Heritage & Historical Exeter

Exeter Phoenix - Exeter
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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...
Exeter's Underground Passages - Exeter
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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:...
St Nicholas Priory - Exeter
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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...
Bill Douglas Centre (History of Cinema) - Exeter
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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...
Clip n Climb Exeter
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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...
Powderham Castle - Exeter
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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...
Killerton - Exeter
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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...
Castle Drogo - Exeter
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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...
A La Ronde
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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...
Exmouth Museum
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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...
HOUND TOR DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
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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...
Beer Quarry Caves
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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...
Tiverton Castle
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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...
Tiverton Museum
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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 ...
Cockington Court - Torquay
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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.
Bygones Victorian Museum - Torquay
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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 ............................................................................................
Tore Abbey - Torquay
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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...
Kents Cavern - Torquay
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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...
Torquays Dinosaur World
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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...
Compton Castle
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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...
KIRKHAM HOUSE, PAIGNTON
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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 ...
BLACKBURY CAMP
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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...
Berry Pomeroy Castle - Totnes
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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...
Okehampton Castle
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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....
Museum of Dartmoor Life - Oakhampton
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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.
Totnes Castle
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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:...
Brixham Heritage Museum
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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 ...
Axminster Museum
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Axminster Museum
Originally the Old Police Station and Courthouse, the museum is opposite St Mary's Church in the centre of Axminster. Visitors can discover the old police cells and see displays in the former court room. Opening Times: Open end of May to end of September (closed Bank Holidays) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 11am to 1pm, 2pm to...
Dartmouth Museum
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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 ...
BAYARD'S COVE FORT
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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....
Dartmouth Castle
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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...
Coleton Fishacre - Kingswear
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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...
The Town Mill
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The Town Mill
The Town Mill is an ancient watermill that was rescued by volunteers through a ten year restoration project, which saved it from dereliction. Today, the story of The Town Mill is shared by friendly volunteer millers and illustrates the history of England and its people. The restored mill buildings, which surround a cobbled courtyard, house a...
Bishops Lydeard Mill - Taunton
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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 : ...
Cobbaton Combat Collection - Umberleigh
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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...
LYDFORD CASTLE AND SAXON TOWN
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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 ...
Forde Abbey House and Gardens
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Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Forde Abbey Historical House and Gardens is a lovely working, family estate, with a number of features that offer an enjoyable day out for all ages. The house is open between April and October (inclusive), but the gardens are open throughout the year, and entrance is free to children under 15 years of age. There is a fantastic Children’s...
Dartmoor Prison Museum - Princetown
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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. ...
Buckland Abbey
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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...
GRIMSPOUND
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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...
MERRIVALE PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT
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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...
Morwellham Quay and Tamar Valley Trust - Tavistock
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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...
UPPER PLYM VALLEY
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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...
Saltram House and Gardens - Plymouth
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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...
DAWS CASTLE
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DAWS CASTLE
The clifftop fortress of Daws Castle was founded by King Alfred to defend the people of Watchet against Viking attacks. BEFORE YOU GO Access: The walk from Watchet is challenging, so we recommend wearing sturdy footwear. The site is exposed with no shelter. Parking: Paid parking is available in Watchet. How to Find it: From Watchet...
CLEEVE ABBEY
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CLEEVE ABBEY
In Washford lies one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset, providing an interesting day out for families and budding historians alike. The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve is a haven of peace and tranquillity, said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England. Visitors today can catch a glimpse of monastic life 800 years ago; although the...
Crownhill Fort
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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...
Dunster Castle - Minehead
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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...
DUNSTER YARN MARKET
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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.  ...
DUNSTER BUTTER CROSS
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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...
DUNSTER GALLOX BRIDGE
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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...
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre - Lifton
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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...
Crewkerne and District Museum - Crewkerne
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Crewkerne and District Museum - Crewkerne
Crewkerne has a long and interesting history - its status as a Saxon royal Mint, its importance as a stopping place for travellers, and its prosperity based on the textile industry. The ancient Roman hill fort of Ham Hill is a few miles distant, and the town's more important buildings were constructed of stone quarried from the hill. There...
Arlington Court
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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...
MUCHELNEY ABBEY
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MUCHELNEY ABBEY
Muchelney Abbey, which lies two miles south of Langport, was once a landmark in the Somerset Levels and still has much to offer its visitors – history lovers in particular will enjoy this fascinating site but there is also plenty for families to do. It was once a wealthy Benedictine house and the second oldest religious foundation in...
Overbecks Museum and Garden - Salcombe
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Overbecks Museum and Garden - Salcombe
One of the most fascinating and exotic gardens in the South West; explore the banana garden, meander through the towering purple echiums or just relax beneath palms and soak up the spectacular panorama across miles of beautiful coastline and estuary. Continue your journey of discovery into the Edwardian house of Otto Overbeck to see his...
