Whether you are looking for a short break with your partner, a solo trip or a large family holiday, there are so many places to visit in South Devon. From market towns to coastal villages, and more, there is a spot in this corner of the world that you will love. You really are spoilt for choice.
Dartmouth is the perfect place for a day out or to use as a base to explore South Devon. Stroll along the embankment of this historic town and enjoy views up and down the River Dart. Admire the distinctive Britannia Royal Naval College set proud on the hillside or the various yachts, motorboats and paddleboards making their way down the river.
If you are looking for places to visit in South Devon that are packed full of history, this town should be one of them. Explore Dartmouth Castle, Bayard’s Cove Fort, Agatha Christie’s home, or take a stroll along the Mayflower Heritage Trail. Or get out on the water, it is simply a must. Whether you hire a boat to explore hidden coves, take one of the many river trips on offer, or get your feet wet on a kayak or paddleboard, there are endless options.
Browse the shops, with the town offering everything from sailing stores, art galleries and independent boutiques on its pretty streets. Don’t miss Foss Street, the oldest street in Dartmouth, crammed full independent shops and galleries.
Dartmouth is a hub for local annual events. Favourites loved by locals and visitors alike include Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth Food Festival, The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta, and Dartmouth Crab Festival. There is an event for the whole family in the annual calendar.
If you are a foodie, then Dartmouth should be number one on your list of places to visit in South Devon. There are a huge selection of cafés, restaurants and eateries offering local goodies to fine dining experiences. If you are looking for picturesque yet lively places to visit in South Devon, then Dartmouth is for you.
With its sheltered bay, twenty-two miles of coastline, sandy beaches, and secluded coves, The English Riviera should be on your list for places to visit in South Devon. Home to the popular holiday towns of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Babbacombe Bay, this is a one-stop shop to finding your idyllic retreat or day out.
The English Riviera has an action-packed annual events calendar. Enjoy walks in the Bay at the English Riviera Walking Festival. Dive into literary and its connection to the local area at the Agatha Christie Festival. Bring your best costume and arghhh to the Brixham Pirate Festival, or indulge in culinary delights at England’s Seafood Feast.
On what is now known as England’s Seafood Coast, the English Riviera is a haven for food and drink. Whether you are looking for local items for your picnic or a Michelin starred restaurant for a special occasion, you will find everything in this little corner of Devon to suit your palate and budget.
If you are looking for action-packed places to visit in South Devon, then the English Riviera will not disappoint. Hop on the steam train along the coast, or head into the caves at Kent’s Cavern. Admire the miniature people at Babbacombe Model Village or enjoy a day playing at the Geopark Playground. Visit some animals at Occombe Farm or Paignton Zoo, or learn about the local history aboard The Golden Hind.
Getting out on the water is a must in the English Riviera. Sail across the Bay on one of the many ferries taking you to and from local towns. Or try a high-adrenaline water sport. Torbay offers everything from speed boats, kayaking, and paddleboarding, to coasteering and fishing trips. Or head to Quaywest, the UK’s largest all outdoor waterpark, for a day of waterslides and adventure.
Or if you fancy exploring further afield, it is well connected with excellent road, rail, and bus links. If you are looking for places to visit in South Devon that offer a bit of everything, check out one of the English Riviera’s coastal towns.
This historic Saxon town embraces a bohemian, alternative lifestyle in the most stylish way. Its attractive, long high street is packed with funky restaurants, wholefood cafés and eateries plus independent boutiques. You can stroll along the river, watching the yachts and ferries as you go. Or stop in one of the riverside eateries for an afternoon tea, lunch, or drink.
The town offers many attractions perfect for all ages. Check out the Totnes Museum to understand the local history, the Rare Breeds Farm to learn about different animals, and hop on the South Devon Steam Railway to enjoy the Devon countryside.
Totnes is the perfect day out or great base to explore the local area. If you are looking for the best places to visit in South Devon, with excellent road, rail, or boat links, it is a haven for discovering all that South Devon has to offer.
The stunning Salcombe is the perfect place for a visit in South Devon. Located on a magnificent estuary, it offers turquoise waters filled with all kinds of boats.
There are stunning beaches where you can spend a memorable day chilling or exploring. On the Salcombe side of the water, stroll out to North Sands or South Sands, or get the South Sands ferry there and back. This is a classic Devon experience to not miss, accessing the ferry by an old-fashioned sea tractor. Or catch the foot ferry across to East Portlemouth where you can discover more sandy beaches and coves along the South West Coast Path.
Salcombe is home to a great range of shops along Fore Street. Pick up your sailing look even if you have no intention of setting foot on the water, or simply explore the many speciality shops. But if getting your feet wet is on the agenda, there are various places to try a new water sport. From kayaking, to paddleboarding, and dingy sailing, have a go when you are in town.
The atmosphere is buzzing in the summer months so be sure to check it out on Your Devon Escape.
Sitting on its own estuary, Kingsbridge is a picturesque market town with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Not much else screams typical Devon countryside quite like Kingsbridge and the surrounding area. At the head of the Salcombe estuary, Kingsbridge is well-located and should be one of your places to visit in South Devon.
Possibly one of the most popular aspects of Kingsbridge is its proximity to the local beaches. Bigbury-On-Sea, Bantham, Thurlestone and more are all within a short driving distance. They are the perfect sandy beaches for a day of relaxing or exploring. If you are looking for places to visit in South Devon that offer a coastal adventure, Kingsbridge is a great place to start.
Famed for having amazing local produce right on the doorstep, you will be spoilt for Devon delicacies in this town. Much of this is on show at the twice monthly Farmers Market which is held in the town centre. Or try out one of the local eateries, offering everything from traditional English food to Michelin starred fine dining, there is an option whatever the occasion.
If you are looking for places to visit in South Devon with lots of events, Kingsbridge has a packed annual calendar. Celebrate with the locals at the Food and Music Festival, Fair Week, and Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas to name a few.
For ideas of what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal. Or make us all jealous by sharing the places you visit in South Devon on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using the hashtag #yourdevonescape.