Things to do in Devon and Torbay

The White Lady Waterfall, also known as Whitelady Waterfall, is one of Devon's most spectacular natural features, cascading approximately 30 meters (100 feet) down a dramatic cleft in the rock face within Lydford Gorge. The waterfall is formed where the River Lyd plunges over a series of hard volcanic rock layers, creating a striking single-drop fall that appears as a brilliant white ribbon against the dark, moss-covered rocks. The name derives from the appearance of the falling water, which froths and foams as it crashes down the narrow chasm, creating a misty white veil that can be particularly impressive after heavy rainfall when the flow is at its most vigorous. The geological setting is part of the Devonian period sedimentary and volcanic rocks that characterize much of this area of Dartmoor's northwestern fringe. The River Lyd itself rises on the northern slopes of Dartmoor, flowing northward through a landscape of moorland and steep-sided valleys before cutting through the remarkable Lydford Gorge. The river's catchment area encompasses parts of the high moorland plateau, and the watercourse has carved its way through the ancient bedrock over millennia, creating the deepest gorge in the Southwest of England. The Lyd eventually joins the River Tamar, contributing to the larger river system that forms much of the Devon-Cornwall border. The river's journey through Lydford Gorge has created a series of waterfalls and rapids, with the White Lady being the most impressive and accessible of these features. Lydford Gorge and its White Lady Waterfall have attracted visitors for centuries, though access was not always as straightforward as it is today. Local folklore and legends have long been associated with the gorge's dramatic scenery, with tales of spirits and supernatural occurrences common in such mysterious and atmospheric locations. The Victorian era saw a significant increase in tourism to the area, as the romantic appreciation of wild natural landscapes grew among the educated classes. Artists and writers of the period were drawn to the dramatic scenery, and the waterfall became a popular subject for landscape painters and early photographers seeking to capture the sublime beauty of the English countryside. The surrounding landscape of Lydford Gorge is a haven for wildlife and supports a rich diversity of plant species. The steep-sided gorge creates a humid microclimate that supports ancient oak woodland, with trees clinging to the rocky slopes alongside abundant ferns, mosses, and lichens. The constant spray from the waterfall nourishes luxuriant growths of filmy ferns and other moisture-loving plants on the surrounding rock faces. The gorge provides habitat for numerous bird species, including dippers, grey wagtails, and various woodland birds, while the River Lyd supports populations of brown trout and other freshwater species. Mammals such as otters have been recorded in the area, taking advantage of the relatively undisturbed riverside habitat. Lydford Gorge is owned and managed by the National Trust, which has developed a comprehensive visitor infrastructure to allow safe access to this natural wonder. The main entrance is located in the village of Lydford, a historic settlement that was once home to one of Devon's most notorious jails. Visitors can park at the National Trust car park in the village, where there are toilet facilities and a small shop. The gorge can be explored via a circular walk of approximately three miles, though visitors should be prepared for steep sections and numerous steps, particularly on the approach to the White Lady Waterfall itself. The descent to the waterfall viewpoint involves a considerable number of steps cut into the rock, and the paths can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. The walk through Lydford Gorge offers a remarkable journey through varied scenery, from the tranquil upper reaches where the river meanders through woodland to the dramatic chasm of the main gorge. The route to the White Lady typically takes visitors along the riverside path, crossing bridges and passing through tunnels carved from the rock. The final approach to the waterfall viewing area provides dramatic perspectives of the cascading water, with viewing platforms allowing visitors to appreciate the full height and power of the fall. The National Trust recommends allowing two to three hours for the complete circular walk, though the gorge can also be accessed from both ends, with an entrance near the White Lady for those who wish to visit the waterfall without completing the full circuit. The area around Lydford has a rich industrial heritage, with evidence of tin mining and other extractive industries dating back centuries. While the gorge itself remained relatively untouched by industrial activity, the surrounding moorland and valleys bear witness to Devon's mining history. Lydford village itself is notable for its Saxon origins and its medieval castle, which served as both a fortress and a notorious prison. The combination of natural beauty and historical interest makes the area particularly appealing to visitors seeking both scenic grandeur and cultural heritage. The White Lady Waterfall remains the highlight of any visit to Lydford Gorge, offering a powerful demonstration of the forces of nature that have shaped this dramatic landscape over geological time.

