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Castle Drogo - Exeter
The 'last castle to be built in England', set above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor One of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens and the last castle to be built in England Perched above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor Highest National Trust garden, at 900 feet Family activites every day...
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Okehampton Castle
The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in an outstandingly picturesque setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives....
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Museum of Dartmoor Life - Oakhampton
The Dartmoor Life museum - shows the various stories of Dartmoor people's lives, their work and its influence in shaping Dartmoor. Monday - Friday 10.15am to 4.15pm. Saturday 10.15am to 1pm.
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Bill Douglas Centre (History of Cinema) - Exeter
Founded in 1994, the Centre contains an enormous collection relating to the history of film and visual media. From shadow puppets to Shirley Temple dolls, from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe postcards, there is something to fascinate every visitor. Open every weekday from 10am to 5pm (except for Bank Holidays and between Christmas and...
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Exeter Phoenix - Exeter
Come and Join our Summer Sessions Jumping Beans - Dance Classes for under 5's on Tuesdays 1.45pm - 2.15pm, £2 per session Visual Art Workshop - Tuesday 2nd August, 10.30 - 1.30, £10 ages 8 - 12 Visual Art Workshop 23rd August, 10am - 4pm, £25 per person, ages 11 - 16 National Playday - 12 - 4pm at Exeter Catherdral...
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Exeter's Underground Passages - Exeter
Discover medieval passageways that stretch under the city's streets at this visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre. Entry prices Adult £5.50 Child £4.00 Concession £4.50 Family ( Up to 2 adults and up to 3 children ) £17.00 For information with respect to group visits, please call:...
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St Nicholas Priory - Exeter
Adorned with quality replica furniture and painted in the bright colours of the period, the Priory is presented as the 1602 home of the wealthy Hurst family. The display of Elizabethan items from the city's collection, the addition of modern amenities and new interpretation allows greater access to the Priory and gives a wonderful insight...
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HOUND TOR DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
The extensive, atmospheric remains of this isolated village lie on the eastern edge of Dartmoor. The settlement consists of a cluster of 13th century stone longhouses – in which the family lived at one end and the animals at the other – on land that was originally farmed in the Bronze Age. Hound Tor was probably...
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Clip n Climb Exeter
Clip n Climb Exeter is a brilliant introduction to climbing for children with all the challenge of proper bouldering and low level climbing but coated in bright colours, fun concepts, novelty grips and more! Climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, Test your resolve and determination on Inflated, take the Speed Climbing challenge, reach new...
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Powderham Castle - Exeter
Powderham Castle lies in a beautiful deer park setting on the banks of the River Exe, just a stone's throw from the historic cathedral city of Exeter. The Courtenay family have been welcoming visitors to the Castle since 1959, and over the years in excess of a million people have been through the doors. Very little of the Castle itself...
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Killerton - Exeter
Would you give away your family home for your political beliefs? Sir Richard Acland did just this with his estate, at 2,590 hectares (6,400 acres) one of the largest the Trust has acquired (includes 20 farms and 200-plus cottages). Killerton House, built in 1778–9, brings to life generations of the Aclands, one of Devon's oldest...
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Tiverton Castle
Tiverton Castle is a wonderful, romantic and atmospheric castle to visit and great fun for children. One visitor commented “It`s not the biggest Castle to visit, but one of the most informative”. WHAT TO SEE: Try on some English Civil War Armour and imagine what it was like to...
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Tiverton Museum
Explore the museum’s large, outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon. The displays include the ‘Tivvy Bumper’ GWR steam engine, local industries (particularly lace making), farm waggons and the history of agriculture, and the every day home life of Mid Devon folk. Museum Opening Times ...
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LYDFORD CASTLE AND SAXON TOWN
Beautifully sited on the fringe of Dartmoor, Lydford boasts three defensive features. Near the centre is a 13th century tower on a mound, built as a prison. It later became notorious for harsh punishments, with one of its inmates calling it 'the most annoious, contagious and detestable place within this realm'. To the south ...
