While London or Cornwall may be at the top of everyone’s bucket list of places to go, a lesser-known gem is South Devon. Nestled between the wild and rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the sparkling shores of the English Riviera, South Devon is a place filled with charm, character, and hidden gems.
Having lived in this part of the UK for several years, I’m still discovering new places to fall in love with. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, here’s a locals’ guide on things to do when exploring South Devon.
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1. Discover the seaside town of Dartmouth
Named as one of the best places to spend 48 hours in the UK, Dartmouth has to be at the top of our exploring South Devon list. With its historic harbor, cobbled lanes, and riverside cafes, Dartmouth is a timeless favorite.
Visit the 14th-century Dartmouth Castle, take the passenger ferry across the waters to Kingswear, or simply soak up the maritime charm with a stroll along the embankment. Looking for some history on the British Royal Navy? Book a guided tour at the Royal Britannia Naval College, which takes pride of place on the hills overlooking Dartmouth Harbor.
When you’re done walking along the streets, sampling some delicious food, and even enjoying the peaceful scenery, there are boat rides, steam train rides, and more still to be had.
2. Discover Hidden Beaches on the South West Coast Path
With over 630 miles to explore, the South West Coast Path has to make a mention on our list. Starting from Minehead in Somerset and finishing in Poole, Dorset, there are plenty of hidden coves and beaches waiting to be discovered. With many of them accessible on foot, it’s no wonder thousands of people explore sections of it.
South Devon’s rugged coastline is renowned for its stunning views. Discover National Coastwatch Institutions (NCIs), where you can speak with volunteer coastwatchers, traverse down steep steps to find a secluded cove, or simply walk for miles, enjoying the sound of crashing waves and birds overhead.
3. Enjoy a Cream Tea at a Traditional Devon Tearoom
It’s been a rivalry that has lasted for decades and one that will continue for decades more. Is it cream or jam first? Well, much to our Cornish counterparts’ dismay, it’s cream first, then jam, and trust us, you’ll get some interesting looks if you do it the other way around.
No trip to South Devon will be complete without sampling a cream tea or two. There are plenty of quaint cafes to choose from. From The Flower Cafe on the Barbican in Plymouth to farm shops and tea rooms in Totnes and beyond, you’re bound to find somewhere with fresh scones, lashings of clotted cream, and tasty jam. Plus, it always tastes better after a long walk.
4. Explore Dartmoor National Park
When exploring South Devon, one major thing to do is discover the vast expanse of Dartmoor National Park. This wild and windswept landscape is filled with granite tors, ancient woodlands, temperate rainforests, and free-roaming ponies, cows, and sheep.
The most popular tours to explore and climb are Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor; however, there are plenty of other lesser-known options worth visiting as well. Some of our best places to visit on Dartmoor include Foggintor Quarry, Brat Tor, Sheepstor, Burrator Reservoir, and Venford Falls.
Why not also discover the mystical Witsmans Wood? A designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), Wistmans Wood is filled with stunted trees, delicate lichens, and mosses. It’s a place worth looking at from the edges, complete with a hotel at the start and end of the walk; it’s a great place to spend the day.
5. Embrace the Quirky Vibes of Totnes
Full of character, creativity, and a fiercely independent spirit, Totnes is a town like no other. From its eclectic high street, lined with artisan cafes, boutique shops, and vintage treasures, to its vibrant arts scene, colorful locals, and buzzing markets, Totnes embodies individuality and celebrates the unconventional.
Whether you’re browsing the markets on Fridays and Saturdays, chatting with friendly locals, or soaking up the bohemian atmosphere, you’ll find that Totnes marches to the beat of its drum. But it’s not just the quirky atmosphere that draws people to Totnes; you also have a castle that offers expansive views across Totnes and out towards the River Dart. You can even follow the footpath along the river to Dartington.
6. Take a Steam Train Ride and Boat Trip
One of South Devon’s standout attractions is its heritage steam railway. Best known for hosting the enchanting Train of Lights each winter, the Dartmouth Steam Railway will offer you a scenic and nostalgic way to explore the region. The journey runs from Paignton to Kingswear, winding through some of Devon’s most breathtaking countryside. It’s a firm favorite with visitors of all ages.