Hartland Quay on the north Devon coast is one of the most dramatic and most remote coastal destinations in England, a small building group on the shore beneath great Devonian sandstone cliffs of considerable height where the Atlantic meets a coast of extraordinary geological complexity and where the wreck of numerous vessels over the centuries has made this one of the most dangerous and most storied stretches of the British coast. The former quay buildings, now converted to a hotel, café and museum, provide the only facilities in a setting of complete exposure to the Atlantic. The geology of the Hartland cliffs is among the most visually dramatic of any section of the British coast, the Carboniferous and Devonian rocks folded into extraordinary patterns of near-vertical strata that create the characteristic chequerboard pattern on the cliff faces as alternating hard and soft layers erode at different rates. The geological structures visible in the Hartland cliffs have been used as textbook examples of coastal fold geology since the nineteenth century and the combination of the scale, the variety and the clarity of the structures makes this one of the most instructive geological coastlines in Britain. The South West Coast Path from Hartland Quay traverses the most remote and most demanding section of the entire route, the succession of headlands between Hartland and Bude providing walking of exceptional quality and considerable physical challenge in a landscape of complete wildness where the Atlantic and the ancient rocks meet in constant dramatic engagement.

Arlington Court near Barnstaple in north Devon is one of the most unusual and most rewarding National Trust properties in the southwest, a Regency house of modest exterior containing an extraordinary collection of objects assembled by Miss Rosalie Chichester across six decades of collecting until her death in 1949 and bequeathing the entire estate to the National Trust. The combination of the eclectic and personal character of the collection, which encompasses model ships, shells, pewter, costumes and an enormous array of objects with no common theme beyond Miss Chichester's enthusiastic acquisition, and the Victorian stables housing the national carriage collection creates a destination of remarkable individuality. The house reflects Miss Chichester's complete control of her environment across her long life, every room arranged according to her own taste and sense of order in a way that has been preserved by the National Trust as she left it. The experience of moving through rooms saturated with the accumulated objects of a single passionate collector is quite different from the polished presentation of great houses assembled for their architectural quality or art historical importance, and the personal character of Arlington Court is its greatest appeal. The Victorian stables of Arlington Court house the National Trust's carriage collection, over fifty vehicles from horse-drawn carriages and coaches to fire engines and estate vehicles, providing one of the most comprehensive collections of historic carriages on public display in Britain. The park and woodland walks provide excellent walking in the typical north Devon countryside.

Marwood Hill Garden near Barnstaple in north Devon is one of the finest privately owned gardens in southwest England, a garden of approximately 20 acres created in a valley from the 1950s onward in a programme of continuous planting that has produced a garden of exceptional botanical richness. The garden is particularly celebrated for its national collections of astilbe, iris and tulbaghia and for the outstanding waterside planting of the valley floor. The three lakes in the valley floor provide the waterside conditions supporting extensive plantings of iris, primula, gunnera and the astilbe collection that represents one of the finest in Britain. The reflections of the surrounding trees and plantings in the still water of the lakes provide the most visually satisfying garden moments, particularly in the golden evening light falling into this west-facing valley. The garden's remoteness from the main tourist routes of north Devon has preserved it from overcrowding, and the combination of the botanical quality, the landscape setting and the personal character of a garden still maintained with its creator's standards creates a visit of considerable distinction for those interested in serious horticulture.

