the must-see exhibits include the marble run and the giant floating marble.

Cockington Country Park

Step back in time and visit the quaint thatched village of Cockington. Located in the heart of 460 acres of dazzling parkland, the area is packed full of beautiful lakes, gardens and woods with easy access for all visitors. Cockington Court often holds outdoor events such as fairs, plays and craft exhibitions that are sure to entertain the whole family.

Sculpture Walk

The University of Exeter has many artistic wonders waiting to be discovered. There are free walking tour guides available online. The tour winds its way through the university grounds delighting visitors with works by artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Paul Mount and Geoffrey Clark at every turn.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Berry Head National Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site formerly guarded by Napoleonic War fortifications and surrounded by a beach. Often recognised as the gateway to the English Riviera Global Geopark, this nature reserve is home to a fascinating variety of flora and fauna. But Berry Head is much more than exciting wildlife and pretty landscapes! It is also a great place for adventure sports and holds a range of events throughout the year.

There are several holiday parks nearby.

Templer Way

Templer Way is an 18 mile walk along Haytor Granite Tramway and Stover Canal, following the route used to transport granite from Haytor Quarry to Teignmouth. The walk passes through Stover Country Park, where there is an additional Heritage trail circuit to follow, perfect for taking in the scenery and admiring the rare species of dragonfly.

Seashore Centre

The Seashore Centre is packed full of interactive displays and has tanks full of sea creatures. After rock pooling marathons and marching across the beach shores at Goodrington Sands, this indoor experience helps shed light on your outdoor explorations. There is also a video microscope for the kids to examine all the fascinating creatures up close and personal.

Occombe Farm

Occombe is a fully functioning organic farm attempting to reinvigorate the general public’s connection to local food, farming and the South Devonshire countryside. Pop over and meet the farm’s furry residents or follow the nature trail. This is guaranteed to be a great day out for kids and adults alike!

Beach Time

Devon is famous for its gorgeous beaches! The English Riviera has a shoreline brimming with beautiful golden beaches, palm trees and piers. Look east for outdoor events, kid's entertainers and firework displays at Dawlish Warren, or head west for perfect surf conditions and fascinating dunes at Bantham. While the beaches are Devon’s most popular free holiday activity, they never seem too crowded due to their large sizes and the variety available to choose from.

Popular beaches combined with the coastal location of many of the big cities make South Devon a hotspot for holidaymakers