Clovelly Village - Bideford
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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...
Merchant's House Museum - Plymouth
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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...
ROYAL CITADEL, PLYMOUTH
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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: -    ...
PENHALLAM MANOR
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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...
Launceston Castle
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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...
DUPATH WELL
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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. ...
Montacute House
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Montacute House
Montacute House was built at the end of the 16th century and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Elizabethan houses in England. Whether the kids want to be inspired by the art and history inside, or just run and explore, this place is worth a visit, especially during the summer when there will be 2 live shows of costumed and traditional...
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park - Torpoint
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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,...
THE NINE STONES
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THE NINE STONES
Now in a wooded glade, this small prehistoric circle of nine standing stones was constructed around 4,000 years ago. Read more about the history of the Nine Stones. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Parking is permitted in the Little Chef car park. How to Find It: Follow the permissive path from the front of the restaurant and continue parallel...
WINTERBOURNE POOR LOT BARROWS
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WINTERBOURNE POOR LOT BARROWS
Winterbourne Poor Lot is a 'cemetery' of 44 Bronze Age burial mounds of varying types and sizes, straddling the A35 main road. Read more about the history of the barrows. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Parking is possible in a small layby on a minor road adjacent to the site. Turn right off the A35 approximately 1.8 miles west of Winterbourne...
MAIDEN CASTLE
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MAIDEN CASTLE
OPENING TIMES 1 MAY 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 Open any reasonable time during daylight hours 25 MARCH 2018 ONWARDS Opening times will be available nearer the time
HURLERS STONE CIRCLES
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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...
TRETHEVY QUOIT
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TRETHEVY QUOIT
Watermouth Castle - Ilfracombe
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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...
Ilfracombe Aquarium
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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...
KING DONIERT'S STONE
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KING DONIERT'S STONE
Two richly carved pieces of a 9th century 'Celtic' cross, with  an inscription commemorating  Dungarth, King of Dumnonia in the south-west  of Britain, who drowned in about AD 875. Managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust. Read more about the history of  King Doniert's Stone. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Car...
Somerset Rural Life Museum - Glastonbury
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Somerset Rural Life Museum - Glastonbury
The Somerset Rural Life Museum is based in Glastonbury.  In the Abbey Farmhouse the social and domestic life of Victorian Somerset is described in reconstructed rooms and there is a lively events programme as well as regular temporary exhibitions.  There is also a tea room and museum shop.   The magnificent...
Hartland Abbey And Gardens - Bideford
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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...
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, established in 1765, was described by Alan Titchmarsh as "one of the finest Gardens I have ever visited." It has been featured on TV regularly, most recently in Gardeners’ World and the Great British Garden Revival series on Tropical Gardens. But importantly for parents there is also a...
ABBOTSBURY ABBEY REMAINS
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ABBOTSBURY ABBEY REMAINS
The pretty Dorset village of Abbotsbury was once home to a great abbey, founded in 1044 by a thegn of King Cnut,  and richly endowed. The remains now visible - part of a building which may have been the abbot's lodging - date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Nearby is the abbey's vast tithe barn, built about 1400, and there are further...
ABBOTSBURY, ST CATHERINE'S CHAPEL
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ABBOTSBURY, ST CATHERINE'S CHAPEL
PRICES ENTRY TITLE WITHOUT GIFT AID WITH GIFT AID Member - Join now Free Free Adult Free Free Child Free Free Concession Free Free Family Free Free OPENING TIMES 29 APRIL 2017 - 24 MARCH 2018 Open any reasonable time during daylight hours 25 MARCH 2018 ONWARDS Opening times will be available nearer the time
KINGSTON RUSSELL STONE CIRCLE
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KINGSTON RUSSELL STONE CIRCLE
A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea. Read more about the history of Kingston Russell Stone Circle. BEFORE YOU GO How to Find It: The site is not sign posted. When approaching from Abbotsbury, turn left off Bishops Road immediately after the 90 degree right hand...
Athelhampton House and Gardens
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Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House and Gardens is a 15th century house with beautiful grounds, dating back to 1891. The Great Hall of this house, built in 1485 would once have served as the entire accommodation and is a good example of Tudor architecture. The other rooms of the house were added over time and include a Gallery, based on the second floor. There...
Glastonbury Abbey
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Glastonbury Abbey
Visitor Attraction, Scheduled Ancient Monument and Church Romantic Ruins - Once the grandest and richest Abbey in England. A great Glastonbury experience awaits you here! Peaceful parkland - Such a special atmosphere within our 36 acres of Somerset parkland, ponds, orchard and wildlife areas. History brought to life by our...