Wistman's Wood on the high moorland of Dartmoor National Park near Two Bridges is one of the most ancient and atmospheric fragments of natural woodland surviving in southern Britain, a grove of stunted, moss-draped pedunculate oaks clinging to a boulder-strewn hillside at an altitude of approximately 380 metres where the harsh conditions of the high moor have produced a woodland of extraordinary character. The trees, which would be sizeable forest specimens in a more sheltered valley setting, have been dwarfed by the wind, poor soil and high rainfall of the moorland to a height of rarely more than seven metres, their gnarled trunks and twisted branches creating a landscape of considerable visual power. The clitter, or boulder field, within which the trees grow provides the conditions for the wood's survival at this altitude. The large Dartmoor granite boulders offer protection for tree seedlings from grazing animals and from the worst of the moorland weather, and the moisture retained between the boulders supports the luxuriant growth of mosses, lichens and ferns that cover every available surface within the wood. The effect is one of absolute verdancy in an otherwise austere moorland setting: the interior of Wistman's Wood is green and dripping even in dry weather, the mosses holding moisture like sponges and creating a micro-climate considerably warmer and more humid than the open moor outside. The antiquity of the wood is difficult to establish precisely, but pollen analysis from nearby peat deposits indicates that oak woodland has been present in this location for at least 7,000 years, connecting the existing trees to a woodland tradition extending back to the period immediately after the last Ice Age. Individual trees within the wood may be several hundred years old. The wood has a powerful atmosphere that has generated folk associations with the supernatural throughout its recorded history. Local tradition associated it with the Wisht Hounds, spectral black dogs said to pursue the souls of the unbaptised across the moor, and Arthur Conan Doyle's Dartmoor research almost certainly encountered this tradition before The Hound of the Baskervilles was published.

Salcombe is the most sophisticated and most expensive small resort town in the West Country, a south Devon harbour town set on the steep hillside above the Salcombe Estuary whose combination of the beautiful wooded estuary, excellent sailing water, the attractive town with its independent shops and seafood restaurants and the accessibility by water to the remote beaches of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary system creates a destination of exceptional appeal for those who can afford the prices. The harbour is one of the most beautiful in Devon, the wooded hillsides on both shores of the estuary reflecting in the still water and the blue of the sea visible through the estuary bar at the southern end. The estuary provides some of the finest sailing water in the southwest, its sheltered channels and anchorages ideal for yachts and dinghies and the Salcombe harbour a crowded centre of marine activity throughout the summer. The combination of the estuary sailing and the open sea sailing available through the bar at the mouth of the estuary, with the dramatic South Devon coast extending in both directions, makes Salcombe one of the leading sailing destinations in Britain. The beaches accessible by water from Salcombe, particularly North Sands and South Sands immediately south of the town and the more remote Millbay and Starehole Bay beyond the bar, provide some of the finest sandy beaches in Devon in settings of considerable beauty. The ferry services connecting these beaches during the season allow a day of beach hopping and sea exploration that is one of the most distinctive experiences of this stretch of the Devon coast. The South West Coast Path traversing the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty above the estuary provides excellent walking with views of the estuary and the open sea.

Ilfracombe is the principal seaside resort of the north Devon coast, a Victorian town of considerable character built into the dramatic cliffs and valleys of the Bristol Channel coast whose combination of the historic harbour, the Tunnels Beaches carved from the cliff by Victorian entrepreneurs, the Damien Hirst sculpture Verity on the harbour pier and the dramatic coastal scenery of the surrounding cliffs creates a destination of considerable variety and interest. The town has reinvented itself in recent decades as an arts destination and the contemporary cultural activity complements the Victorian heritage. The Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe are one of the most unusual visitor attractions on the Devon coast, a series of hand-cut tunnels through the cliff rock created in the 1820s to provide access to a series of natural tidal bathing pools on the sheltered side of the headland, with the pools divided by a low wall to provide separate male and female bathing in the Victorian propriety that governed public bathing at the time. The tunnels are still used and the tidal pools provide excellent natural bathing in a setting of considerable historical and geological interest. The Verity sculpture by Damien Hirst, a 20-metre bronze of a pregnant woman holding scales and a sword on the harbour pier, has become one of the most talked-about and most controversial pieces of public art in Devon and has contributed substantially to Ilfracombe's profile as an arts destination. The sculpture dominates the harbour entrance and provides an immediately striking introduction to a town of considerable character.