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A La Ronde
A La Ronde is a unique 16 sided house that was built for two spinster cousins when they returned from a grand tour of Europe. It contains many objects acquired on their travels plus mementoes of their travels. The interior decoration includes a frieze made from feathers plus a shell encrusted gallery containing thousands of shells. Kids have the...
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Cobbaton Combat Collection - Umberleigh
The Collection ranges from tanks to song sheets, mostly WW2. Some 60 vehicles and artillery pieces, and thousands of smaller exhibits. Two hangars house the military displays of tanks and vehicles. A new building has wartime British civilian life displays. Mail order sales of militaria and collectables. Admission charges Adults...
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Exmouth Museum
Exmouth Museum is situated in Sheppards Row, off Exeter Road in former town council stables and adjoining cottage. A treasure-house of objects relating to old Exmouth, the museum features a 1930's living room and a Victorian kitchen. Wartime Exmouth and the maritime and natural history of the Exe Estuary are explored along with...
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Morwellham Quay and Tamar Valley Trust - Tavistock
An award-winning World Heritage site, featuring historic port, copper mine, working Victorian farm, railway, heavy horses and museums of costume and mining. Just four miles west of Tavistock and bordering the beautiful River Tamar, amidst towering cliffs and gently rolling farmland, discover this lost world with the help of our Living...
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Berry Pomeroy Castle - Totnes
Tucked away in a steep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin. Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, still displaying a wall painting of the Three Kings in its gatehouse chamber, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in c.1560 and...
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Dartmoor Prison Museum - Princetown
Unlocking the history of one of England's most famous prisons, Dartmoor Prison Museum reflects the heritage of HMP Dartmoor from Prisoner of War Depot to the present day. The interesting collection of artefacts provides a unique insight into prison life both past and present. ...
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Buckland Abbey
Buckland Abbey is set within a beautiful estate full of meadows, woodlands, and orchards, and has over 700 years of history to discover, which you can do with the help of children’s quiz and trail, plus a number of other family activities for inside and outdoors. The Abbey is part house and part museum, with a magnificent Great Barn that...
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GRIMSPOUND
The best known of many prehistoric settlements on Dartmoor, Grimspound dates from the late Bronze Age (about 1450–700 BC). The remains of 24 stone roundhouses survive here, within a massive boundary wall about 150 metres in diameter. There are great views of the site from Hookney Tor...
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MERRIVALE PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT
Dartmoor is rich in prehistoric remains, and the group of monuments at Merrivale is one of the finest on the moor. Side by side here are the remains of a Bronze Age settlement and a complex of ritual sites, including three stone rows , a stone circle, standing stones and a number of cairns – earth mounds...
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Cockington Court - Torquay
Just a mile from Torquay seafront, historic Cockington Court is nestled within 460 acres of country park and is home to a growing number of skilled craftsmen – watch them as they work and perhaps indulge in a spot of retail therapy in their studios and galleries.
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Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre - Lifton
The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is proud to present the National Fairground Collection. It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays. The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that...
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Bygones Victorian Museum - Torquay
Life size victorian street of shops and period rooms. Giant model railway and railway and collection. Interactive and illuminated childrens fantasy land. Multi sensory World War 1 Trench and militaria collection. A real Anderson Shelter. ADULTS ............................................................................................
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Tore Abbey - Torquay
Welcome to the heart of Torquay – past, present and future. Imagine the silent prayers of the Abbey’s medieval "White Canons". Picture the opulent lifestyle of the Cary family who transformed the Abbey into a fine country home. Today you can experience the many lives of Torre Abbey and experience its place, still...
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Beer Quarry Caves
2000 years of history brought vividly to life, a visit to Beer Quarry Caves is an exciting and fascinating experience not to be missed. The workings are cool and even on a warm day a jumper is advisable. Light...
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Totnes Castle
A classic Norman motte and bailey castle, founded soon after the Conquest to overawe the Saxon town. A later stone shell-keep crowns its steep mound, giving sweeping views across the town rooftops to the River Dart. Keep accessible only via steep steps. Tickets Adults: £3.40 Children: £2.00 (5-15 years) Concessions:...