To make your day even more memorable, you can combine your steam train ticket with a boat trip along the River Dart. There are three ticket options available: the Round Robin, which includes a scenic bus ride, a river cruise, and the steam train, giving you a full taste of South Devon in one day; the Steam & Cruise, which pairs the train and the boat; or a simpler option just to enjoy either the train or the boat independently.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for a treat. However, if time allows, we highly recommend the Round Robin or Steam & Cruise options to soak up the best of the area truly. It’s an unforgettable journey through one of Devon’s most picturesque landscapes, and it’s perfect for families, couples, and curious explorers alike.
7. Watch the Sunset
There is something truly magical about watching the sunset. As the day winds down, the landscape transforms under a soft, golden light, casting long shadows over rolling hills, glistening off calm seas, and decorating the sky with different hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Whether you’re perched on a rugged clifftop, strolling along a sandy beach, or sitting outside a cozy pub, South Devon offers ample opportunities to watch a stunning sunset. Those called sunset seekers are always found in the region’s west-facing coastline. From the tidal beauty of Burgh Island and the peaceful shores of Hope Cove to the vast expanse of Dartmoor, each location offers its unique perspective.
Inland spots like Haldon Belvedere and Haytor provide panoramic views over the countryside, while estuary walks in places like Wembury, Salcombe, or Noss Mayo offer calm, reflective scenes. Some of our favorite spots include Bigbury-on-Sea, Hope Cove, Bowerman’s Nose, and Berry Head.
8. Attend the Annual English Riviera Airshow
If you’re visiting and exploring South Devon in early Summer, then the English Riviera Airshow is an absolute must. This free annual event, held in Paignton over the first weekend in June, attracts thousands of spectators each year. It’s a three-day event packed with breathtaking air displays, live entertainment, street food stalls, and a fun fair.
Displays in previous years have included the world-famous Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as features from the Wing Walkers, the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter, and Pyrotechnic aerobatics. But the excitement isn’t just in the air; the Event Village on Paignton Green is buzzing all weekend.
You’ll find a vibrant mix of food stalls, artisan traders, interactive exhibits, and even a Red Arrows or Typhoon simulator for those wanting to test their flying skills. There are several places to watch from and to make the most of the day; book your parking in advance, arrive early, bring a picnic or camping chair, and settle in for a show you’ll never forget.
9. Enjoy a wildlife-watching boat tour
If you’re looking for truly memorable ways to explore South Devon, nothing comes close to seeing dolphins, seals, or other marine life on a wildlife-watching boat tour. Departing from harbors like Dartmouth, Brixham, or Torquay, these guided cruises take you out into the open waters of the English Channel, where you’re given a chance to spot a variety of marine life and seabirds.
Most trips last between 1 and 2 hours and are led by knowledgeable skippers who share fascinating insights about local wildlife, geology, and conservation. With calm seas in Summer and panoramic views in every direction, it’s a peaceful yet thrilling way to connect with nature. Keep your camera at the ready, just in case a pod of dolphins comes playfully passing by.
Whether you’re a keen photographer, a wildlife lover, or simply looking for a relaxing adventure on the water, with a boat tour, you are getting a new perspective on the natural beauty of South Devon.
10. Visit some of the region’s wine and gin distilleries
While exploring South Devon, you may fancy something more sophisticated. You will then need to, of course, check out the region’s best vineyards and distilleries. There are numerous options to choose from, including tours and tastings, as well as behind-the-scenes experiences. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into crisp English wines or smooth coastal gins. It’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a taste of this particular region.
Located on the River Dart near Totnes, Sharpham Wine and Cheese is one of the best-known names in English wine. It’s a picturesque estate that offers wine tastings and guided tours. What you must do even without the wine is sample their award-winning cheeses. Calancombe Wine Estate is another up-and-coming vineyard that is worth a visit. This winery is known for its award-winning still and sparkling wines and is also home to Dartmouth English Gin.
Now, if you’re not really into wine but fancy a Gin and Tonic every once in a while, then there are plenty of options for you, too. Salcombe Gin allows you to take part in a distillery tour, sip cocktails in their stylish waterside bar, and even create your personalized gin in their gin school. Plymouth Gin is similar, but it also takes you on a journey through history, where you’ll learn about centuries-old craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exploring the vast expanses of Dartmoor, sampling a taste of the region’s finest wines and gins, uncovering hidden coves, or looking to take to the waters for an unforgettable marine experience, South Devon is a place filled with things to do.
This tantalizing part of the United Kingdom is worth visiting at any time of year. However, if you’re limited, either Summer or Winter offers the best experiences where you can explore South Devon in all its glory.