Woolacombe Beach is one of the finest Atlantic beaches in England, a three-mile crescent of pale sand on the North Devon coast facing directly west into the open ocean where long Atlantic swells arrive after crossing thousands of kilometres of open water and unroll onto the broad, gently shelving shore in the rolling lines that make Woolacombe one of the most consistently good surf beaches in the southwest. The beach lies within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been recognised with the Blue Flag environmental award for its water quality and facilities on numerous occasions. The beach's consistent surf conditions attract a surfing community year-round, with the central section of the beach providing reliable waves for learners and intermediates, while the more exposed northern end near Putsborough can produce larger, more powerful waves suited to experienced surfers. The wide sandy shore at low tide provides ample space for families even at the height of summer, when the beach is at its busiest, and the sand dunes backing the northern section provide shelter from the prevailing wind and a more secluded environment for those seeking a quieter experience. The South West Coast Path runs along the clifftops framing the beach on both sides, providing exhilarating walking with dramatic Atlantic views. The headland of Baggy Point to the south of the bay is one of the finest short coastal walks in north Devon, its Devonian sandstone cliffs supporting nesting seabirds and providing views across the bay to the distant promontory of Hartland Point. To the north, the path continues toward Morte Point and the series of bays that characterise this stretch of the Devon coast. The village of Woolacombe above the beach has developed in character as a classic British seaside resort, with surf schools, ice cream parlours, restaurants serving fresh local fish and accommodation ranging from holiday parks to boutique hotels. The nearby villages of Croyde and Saunton Downs also offer excellent surf beaches a short drive away, making this corner of north Devon one of the most rewarding destinations in England for beach and coastal enthusiasts.

Clampitt Falls is a modest but charming waterfall located on a small tributary of the River Teign in the picturesque countryside north of Chudleigh, a historic market town in Devon, England. The falls are situated in a wooded valley setting characteristic of the South Devon landscape, where the stream tumbles over a series of rock ledges in what is typically described as a cascade formation rather than a single dramatic plunge. The height of the falls is relatively modest, with the water descending perhaps ten to fifteen feet over multiple steps, though the exact vertical drop can vary depending on seasonal flow conditions and how one measures the cascading sections. The appearance of the falls is particularly appealing after periods of rainfall when the volume of water increases, creating a more vigorous display with white water tumbling through the rocky channel, while during drier summer months the flow can diminish to a gentler trickle over moss-covered stones. The tributary stream that forms Clampitt Falls rises in the elevated ground to the west of Chudleigh, drawing its waters from the pastoral farmland and small woodlands of the area. This unnamed watercourse flows generally eastward before eventually joining the River Teign, which is one of Devon's principal rivers and flows from its source on Dartmoor through the market town of Chagford and eventually to the sea at Teignmouth. The catchment area for this particular tributary is relatively small, consisting primarily of agricultural land with some woodland cover, which means the stream's flow is highly responsive to local rainfall patterns. The geology of the area is predominantly sedimentary rock formations from the Devonian period, with bands of limestone, sandstone, and shale that have been weathered and eroded over millennia to create the valley systems and waterfall features visible today. The landscape surrounding Clampitt Falls is typical of the Devon countryside, with rolling hills, ancient hedgerows, and pockets of deciduous woodland dominated by oak, ash, and hazel. The valley sides near the falls support a rich ground flora including ferns, primroses, and bluebells in season, while the damper conditions near the water itself encourage the growth of mosses and liverworts. The woodland provides habitat for common British woodland birds such as wrens, robins, and various tit species, while the stream itself may support small populations of aquatic invertebrates and possibly brown trout in the deeper pools, though the small size of the watercourse limits its fish-carrying capacity. During spring and early summer, the area comes alive with bird song and the distinctive smell of wild garlic can often be detected in the damper hollows. Chudleigh itself is a town with considerable historical interest, having been an important settlement since medieval times and possessing several notable buildings including the Church of St Martin and St Mary. The town sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and has long attracted visitors exploring the Devon countryside. While Clampitt Falls may not have the fame of some of Devon's larger waterfalls, it represents the kind of intimate natural feature that has been appreciated by local residents and walkers for generations. The falls are more of a local secret than a major tourist destination, offering a peaceful spot for those who take the time to seek them out. Access to Clampitt Falls typically involves walking along public footpaths or minor roads in the area north of Chudleigh town center. The exact route may vary depending on starting point, but visitors generally need to be prepared for rural walking conditions with potentially muddy paths, particularly after wet weather. Appropriate footwear is advisable, and walkers should carry an Ordnance Survey map of the area to help with navigation, as signposting to the falls specifically may be limited or non-existent. Parking is most readily available in Chudleigh itself, where there are public car parks serving the town, from which the falls can be reached on foot. The walking distance from the town would typically be measured in miles rather than yards, making this an objective for those seeking a decent country walk rather than a quick roadside stop. The area around Chudleigh offers various other attractions and facilities that could be combined with a visit to Clampitt Falls. The town itself has shops, pubs, and cafes where refreshments can be obtained, while nearby Chudleigh Rocks is a prominent limestone escarpment that has long been a local landmark. The wider Teign Valley area is popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, with numerous footpaths and bridleways threading through the landscape. For those interested in exploring further afield, the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park is easily accessible, while the cathedral city of Exeter lies roughly ten miles to the northeast. The falls themselves are best visited during the cooler, wetter months from autumn through spring when water levels are higher and the surrounding vegetation is lush, though the woodland setting provides pleasant shade for summer visits as well.

