The Dartmoor National Park is a unique destination, boasting a rich tapestry of natural attractions. Found in Devon County, this former expanse of countryside is a famed parkland now, welcoming thousands of intrepid travelers annually. The untamed landscape here is peppered with soaring massifs, azure lochs, vast moorlands, deep valleys and historic attractions. Aptly dubbed as the land of contrasts, this parkland astounds visitors with it eclectic bouquet of offerings and recreational opportunities. Walk amidst spectacular environs along the Meldon Viaduct, rekindle your love for history with visits to Fernworthy Stone Circle, Foggintor Quarry and Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement, or ascend heights on the slopes of Hound Tor, Pew Tor and the Great Links Tor. With the mélange of sights and landscapes found here, Dartmoor National Park will leave you spoilt for choice.
Taking its name from scientist Otto Overbeck, who lived here between 1928 and 1937, this elegant Edwardian house is now a museum containing Overbeck's eclectic collections of shells, photographs, drawings, model boats, toys, curios, and displays on local maritime history and wildlife. There is a secret room just for children, with dolls, tin soldiers, and other toys, plus a ghost hunt. Outside you'll find a lovely subtropical garden with many rare plants, trees and shrubs. There are spectacular views over the estuary creeks and beaches to Salcombe, which looks quite picturesque in the distance. The garden is not wheelchair accessible, but the ground floor of the museum, shop, and tea-room, are. Braille guides for the museum are available, as well as a Braille ghost hunt.
Barbican Leisure Park has something for everyone. The whole family will enjoy their countless offerings. For the kids, be sure to check out Tenpin bowling lanes. Couples like to dine at one of the restaurants such as Old Orleans, Frankie & Benny's, or Nando's Chicken Restaurant. For outings with friends, be sure to catch the latest flick at Vue Cinemas or stop at one of Oceana's bars and nightclubs. Whether in Plymouth for business or pleasure, a stop at the Barbican should be on your itinerary.
This modern theater is one of the best in Britain, producing large mainstream events with performers such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Glyndebourne Touring Opera, Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Rambert Dance Company. The theater has a good education department and also the Young Company, which gives theater training to youngsters. The large, attractive building on Royal Parade is a popular meeting place for shoppers as well as theater buffs, as the huge windows of its excellent restaurant and cafe look out over the city.
Near the town of Totnes, Woodlands is full of thrills and spills and well deserves its many awards. From the Alpine Dash to the Tornado the emphasis is on action and adventure for all ages. For rainy days there is a huge indoor complex with venture centers, a Circusdrome, ball-pools and inflatables, soft play for tinies and drop slides. Outside, the grounds bristle with commando-type courses and cafes. There is a farm area, with hands-on access, boating lakes and a wildlife walkabout, if you can pry the children away from the rides. Woodlands has won five national awards and if you can't tear yourself away, there's even a campsite attached. Wheelchair users need a strong pusher, as it's very hilly.
This is Britain's largest and most up-to-date aquarium, with many spectacular underwater displays. A visit to this ultra-modern center alongside Sutton Harbour on the historic Barbican will be an unforgettable adventure, with wide screen viewing windows giving you an amazing close-up view of the fish. The most spectacular displays have to be the sharks at feeding time, but there are many fascinating exhibits, including Europe's largest collection of seahorse species.
The second oldest house in Plymouth, it was built by Thomas Yogge in 1498. It is a fine limestone building with granite door and window frames, and a galleried courtyard. In the past it has been a dwelling house, a warehouse, a wine store and a bacon factory. But it has now belonged to St Andrew's Church since the 1920s. It is used with the adjoining Abbey Hall to accommodate their youth groups, and is let out to community groups. The church lets out the bottom floor to Tanners, one of Plymouth's highest quality restaurants. The building also houses the famous 28 foot Plymouth Tapestry, with its 2,250,000 stitches, some of which were added by royalty. It took four and a half years to complete, and is well worth a visit.
It is believed that this cottage was the home of Sir Francis Drake's first wife, and is one of the two oldest buildings in Saltash. It is a 15th Century house and has been well restored by the Tamar Protection Society, having been little altered throughout the last centuries. There is also a Tudor herb garden behind the cottage. You can visit by making prior arrangements with the Tourist Information Point at the Guildhall.
The beautiful gardens that surround the Dartington Hall are simply stunning. This renowned hall is mainly used as a business centre, where several formal meetings are held. Apart from this this, the hall also hosts certain cultural and informal events, and provides accommodation to guest and visitors. Spacious and well-equipped, this medieval hall was built in late 13th Century and has undergone renovations several times.
Named after the street it is set on, the 45 Southside gallery is managed by the amiable Mathias and Kirsten who have played a pivotal role in supporting emerging artists in Plymouth. Not just paintings, this gallery also features metalwork, glass and ceramics. Have a look at their site for a list of represented artists and upcoming exhibitions.
Prior to the structure being allowed to be used as a guildhall in the middle of 16th Century, the Tudor structure was used as a monk's refectory. Its conversion was the result of an charter by King Edward VI, allowing a 11th Century former priory to be used as a guildhall and a school. Since then it has been used as a magistrate court and a prison along the history of its existence. Today, the guildhall is used as a venue for town council meetings and other important ceremonies.
On the Devon/Cornwall border, Rumleigh Farm offers high-quality accommodation in the Tamar Valley, and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With stylish rooms and a self-catering cottage for 2, Rumleigh also provides free parking and Wi-Fi. The bed and breakfast rooms in Yellowhammer Barn have garden views and an en suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. There is also a flat-screen TV, iron and tea and coffee facilities. Locally sourced breakfast is served each morning. Dragonfly is the farm’s self-catering cottage, featuring a well-equipped kitchen and a stylish bathroom with large walk-in shower and deep bath. This converted stable building has a wood-burner and a summerhouse, and breakfast and evening meals can be ordered if required. Rumleigh Farm is 6 miles from the market town Tavistock, located just outside the Dartmoor National Park, with pubs and restaurants within a 5-10 minute drive. Over the Cornish border, the towns of Saltash and Launceston are both around 30 minutes away.