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Compton Castle
Dramatic fortified manor house Fairy-tale castle hidden in a lush south Devon valley A medley of fortified towers, battlements and buttresses 600-year-old home of the Gilbert family, kindred of Sir Walter Raleigh Delightful flowering gardens, enclosed by a stone curtain wall The Great Kitchen offers a unique insight into...
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Kents Cavern - Torquay
• Opening times – Winter 10am- 4pm for restaurant and shop • Tours will be at 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30 • Opening times – Summer 9.30am- 4.30pm for restaurant and shop • Tours will run frequently throughout the day. First tour will commence...
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Torquays Dinosaur World
Torquays Dinosaur World brings dinosaurs and their worlds to life! See amazing life-like dinosaurs, learn about their lives, uncover incredible fossils, enjoy the family quiz and even sit on a dinosaur! For the entry price, you get a Paleo Pass, a season ticket that allows the named holders unlimited re-entry during the life of the pass for a...
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KIRKHAM HOUSE, PAIGNTON
This well-preserved late medieval house, built of local stone, lies near the centre of the Devon town of Paignton. It probably belonged to a well-to-do landowning or merchant family, and had a grand hall with space for up to 20 people to dine together. The house now contains modern furniture, illustrating ...
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PENHALLAM MANOR
The low, grass-covered but complete ground-plan of a moated manor house built by the de Cardinham family in the 13th century. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: A small free car park is situated at the head of a 1/2 mile track that leads to the Manor. How to Find it: The manor is signposted from Week St Mary, off a minor road. From the A39 heading...
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Clovelly Village - Bideford
The cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this world famous fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port. It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carry goods up the hill; sledges bring things down. There are links with Charles...
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Arlington Court
Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel: a complete family estate. The intimate Regency house contains treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, all collected by the Chichesters. Offering incident and contrast, the 19th-century picturesque garden is a perfect place to explore, picnic or play. The walled kitchen garden provides...
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Launceston Castle
Set on a large natural mound, Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest, its focus is an unusual keep consisting of a 13th-century round tower built by Richard of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep. Within, the large central chamber is now reached via a dark corridor. The castle long...
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Crownhill Fort
Crownhill Fort is the best preserved of Lord Palmerston’s Ring of Fire which surrounded Plymouth in Victorian times, dramatically protecting the Royal Dockyard at Devonport from fierce French attack! The largest and most original of Plymouth's forts, Crownhill occupies one of the highest points in the city and offers great views, but is...
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Saltram House and Gardens - Plymouth
Still a largely undiscovered treasure, and the result of centuries of sophistication and extravagance, Saltram is the perfect family day out: close to Plymouth and yet in a world of its own. Home to the Parker family for nearly 300 years, the house with its original contents provides a fascinating insight into country-estate life...
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DUPATH WELL
This charming well-house stands over an ancient spring , believed to cure whooping cough. Built by the Augustinian canons of the nearby St Germans Priory around 1500, it houses the remains of an immersion pool for cure-seekers. Managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust. Read more about the history of Dupath Well. ...
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UPPER PLYM VALLEY
Some 300 Bronze Age and medieval sites, covering 15 1⁄2 square kilometres (6 square miles) of Dartmoor landscape BEFORE YOU GO Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome. OPENING TIMES 30 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 Open any reasonable time during daylight hours 25 MARCH 2018 ONWARDS Opening times will be available nearer...
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Brixham Heritage Museum
Brixham Museum & History Society was founded in December 1957 to record, preserve and promote the story of our historic town and its people. In 1999, the members voted to change the Society name to include the word 'Heritage'. The society is a registered charity, number 306633. Without donations, we would not be able to ...
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Dartmouth Museum
Dartmouth Museum is a small, fascinating and interesting museum housed in an atmospheric old merchant's house, built in approximately 1640. Opening Times Summer (April - November) Sunday & Monday ...
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BAYARD'S COVE FORT
This Tudor fort, built by the borough of Dartmouth between 1522 and 1536, contained heavy guns to protect the prosperous harbour town from attack. It was the last line of defence against enemy ships that had eluded Dartmouth and Kingswear castles and the iron chain stretched across the Dart estuary between them....