Bantham Beach in the South Hams district of Devon is widely regarded as one of the finest beaches in the southwest of England, a long arc of golden sand at the mouth of the River Avon that combines excellent surf with beautiful scenery and a relatively undeveloped character that sets it apart from the more commercialised beaches of the Cornish coast nearby. The beach faces southwest across the open sea and receives Atlantic swell that produces reliable surf conditions, making it popular with surfers as well as families and swimmers who benefit from the beach's good natural shelter and lifeguard supervision during the summer season. The setting of Bantham is distinguished by the presence of the River Avon estuary at the northern end of the beach, where the river meets the sea in a complex of sandbanks, channels and tidal pools that make it one of the most naturally interesting beach environments in Devon. The ferry crossing to Bigbury-on-Sea on the opposite bank of the estuary is a seasonal service that adds a pleasantly adventurous element to access between the two sides of the river mouth, and the tidal island of Burgh Island is visible just offshore from the Bigbury side, its art deco hotel making it one of the most distinctive landmarks on this stretch of coast. The village of Bantham itself is small and low-key, with a car park, a surf shop and a pub that maintains the unpretentious character appropriate to a working beach community rather than a heavily developed resort. The walk along the South West Coast Path south from Bantham to Bolt Tail and beyond provides some of the finest coastal scenery in the South Hams, with the combination of headland, cove and open sea that characterises this outstanding stretch of the Devon coast. The South Hams is one of Devon's most beautiful and least spoiled areas, combining excellent beaches, the wooded estuary of the Salcombe inlet, the market towns of Kingsbridge and Totnes and the rolling pastoral countryside of the hinterland into one of the most varied and rewarding landscapes in the southwest.