MEARE FISH HOUSE
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MEARE FISH HOUSE
The only surviving monastic fishery building in England, Meare Fish House was the residence of Glastonbury Abbey's official in charge of the nearby lake and its fishery, and it provided facilities for fish-salting and drying. Read more about the history of Meare Fish House. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: There is free street parking available in...
GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL
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GLASTONBURY TRIBUNAL
Glastonbury Tribunal is a fine, late 15th-century stone town house with an early Tudor façade and panelled interiors, once thought to have been the courtroom of Glastonbury Abbey. The Tribunal now houses a Tourist Information Centre and the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum, which contains dramatic finds from one of Europe’s most famous...
Fleet Air Arm Museum - Ilchester
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Fleet Air Arm Museum - Ilchester
The Royal Navy operates on the sea, under the sea, on the land and in the air. Welcome to the Fleet Air Arm Museum - representing the flying arm of the Royal Navy. Opening Hours ...
Sherborne Old Castle
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Sherborne Old Castle
After withstanding two sieges during the Civil War, all that remains today is a romantic ruin in the grounds of the ‘new’ Sherborne Castle. Only the Southwest Gatehouse and parts of the castle, including the Great Tower and the North Range, survive. Families and history lovers will all enjoy a day out to Sherborne Old Castle; bring...
Sherborne Castle
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Sherborne Castle
In 1969, Sherborne Castle opened its doors to the general public. Visitors from all over the world have been attracted to its, outstanding collections of art and furniture, connection to Sir Walter Raleigh and to admire Capabiltity Brown's landscape. Sherborne Castle remains the family home of the Wingfield Digby Family. Sherborne has had a...
Dinosaur Museum - Dorchester
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Dinosaur Museum - Dorchester
Acclaimed as one of Britain’s top hands-on attractions, the Dinosaur Museum is unique. The incredible world of dinosaurs comes alive in a new way that visitors of all ages will love and enjoy. Actual fossils, skeletons and life-size reconstructions combine with audiovisual and hands-on displays to inform and entertain. A visit to this...
Tutankhamun Exhibition - Dorchester
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Tutankhamun Exhibition - Dorchester
The current exhibition of Tutankhamun follows the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition which was shown in London at the British Museum in 1972. The exhibition travelled to many countries including the USA, USSR, Japan, France, Canada and West Germany. During this period, in spite of expert supervision and care, the exhibits unfortunately suffered...
Nothe Fort - Weymouth
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Nothe Fort - Weymouth
Located at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour the Fort is a labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Constructed on three levels , which are easily accessed by means of a lift, the Fort is filled with displays, mammoth guns and cinema areas that chart the history of this large and...
JORDAN HILL ROMAN TEMPLE
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JORDAN HILL ROMAN TEMPLE
The remains of this Romano-Celtic temple, probably built during the 4th century AD, lie at the top of a hill on the South Dorset Downs, with fine views inland and out across Weymouth Bay. Read more about the history of the temple. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Roadside parking on Bowleaze Coveway a few hundred metres from the site. Dogs: Dogs...
Portland Castle
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Portland Castle
The history of this fortress, which overlooks Portland harbour, is diverse and fascinating. Built by Henry VIII to defend the anchorage against possible French and Spanish invasion, its squat appearance is typical of the artillery forts built in the early 1540s. Unusually for a fortress of this period, the castle has seen much interior...
Fonmon Castle Park and Gardens
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Fonmon Castle Park and Gardens
Situated on one of Wales' most historical castle and grounds, Fonmon has now opened a fun family attraction that gives your children adventure from Dinosaurs to Dragons, Fairies to Medieval and a whole load of outdoor fun and adventure. Parks, woodlands walks and cafes. This unique 12th century castle is home to an exciting outdoors...
Cosmeston Medieval Village
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Cosmeston Medieval Village
One of the most exciting heritage projects in South Wales, Cosmeston Medieval Village lets you step back in time to see, touch, and even smell how life was in 14th century Wales. Meet the villagers, all dressed in period costume, and experience how they lived. Take a tour, book a party or enjoy one of the special events that take place throughout...
North Somerset Museum - Weston Super Mare
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North Somerset Museum - Weston Super Mare
This friendly family museum caters for all ages. The displays range from the archaeology of the earliest inhabitants to the wildlife that you can find today. Other displays cover the local history of the area. The Seaside Holidays Gallery is a speciality of the museum, and the cottage next door is laid out as a landlady's lodging house of...
This section covers the past in the Exeter Region, covering historic buildings usually date back hundreds even thousands of years and are real educational experiences for the whole family. Topics covered include the middle ages, political and royalty evolution spanning time and history. Or just a great day out at lush tree lined grounds and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. Tours of these buildings are widely available and worth consideration for an in depth knowledge of the sites you wish to visit. Some sites like stately homes have gardens, animals and lots of other things to see and do.