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Local Activities

Things to do

Places to eat

Local activites

Places to visit and things to do

Based in a prime location we are surrounded by beautiful countryside, picturesque scenery, aged castles and churches and much more.

Visit Devon and you’ll find an abundance of things to do…for free! Devon has plenty to do and see that won’t cost you a penny, so if you’re trying to keep those holiday costs down but don’t want to skimp on the enjoyment, then Devon’s the right destination for you.

We have two amazing National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Both have their own unique characters – while Dartmoor is a wild, wide-open place filled with mystery, towering granite Tors and dramatic scenery, Exmoor (although it too has its open spaces), is filled with secret, hidden treasures such as Tarr Steps.

Ramble the length of Devon for free on the South West Coast Path, a fantastic route which will introduce you to some of the finest views and bring you all the way around to the Jurassic Coast, where you can hunt on the beach for fossils. 

Throughout Devon, a network of paths and bridleways will take you off the beaten track and into the heart of the countryside – and there are plenty of local pubs on the way to grab some well-earned refreshments too. For a free walk in the city, try one of Exeter’s Red Coat Guided Tours, a must on any visit to Exeter.

Try geocaching – otherwise known as a digital treasure hunt. Hunting for hidden ‘caches’ using a smartphone for navigation is becoming increasingly popular, and is a great way to get children out on a walk. It’s also surprisingly easy to get started; read our guide to geocaching in Devon.

If you like a bit of culture, there are plenty of freebies on offer too. Wander around west Devon’s castles at Lydford, or visit the West Devon UNESCO World Heritage. You can visit the fascinating herb gardens at Buckfast Abbey (and pick up a bottle of their famous fortified wine while you’re there) or follow the Agatha Christie Literary Trail through Torquay and Torbay for a glimpse into the Queen of Crime’s life.

Lydford is local to the Trans Euro Trail (TET) which is a cultural dirt road adventure. Comprising of over 51,000km of dirt road, the Trans Euro Trail is an epic motorcycle journey through some of Europe’s most remote, diverse and inspirational landscapes.

Waterfall

Lydford Gorge

The deepest gorge in the South of England which stretches one and a half miles from the west end of Lydford Village. There are National Trust refreshment tea rooms and parking at both ends of the gorge.

Viaduct

The Granite Way

The Granite Way is a mostly traffic-free, 11-mile cycle and walkway from Okehampton to Lydford and forms part of the National Cycle Network.

House and Gardens

Cothele House and Gardens

A wonderful historic and unspoiled property with vast gardens. Walk down to the quayside, visit the maritime museum and further on the working water-driven mill.

Castle

Castle Drogo

The last castle ever completed in the UK. It has great gardens and views coupled with the unusual property.

Winsford Walled Garden

Winsford Walled Garden

Situated between Okehampton & Holsworthy, the garden is home to the best, most innovative and most ornate Victorian greenhouses anywhere in the South West. 

Lydford Castle

Lydford Castle

Found between the church and the Castle Inn in the west of the village. The circa 9thC Lydford Castle, an ancient prison, is maintained by English Heritage.

Morland in sunrise

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park has a beautiful moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind-swept Tors. It is a walkers’ paradise, or try the popular pass time of Letterboxing (a form of orienteering). Clues are sold for charity at site reception. 

House and Gardens

Buckland Abbey

A beautiful house and gardens once home to Sir Francis Drake. 

moorland

Widecombe in the Moor

A lovely village in the middle of the moor. Famous for Widecombe Fair and the song ‘Uncle Tom Cobley’.

Mediterranean Biome Eden Project

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the West Country’s most spectacular visits. It will provide an exciting and fabulous day out for all the family.

Lydford Church

Lydford Church

A beautiful and fascinating church with an extensive history. Found at the west end of the village. You can learn a lot about the area and the village with a walk around the church yard and buildings.

Dartmoor Prison Gate

Dartmoor Prison

Princetown is home to the fascinating Dartmoor Prison. While there you can also visit the Moorland Centre, the official visitor and information centre for Dartmoor.

Finch Foundry

Finch Foundry

Step back in time to visit this working water-powered foundry. There are talks and demonstrations daily. Take a walk around Sticklepath village while you are there.

red living wagon

Dingles Steam Museum and National Fun Fair Heritage Centre

A vast and fascinating indoor collection of steam engines, machinery and memorabilia. Also home to a complete and working steam funfair housed in a large hanger.

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Places to eat Locally 

If you are looking for somewhere to eat nearby to the site, here are some local places to visit. 

Lydford Gorge Tea Rooms

The tea rooms can be found at both ends of the gorge. Open all day with a varied menu.

Click here to find out more.

The Castle Inn

Lydford. 400 yards west from the site. Great food and drink served all day, including breakfast, in an Olde Worlde setting. Memorabilia on the walls depict the village’s history.

Click here to find out more.

Dartmoor Inn

The Dartmoor Inn is a high end restaurant with award winning food and drink.

Click here to find out more.

Fox and Hounds

A traditional English country pub that serves food all day, from pub grub to full a la carte.

Click here to find out more.

Places to eat further afield

Looking to go further afield and explore? Check out these places to visit.

Bearslake Inn

A beautiful thatched Devon longhouse serving superb food in a lovely setting. Evenings and Sunday Lunch only.

 Click here to find out more

The Highwayman

A World famous “folly” pub. Serves drink, ploughman and pasties. It is as much a tourist destination as a pub.

Click here to find out more

White Hart Bridestowe.

An attractive traditional village pub in an interesting village, serving good food in a very pleasant dining room or the bar.

Click here to find out more

Mary Tavy Inn.

A  homely pub/restaurant serving sensibly priced food in nice surroundings

Click here to find out more

The Elephant’s Nest

Quirky by name and by nature, it has a great reputation as a fine place to visit and eat.

 Click here to find out more

Peter Tavy Inn

Great food and drink in a lovely but different setting.

Click here to find out more

Local activities

footprint

Walking

Walking is virtually endless from the site. We will be pleased to advise and suggest walks. Try letterboxing on Dartmoor (a form of orienteering). Good walking clothing and footwear is advisable when walking on Dartmoor, but please keep clear of MOD areas we can advise about MOD firing areas and timings.

bycicle

Cycling

The famous, mainly level, Granite Way Cycle Path starts near the site. Ask for a leaflet and advice. The local terrain is otherwise hilly and should be taken into consideration before setting out.

fishing

Fishing

There are many river/lake/sea fishing opportunities in the area.

sport

Games on site

Soft ball games are permitted away from all units on site. We do not allow frisbees, kites and other projectile activities on site. There is a recreation ground close to the site which is open to the public.

The Holiday You Want in The Perfect Location

Caravan and Camping