Horseshoe Falls on the River Dart, located west of Ashburton in Devon, England, is a picturesque cascade that exemplifies the natural beauty of Dartmoor's river systems. The waterfall earns its name from the distinctive curved shape of its rock formation, where the River Dart sweeps over a horseshoe-shaped weir or natural rock lip. While not among the highest waterfalls in the region, it presents an attractive feature along this section of the river, with water tumbling over the rocky ledge in a broad curtain during periods of good flow. The geological setting is typical of Dartmoor, with granite and metamorphic rocks shaping the river's course and creating the conditions for this scenic drop. The River Dart itself is one of Devon's most significant waterways, rising high on Dartmoor as two separate branches - the East Dart and West Dart - which converge at Dartmeet before flowing southward through the moorland and eventually reaching the sea at Dartmouth. By the time the river reaches the Ashburton area, it has descended from the high moor and flows through a more sheltered, wooded landscape. The catchment area encompasses a substantial portion of southern Dartmoor, and the river's flow can vary dramatically between the gentle trickle of summer drought and the powerful torrent following heavy rainfall on the moor. The landscape surrounding Horseshoe Falls is characteristic of the transitional zone between high Dartmoor and the softer Devon countryside. Ancient woodland clings to the valley sides, with oak, ash, and hazel providing habitat for a rich variety of wildlife. The River Dart corridor supports populations of otters, which have made a strong recovery in recent decades, as well as dippers and grey wagtails that frequent the rocky stream sections. Salmon and sea trout navigate these waters during their spawning runs, though the challenges of river management and water quality remain ongoing concerns for conservation efforts throughout the Dart system. Ashburton, the nearby town from which this location takes its parish designation, has a long history as a stannary town where tin from Dartmoor mines was assayed and taxed during medieval times. The River Dart and its tributaries powered numerous mills in the area, contributing to the industrial heritage of this part of Devon. While Horseshoe Falls itself may not have been the site of significant industrial activity, the broader landscape bears witness to centuries of human interaction with the river system, from medieval tin streaming to later woollen mills and agricultural development. Access to Horseshoe Falls depends on local footpath networks and the relationship between public rights of way and private land. The area west of Ashburton offers various walking opportunities, with paths following the River Dart and connecting to the broader network of Dartmoor trails. Visitors should be prepared for typical Dartmoor conditions, including potentially muddy paths, changeable weather, and the need for appropriate footwear and clothing. The waterfall is best appreciated after periods of rainfall when the River Dart carries sufficient volume to create an impressive display over the rock formation. Ashburton itself provides facilities for visitors exploring this part of Dartmoor, with parking available in the town and various amenities including shops, cafes, and public houses. The town serves as a useful base for those wishing to explore the southern reaches of Dartmoor National Park, with numerous walking routes radiating out into the surrounding countryside. The combination of moorland, river valleys, and ancient woodland makes this a rewarding area for those interested in both natural history and the cultural landscape of Devon. The River Dart has inspired countless artists, writers, and photographers drawn to Dartmoor's dramatic scenery, and while Horseshoe Falls may not have achieved the fame of some other waterfalls in the region, it contributes to the overall character of this beautiful river system. The interplay of water, rock, and woodland creates a quintessentially Devon scene that rewards those who take the time to explore the quieter corners of Dartmoor away from the most heavily visited locations.

