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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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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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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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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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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...
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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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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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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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ST CATHERINE'S CASTLE
St Catherine's Castle is one of a pair of small artillery forts built by Henry VIII in the 1530s to defend Fowey Harbour. It was modified in the 19th century during the Crimean War and again during the Second World War, when it became home to an anti-aircraft gun and an ammunition store. Read more about the history of the...
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Restormel Castle - Lostwithiel
The great 13th-century circular shell-keep of Restormel still encloses the principal rooms of the castle in remarkably good condition. It stands on an earlier Norman mound surrounded by a deep dry ditch, atop a high spur beside the River Fowey. Twice visited by the Black Prince, it finally saw action during the Civil War in 1644. It commands...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Lanhydrock - Bodmin
Magnificent late Victorian country house with extensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate Stunning seventeenth-century gatehouse and long gallery The ultimate 19th-century 'Upstairs/Downstairs' experience Fabulous collection of spring-flowering magnolias and bluebell woods Adventure playground, with wobbly bridge, scramble...
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ST BREOCK DOWNS MONOLITH
Originally five metres high and weighing some 16.75 tonnes, St Breock Downs Monolith is Cornwall's largest and heaviest prehistoric monolith. It stands on the summit of St Breock Downs, offering wonderful views. Managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust. Read more about the history of the monolith. BEFORE YOU GO ...
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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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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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World of Model Railways - Mevagissey
The World of Model Railways is one of Cornwall's premier tourist attractions, with one of the best model shops in the South-West of England. The Exhibitions Our OO gauge Main Layout has over 30 trains travelling through varied landscapes including town, country, seaside and even an Alpine Winter. The 'Junior Junction' childrens'...
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Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre - ST AUSTELL
The Shipwreck and historical artefacts on display in the centre are the largest private collection of this type on public display in Europe. Brought together over the last 45 to 50 years, it forms the basis of one of the most unusual and interesting collections open to the public. The many and varied exhibitions reflect village life in...
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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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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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Tumbletopia - World of Stones - Wadebridge
The attraction is centred around the Tumbletopia cave. The floor of the cave is covered with thousands of polished gem stones which visitors can collect and take home with them. How will you choose ? - the prettiest, the most valuable or simply those that you are most drawn towards. After this you can visit Prospect Place - an old time Western...
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Tintagel Castle
With its spectacular location on one of Britain’s most dramatic coastlines, Tintagel is an awe-inspiring and romantic spot, a place of legends. Joined to the mainland by a narrow neck of land, Tintagel Island faces the full force of the Atlantic. On the mainland itself, the gaunt remains of the medieval castle represent only one phase in a...
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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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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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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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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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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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National Lobster Hatchery
The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity with a modern Visitors' Centre where, through smart interactive displays, you and the kids can learn all about the importance of sustainability and responsible marine management. It's very educational but also pleasing to just wander around if the kids are...
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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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Buccaneer Bay
Buccaneer Bay, now known as Pirates' Quest housed in the historic old Newquay Theatre provides a unique theatrical experience for families with live pirates! Explore the 8 different sections of the bay including Smugglers Cove, the Land of Legend and even go on board and below deck on the Buccaneer itself. If you dare, there is also the Sunken...
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St Mawes Castle
The best preserved and most elaborately decorated of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses, St Mawes was built to counter invasion threats from France and Spain. Its counterpart was Pendennis, on the other side of the Fal estuary (see p.108). The clover-leaf shaped fort fell easily to landward attack by Parliamentarian forces in 1646, and was not...
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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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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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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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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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Pendennis Castle - Falmouth
Constructed between 1540 and 1545, Pendennis and its sister St Mawes Castle form the Cornish end of the chain of coastal castles built by Henry VIII to counter a threat from France and Spain. Thereafter Pendennis was frequently adapted to face new enemies over 400 years, right through until World War II. In 1598, during Elizabeth I’s reign,...
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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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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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Cornwall Gold - Redruth
Free admission | Free parking | Dog friendly Open 10am to 4pm (3:30pm for the Cornish Pantry). Enjoy a world of wonderful surprises - Lovely jewellery, an ancient tin mill, delicious Cornish food and fun for the kids, set in 18 acres of beautiful Cornish landscape. For the young creative minds we recommend Create & Paint and the Bear...
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The Plymouth Region, has loads of 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.
