Visitor Attractions

10 things to do on your break in Devon and Cornwall

 

Paignton Zoo

Over 2000 animals and countless amazing plants populate the sweeping 80 acres of sweeping grounds of Paignton Zoo.

Located in South Devon, it’s one of Britain’s biggest and best zoos – with a wide variety of species to discover. Find gorillas, orang-utans, giraffes, tigers, red pandas and rhinos across specially designed habitats including Lemur Wood, Baboon Rock, savannahs, wetlands and tropical rain forest.

Find out more: https://www.visitdevon.co.uk/search/?q=Paignton%20zoo

 

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Home to over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows, Sooty Land and animals galore, it’s family fun guaranteed at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon.

From rollercoasters to indoor adventure play, water rides to zoo and farm animals – Crealy has everything you need for the ultimate family day out whatever the weather. Crealy also hosts an exciting calendar of seasonal events throughout the Devon School Holidays so be sure to check out their special events!

Find out more: https://www.visitdevon.co.uk/listing/crealy-theme-park-%26-resort/306786301/

 

Brixham Harbour

One of the busiest fishing ports in the UK, Brixham in South Devon – with its colourful houses surrounding the Harbour – has lots for all the family. Don’t miss the pirate ship museum, an outside seawater lido, and the breathtaking views from the old fort at Berry Head.

Brixham is also a great base for walkers – explore the South West Coast path along cliff tops to a variety of local beaches or take a stroll along the half-mile long breakwater, visit the lighthouse and take a dip on the beach.

Find out more: https://www.visitdevon.co.uk/explore/cities-towns-and-villages/brixham/

 

National Maritime Aquarium

Plymouth’s Aquarium is the UK’s largest and all day tickets come with a free 12 month pass – so once you’ve visited, you can return and immerse yourself in an underwater world as much as you like throughout the year.

Travel from Plymouth to the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef and meet sharks, turtles, jellyfish, octopuses and stingrays – with over 4,000 animals to meet, you can guarantee you’ll see something new every visit.

Find out more: https://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/

 

Buckfast Abbey

Home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks – who live their lives according to the ancient rule of St Benedict – Buckfast Abbey sits in a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. At the heart of the site is the Abbey Church and Monastery where the Monastic Community lives and prays.

The original Abbey was founded in 1018 AD by King Cnut and – alongside the visitor centre – the site includes beautiful gardens, restaurants and shops.

Find out more: https://www.buckfast.org.uk/

 

Eden Project

A global garden, educational charity and social enterprise, the Eden Project is a must see

Check out the spectacular Biomes – walk amongst the beautiful flowers and experience the sights and smells of the Mediterranean Biome, and explore the breath-taking Canopy Walkway in the tropical Rainforest Biome. Don’t miss the Outdoor Gardens and Nature’s Playground – Europe’s largest collection of useful plants and a spectacular, sensory adventure playground.

A fun and family-friendly day out – and don’t miss the themed events, including workshops for adults and children, activity days, music concerts and much more.

Find out more: https://www.edenproject.com/

 

Minack Theatre

Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre, The Minack Theatre – carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the breathtaking view of Porthcurno Bay.

Find out more: https://www.minack.com/

 

Trebah Gardens

A year round experience, Trebah Gardens is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop.

Discover the magic of this beautiful valley garden, explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our very own secluded beach on the Helford River.

In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; in summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old.

Find out more: https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/

 

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from Every year between September and March, the Sanctuary rehabilitates over 70 seal pups and provides a permanent home to animals that need special care from our team of marine animal experts.

Find out more: https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/

 

Lost Gardens of Heligan

One of the most loved gardens in the UK, The Lost Gardens of Heligan has something for everyone. Explore woodland trails in the Giant’s Head Play Area, adventure across the Jungle Rope Bridge, and discover Heligan Play Meadow – the South West’s largest outdoor play area.

Find out more: https://www.heligan.com/

 

Looe & Polperro Walk

A bracing 5 mile coastal walk along the South West Coast Path taking in a holy legend, a 6th century monastery, an 18th century eccentric and a 19th century engineer.

Meander through rockpools, amble along beaches, spot the remnants of shipwrecks, imagine the tales of smugglers, and stroll up through the picturesque fishing village of Polperro to Crumplehorn, where you can catch a bus back to Looe.

Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lantic-bay/polperro-to-looe-coast-walk