Canonteign Falls is an artificial waterfall located in the wooded valley of a tributary of the River Teign near Chudleigh in Devon, England. With a dramatic drop of approximately 220 feet (67 meters), it claims to be England's highest man-made waterfall and is situated within the Canonteign Falls estate, a private attraction that has been welcoming visitors since the 1980s. The waterfall was created as a deliberate landscape feature, with water channeled to cascade down a steep rocky face in a series of tumbling cascades and plunges. The site exploits the natural topography of the valley, where the underlying geology of Devonian slates and sandstones provides an appropriately rugged backdrop for the dramatic water display. The volume of flow varies with rainfall and seasonal conditions, being most impressive after wet weather when the stream swells and the cascade becomes a powerful torrent of white water against the dark rock face. The tributary stream that feeds Canonteign Falls rises in the uplands to the south of Dartmoor's eastern margins, flowing through steep-sided valleys characteristic of this part of Devon before joining the River Teign proper. The catchment area is relatively modest, comprising farmland, woodland, and moorland fringe habitats that contribute to the stream's flow regime. The River Teign itself is one of Devon's principal rivers, rising high on Dartmoor and flowing eastward to reach the sea at Teignmouth. This particular tributary occupies a side valley that descends sharply toward the main Teign valley, creating the steep gradients that made the creation of such a tall waterfall possible. The stream's flow is supplemented and managed to maintain the waterfall display throughout the visitor season, though like most waterfalls of the English southwest, it is most spectacular during the wetter months of autumn and winter. The creation of Canonteign Falls as a visitor attraction represents a relatively modern addition to Devon's landscape heritage, though the wooded valley itself has a much longer history of human use. The estate developed the waterfall feature as part of a broader vision to create a destination that would showcase the natural beauty of the Devon countryside while providing recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. Unlike many of Britain's historic waterfalls that have accumulated centuries of folklore and literary associations, Canonteign Falls is primarily a product of late twentieth-century tourism development. Nevertheless, the broader landscape of the Teign valley has deep historical roots, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times and the area playing a role in Devon's mining and agricultural traditions over the centuries. The landscape surrounding Canonteign Falls consists of steeply sloping mixed woodland dominated by oak, beech, ash, and conifer plantations that cloak the valley sides. This creates a verdant setting that changes dramatically with the seasons—fresh spring greens giving way to the dense canopy of summer and then the golden browns and reds of autumn. The woodland provides habitat for a variety of wildlife typical of Devon's wooded valleys, including buzzards, sparrowhawks, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and numerous songbird species. The damp conditions around the waterfall and along the stream course support mosses, ferns, and liverworts that thrive in the humid microclimate created by the cascading water. Deer, foxes, and badgers inhabit the wider estate, while the stream itself may support populations of invertebrates and possibly small fish, though the steep gradient and artificial nature of the falls limit aquatic biodiversity in the immediate vicinity. Canonteign Falls is situated within a private estate that operates as a commercial visitor attraction, with an entrance fee charged for access to the falls and surrounding facilities. The estate has developed an extensive network of woodland paths and trails that allow visitors to view the waterfall from various vantage points, including viewing platforms positioned at different heights along the cascade. The main trail typically involves a moderately challenging walk through the woodland with some steep sections and steps, requiring reasonable fitness levels. The estate provides car parking facilities for visitors arriving by road, with the site located off minor roads between Chudleigh and Christow, accessible from the A38 Devon Expressway. Walking time from the car park to the waterfall viewpoints varies depending on the route chosen, but visitors should allow at least an hour to properly explore the site and appreciate the falls from different perspectives. In addition to the waterfall itself, the Canonteign Falls estate has developed various other attractions and facilities to enhance the visitor experience. These include formal gardens, picnic areas, play facilities for children, and educational information about the local environment and wildlife. The estate promotes itself as a family-friendly destination that combines natural beauty with recreational amenities. The site is typically open seasonally, with more limited access during winter months, and visitors are advised to check opening times before traveling. Footwear suitable for potentially muddy woodland paths is recommended, particularly after wet weather. The combination of managed woodlands, dramatic topography, and the centerpiece waterfall creates a distinctive visitor experience that differs from viewing wild, natural waterfalls in more remote locations. The designation of Canonteign Falls as England's highest man-made waterfall is a notable feature of the site's marketing and identity, though such claims inevitably invite comparison and occasional dispute regarding definitions of what constitutes a truly "man-made" versus an enhanced or modified natural feature. Regardless of such debates, the falls undeniably represent an impressive feat of landscape engineering and design, successfully creating a dramatic natural spectacle through human intervention. The site demonstrates how managed landscapes can provide both conservation value through woodland management and habitat provision, while also serving recreational and economic functions through tourism. For visitors to the Chudleigh area and the eastern edges of Dartmoor, Canonteign Falls offers an accessible opportunity to experience a significant waterfall in a managed woodland setting, contributing to the diverse range of natural attractions that characterize the Devon countryside.