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Dartmouth Castle
This well-preserved and beautifully sited castle juts out into the narrow entrance of the Dart estuary. Begun in the late 14th century, a defence called ‘the Fortalice’ was intended to protect the homes of Dartmouth merchants from shipborne attack. By 1491 it had been reinforced by a gun tower, probably the very first fortification in...
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Coleton Fishacre - Kingswear
Travel back in time to the Jazz Age at the holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family. You can lose yourself in the magical 12-hectare (30-acre) garden: viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered...
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Merchant's House Museum - Plymouth
A historic building tucked away down one of the city's oldest streets - the Merchant's House is Plymouth's finest surviving example of a 16th/17th century residence. During the 17th century it was home to three Plymouth mayors including privateer William Parker, a friend of Sir Francis Drake. Opening dates Open Tuesday 5 April to Saturday 1...
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ROYAL CITADEL, PLYMOUTH
A dramatic 17th century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch, and keep watch on a recently rebellious town, the Royal Citadel is still in use by the military today. However , the fortress now requires some urgent repair works. Conservators will be undertaking a programme of repairs including: - ...
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HURLERS STONE CIRCLES
Three fine late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line, a grouping unique in England. Hurlers Stone Circles are probably the best examples of ceremonial circles in the south west. According to legend, they are the remains of men petrified for playing hurling on a Sunday. The site is managed by the...
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BLACKBURY CAMP
This hillfort in Devon was built during the 4th century BC. It was used by an Iron Age tribal people , probably for several hundred years. Blackbury Camp had impressive ramparts, and the single entrance was protected by a large triangular earthwork or ‘barbican’. Now surrounded by woodland, the...
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Bishops Lydeard Mill - Taunton
Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving this excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill. The Mill is open on : ...
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Mount Edgcumbe Country Park - Torpoint
Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall. Whether you are searching for a venue for a family outing or group visit, enthused by the magnificent Grade I Cornish gardens and famous historic house,...
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Hartland Abbey And Gardens - Bideford
Only one mile from Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast. Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds...
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Dunster Castle - Minehead
The red turrets and towers of Dunster Castle rising up from their wooded perch is a dramatic spectacle for any visitor. Drama that is mirrored in the castle's history, more than 1,000 years of turmoil and change. Come and visit to find out more about the families of Dunster Castle, marvell at the beautiful interiors, enjoy the depths of the...
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DUNSTER YARN MARKET
This fine 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall is a monument to Dunster's once-flourishing cloth trade. Managed by The National Trust. Read more about the history of the Yarn Market. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Charged parking is available within the village (car park postcode TA24 6SE), not managed by English Heritage. ...
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DUNSTER BUTTER CROSS
Set on the outskirts of the charming village of Dunster, this transplanted stump of a medieval stone cross was once a meeting place for butter-sellers. Managed by The National Trust. Read more about the history of the Butter Cross. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Charged parking is available within the village (car park postcode TA24 6SE), not...
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DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
This late medieval stone bridge - originally 'gallows bridge' - across the River Avill once carried packhorses bringing fleeces from Exmoor to the Somerset market town of Dunster. The town had become a centre of the wool trade by the 13th century, when it was the main source of England's wealth. Managed by the National Trust. Read more...
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Watermouth Castle - Ilfracombe
Overlooking the picturesque Watermouth Cove, Watermouth Castle Offers a unique and fun day out, with attractions and entertainment for all ages. Enter the Castle's Great Hall with its magnificent suits of armour, classic handcarts and sporting trophies. Then step back in time to enjoy some of the simple pleasures of Victorian life, nostalgic...
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Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium is an award-winning, all-weather, educational attraction located in the Old Lifeboat House alongside Ilfracombe’s picturesque and historic harbour. The town is found on the dramatic North Devon coast 20 minutes drive from Barnstaple, set amongst the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The aquarium...
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Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the Devon area, if your looking for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative.
If you cannot find what castles and stately homes you like by city level here, please use the search box for more detailed searching for 'historical' to find castles and stately homes and heritage site.
