Thursday, June 19 2025

Devon is an amazing destination to visit with amazing sceneries, museums, parks and so much more. If you love beautiful scenery, history and wildlife then this is definitely the place for you. Here are the top ten places that should be part of your itinerary when you are in Devon, England.

1. World of Country Life

If you are looking to have an outing of a lifetime with your family and friends then World of Country Life is a must visit. The park prides itself as having the largest collection of classic Motorcycles, steam engines and Vehicles in the South West.

Your children will not have a dull moment as they will play on the electric cars, slides, trampolines, pirate ship softball and a host of other fun activities. Other highlights at the World of Country Life are the lamp and calf feeding, Safari Deer Train Ride and pygmy goat walking. This is one place where your family is guaranteed to have wholesome fun.

World of Country Life Devon england photo
Photo by Tracey Stephens

World of Country Life, Devon, England, UK

2. Greenway Ferry and Pleasure Cruises

A visit to South Devon without taking a cruise is incomplete. The Seafari Cruise will afford you and your family an opportunity to see dolphins and seals in their natural habitat. You can also go fishing on the many lucky catch boats.

Visiting Dartmouth, the popular riverside naval town by ship should also form part of itinerary. You can walk down memory lane by sailing on the World War Two Grand Heritage Voyage or Premier Gold Cruise.

Dartmouth city photo
Photo by MG/BS4

Dartmouth

3. South Devon Railway

It is perched among the top tourist attractions in South Devon that appeals to both the old and young. The seven mile ride on the Great Western Railway steam engine from Buckfastleigh and Totnes is unforgettable as you enjoy the beautiful scenery one England’s breathtaking picturesque.

The South Devon Railway has picnic area along the riverside, a workshop, and play area for children, giftshop as well as refreshment rooms.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY photo
Photo by MattVealePhotography

Great Western Railway, Devon

4. Paignton Zoo

Located along Totnes road, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park sits on 80 acre piece of land. It is home to the tiger, orangutan, elephant, giraffe, gorilla, flamingo, lion, the river hog, as well as the lemur. Recent additions to the wonder park include the Crocodile swamp and Monkey Heights.

Other fun activities designed to keep the children busy include the miniature railway as well as a specially built indoor and outdoor playing area. Meals are a phone call away as you enjoy the scintillating Gibbon Island view. The several snack bars and kiosks provide ice cream and takeaway meals. The Paignton Zoo is the perfect outing for your family.

Lions at Paignton Zoo photo
Photo by atthezoouk

Lions at Paignton Zoo

5. Woodlands Family Theme Park

Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest in South West seating on a 90 acre piece of land. It guarantees a fun filled outing-it’s the perfect family day out. If you purchase the tickets online you get a discount of 20 %.

It has three water coaster for thrills lovers. That is the 500 meters Toboggan Run, Avalanche Ride for those daring souls and of course G-force flying Swingship. Wet weather conditions cannot be a deterrent to having fun at the park.

The indoor Fun Factories boasts of 4 amazing rides that include the Circus Train and Trauma Tower for the brave hearts. Children have 2 specially designed play centers for their safety.

Woodlands Family Theme Park Devon photo
Photo by spectrefloat

Woodlands Family Theme Park

6. National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is not only a notable educational attraction but also a fun filled centre to visit. It has a replica of the World War 2 seaplane on the gigantic Atlantic Ocean tank where hundreds of sea creatures call home.

Every day from 11 am and at 3pm you will be treated to talks on the different species of the sharks. The National Marine Aquarium will not only afford you fun but you will also get to learn a great deal about sharks.

National Marine Aquarium Devon photo
Photo by Simon Greig Photo

Jellyfish in National Marine Aquarium, Devon

7. Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles making it the largest in the Devon. It has motley of activities for visitors to indulge in from kayaking in rough waters to strolling on the vast park.

It has 450 miles way designated for public walking and on and off-roads routes for cyclists. The park is the ideal place to set a camp and what’s more-it’s absolutely free!

Dartmoor National Park photo
Photo by ©Komatoes

Dartmoor National Park

8. The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary that has repeat visitors is found near Sidmouth. The serene sanctuary is home to donkeys that have found themselves for many reasons.

The barn has pictures of the donkeys, their names, brief bios on their lives. You are allowed to adopt a donkey that is in the sanctuary. Food is available at a tastefully designed restaurant on the sanctuary.

9. Exeter Cathedral

The bold design of the Exeter Cathedral makes it a must visit while you are in Devon. The cathedral is open to anyone who wants to attend in their religious services. When services are not in progress you can be taken for a guided tour. The church has a rich history and worth visiting.

Exeter Cathedral photo
Photo by Smirfman

Exeter Cathedral

10. Clovelly (Village)

Clovelly is arguably one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Devon. The cacophony of flowers that sprout during summer is breathtaking. What is even more interesting is the fact that there is no traffic since the only mode of travel is footing.

The village has donkeys and sledges for delivering goods to the nearby shops. Clovelly boasts of two small museums and a lifeboat station. You will have to part with some money for the entrance fee that includes audio visual film, parking, for the museums as well as the Clovelly Court Gardens.

Clovelly street photo
Photo by canon 65.

Clovelly street

11. Woolacombe Beach

For a unique experience during your holiday; enjoy the beautiful landscape found in Woolacombe Beach. The private beach has activities for all ages; keeping every member of the family entertained.

You can make use of the life guard services offered by skilled life guards who are vigilant, providing a safe space for you and your loved ones. The beach has high standards as the management enables you to access clean facilities. At Woolacombe beach, you can be sure that you will get value for your money.

Woolacombe Beach Devon photo
Photo by Adrian Milne

Woolacombe Beach, Devon

Devon is such a wonderful place to visit with its varied attractions. It’s worth mentioning that the above-mentioned attractions are not exhaustive as Devon has so much to offer.

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