Saunton Sands on the north Devon coast is one of the finest beaches in England, a three-mile south-facing arc of golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system that provides excellent surfing conditions, extensive bathing in sheltered water and the ecological interest of one of the largest sand dune complexes in Britain. The beach faces Bideford Bay and receives Atlantic swell that has made it one of the most consistent surf beaches in the southwest, and the scale of the beach provides space for the large numbers of visitors it attracts during the summer without feeling overcrowded. The surf at Saunton is among the most reliable on the north Devon coast, the southwest-facing aspect receiving swell from across the Atlantic Ocean and the beach profile producing well-shaped waves suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers. The surf schools operating from the beach provide lessons for those new to the sport and the consistent quality of the waves has made Saunton a favourite destination for experienced surfers throughout the year. Braunton Burrows behind the beach, part of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, is the largest sand dune system in England and a Site of Special Scientific Interest of outstanding botanical importance. Over four hundred plant species have been recorded in the dunes, including exceptional populations of rare orchids and other dune-specialist species that have almost disappeared from the more disturbed dune systems elsewhere in Britain. The area was used as a training ground by American and British forces preparing for the D-Day landings in 1944, and remnants of the wartime occupation can still be found in the dunes. The village of Croyde immediately to the north provides the most popular alternative beach on this section of the coast, and the South West Coast Path connecting the two gives excellent clifftop walking.

Dartmouth Castle hangs on a cliff edge at the narrow entrance of the Dart Estuary in Devon on the south west coast of England. Surrounded by trees and adjacent to St Petroc's church, the small limestone and slate coastal fort, or fortalice, consists of two towers, one round, one square, built over four floors and linked together at the top. Gun platforms protrude at either side of the towers and sections of a curtain wall are still visible at ground level. The square tower has carved gun ports on the seaward facing side and the round tower low gun ports, musket slits and a basement for defensive weapons. The entrance to the restored castle is on the ground floor of the square tower where visitors can see the openings made especially to accommodate hand guns. Facilities As well as visiting the castle, visitors can view items on display at the 'Victorian Gun Battery' Exhibition, enjoy the small riverside gardens or visit the gift shop, there are also refreshments available. The castle and grounds are open every day (except Christmas) from 10am with closing times changing depending on the season. An unusual way to arrive or depart from the castle is to take a river boat from the town's quay and then a minute's walk to the castle entrance. The fort was built in 1388 for John Hawley. The gun tower was added between 1481 and 1495 and the open air gun platforms being added in the 16th century by Henry VIII. The castle was taken by the Royalists after a month of battle during the Civil War. They added an earthwork fort to protect the landward side and held the castle for three years until it was attacked by the Parliamentarians under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax in 1646. The castle was also used during both the First and Second World Wars and is now under the care of English Heritage. It is classed as the earliest surviving coastal gun tower fortress specifically to carry 'ship sinking' heavy cannon in England. The Arts John Hawley, the castle first owner and mayor of Dartmouth was alleged to be the inspiration for the 'Shipman' in Chaucer's Canterbury tales.

Okehampton Castle is situated 1 mile from the town centre of Okehampton, 22 miles west of Exeter in the south west of England. Situated on a wooded spur overlooking the Okement river, Okehampton Castle is the remains of Devon's largest Castle. The castle's two storey rectangular keep is accessed through firstly an inner and then an outer gatehouse which are linked together by a narrow barbican passage. Once inside the bailey there are the remains of a chapel, hall, living accommodation and kitchens. Facilities The castle is open to the public daily from 10am between April and September, and as well as visiting the ruins visitors can take a walk long the river bank and enjoy a picnic. Hot and cold drinks and snacks can be purchased at the ticket kiosk. At the time of the Doomsday Book in 1086 the castle was owned by the Sheriff of Devon, Baldwin de Brionne. Very little is written of the history of the castle, but it is known that in the 14th century the keep, curtain wall and most the luxurious residential accommodations were built by the Marquees of Exeter, Henry Courtenay, and he lived there until he was found guilty conspiracy against Henry VIII in 1539 and was executed. The castle was then partly demolished and left to become a ruin. The Arts Due its beautiful appearance, even as a ruin, the castle was twice painted by the English Romantic landscape painter J.M.W Tuner.