iTravelUK > Attractions > Natural Attractions > England > Southwest > Devon
Avenue Cottage Gardens
Avenue Cottage Gardens comprise some 11 acres of woodland gardens first planted some 200 years ago. Located in a beautiful valley, you'll also be able to visit the Elizabethan Landscaped Garden which features wonderful rhododendrons and azaleas as well as many rarer and unusual species. Another attraction are the beautiful views of the River Dart and Sharpham House.
Totnes Rare Breeds Centre
An award-winning attraction, the Totnes Rare Breeds Centre is dedicated to the maintenance of biodiversity and rare breeds. On your visit, you'll see rare species of goat, sheep, owls, ducks, domesticated animals and doves. This attraction is easily located near Totnes, just take your cue from the signs to the South Devon Steam Railway (N.B. This is the only entrance.).
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
One of Devon's top visitor attractions, Paignton Zoo is home to over a hundred different animals and species, many of which are endangered.
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve
The largest freshwater lake in South Devon, Slapton Ley Nature Reserve is a unique wetland lying in an equally unusual setting. The 180 acre reserve is separated from the sea by a shingle bar providing a range of freshwater habitats supporting diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will spot geese, grebe, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, osprey, bittern, buntings, swans, purple herons as well as other migrating birds. Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is also home to some 2,000 varieties of fungi, 450 flower species while animals such as dormice, otters and badgers can also be spotted. A veritable delight for birdwatchers, naturalists and walkers, Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is a designated Site of Scientific Interest with ongoing courses and studies held at the Slapton Ley Field Centre. Visitors will finds designated footpaths as well as two bird hides (one of these has disabled access).
Plymouth Hoe
This grassy plateau provides a great, relaxing view-point to watch ships sail in and out of Plymouth Sound. Hoe means a high place and your perspective will give you views out to Drake's Island, Mount Batten, Mount Edgecumbe Park and the Eddystone Lighthouse. Dotted with memorials to Plymouth's past, the Hoe also boasts a bowling green which is said to have witnessed Sir Francis Drake loath to leave an unfinished match to fight the in-coming Spanish Armada. His portly statue now looks out to sea. Also located within the Plymouth Hoe are two other popular Plymouth attractions; Smeaton's Tower and the Plymouth Dome. Lying adjacent to the east side of the Plymouth Hoe is the Royal Citadel, a huge structure built by King Charles II to defend Plymouth's port.
Plymbridge Woods and Valley
Lying to north-east of Plymouth at the edge of the city Plymbridge Woods comprises some 200 acres of woodland and meadows. A much-needed green space through which the River Plym flows, Plymbridge Woods is a regenerating woodland and a haven for flora and fauna. The area is also a historic site which once bore the brunt of industrialisation. Noisy mines and quarries were once serviced by railway lines but nowadays all you'll hear are bird calls and the Plym River splashing on its way. As you go along your way, you may expect to see broadleaved trees such as oak, ash, sycamore and chestnut. The Old Cann Quarry is a good place to spot Peregrine Falcons but many other birds such as woodpeckers, wood warblers, jays and buzzards are also frequent visitors here. Along the water's edge keep a look out for heron, kingfisher and mandarin and mallard ducks. As well a herd of deer, you may also spot otters, stoats, weasels, badgers and water voles. Much of this area is managed by the National Trust. For more information, call a local Devon Tourist Information Centre.
The Plym Valley Cycle and Walkway
The Plym Valley Cycle and Walkway lies on the Devon Coast to Coast Path, a route which stretches for 97 miles from Plymouth to Ilfracombe. Cruising through National Trust land for much of the way, the easy route leaves from the grounds of Saltram House and gently climbs through woodland towards Dartmoor. As you mersey along the Plym River, you'll pass a folly dating from the 18th century folly and a bird hide. Bypass the busy Marsh Mills traffic and head towards Coypool you'll soon pass the Plym Valley Railway (an alternative start point for the route). You're route follows the River Plym taking you by the Old Cann Canal and a good place to spot Peregrine Falcons. Your track will now take you along the path of the Old Great Western Railway winding through tunnels and across viaducts. You'll then pass the old Shaugh Prior Station and Shaugh Tunnel, a curved (and lit) tunnel cut out of solid rock by Brunel, the railway engineer. The trail soon ends at Clearbrook. A great track, the path is easily accessed from Marsh Mills, Laira Bridge, Coypool, Plym Bridge, Bickleigh, Shaugh Prior and Clearbrook. You're best bet is to head towards Clearbrook as this you'll avoid steep gradients and enjoy gentle descents. For more information contact a local Devon Tourist Information Centre or the National Trust.
Living Coasts
A family attraction, Living Coasts is a coastal zoo situated on Beacon Quay with panoramic views across Tor Bay. Focusing on marine mammals and their conservation, Living Coasts allows the visitor a glimpse into animal behaviour while simultaneously recreating the feel of a natural habitat. On your visit, you'll be able to see the Wader's Estuary and Sea Duck's Pond and the Underwater Viewing Area where you'll see fur-seals, penguins and other species. A key attraction here are feeding times when crowds gather to watch seals and penguins catch their daily grub.
Cockington Court & Country Park
Lying less than one mile from Torquay's seafront, Cockington Country Park offers an extensive network of footpaths and horse riding trails in beautiful surrounds. The little village of Cockington is an attraction in itself. Cockington Court, the old manor house has been converted into a quality crafts centre. In June, Cockington Court comes to life in the ever popular Last Night of the Proms. On your visit, you can also visit their organic, kitchen garden or enjoy the rest of the attractions at Cockington such as its thatched cottages, woodlands, waterwheel and Norman church.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Lying just outside Sidmouth, the Donkey Sanctuary is home to some 500 donkeys who come here at the end of their working lives or simply because they have nowhere else to go. Whatever their circumstances, all donkeys are welcomed! Visitors are free to mingle with the donkeys, take a field walk, visit the Nature Centre or stroll down to sea. The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen and has been a registered charity since 1973. Entrance is free as the Donkey Sanctuary depends on donations for its maintenance.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
Stretching from Berry Head to Sharkham Point, Berry Head National Nature Reserve is an important haven for flora and fauna. Berry Head is home to the rare white-cock rose, small hare's ear and the little restharrow. Other species which thrive on the thin limestone soil and exposed conditions of the Berry Head headland are honewort, spring gentian and goldilocks aster. Berry Head is also important for its seabird colony which include Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots. You'll be able to watch it all happening live in the Berry Head Visitor Centre via CCTV. Guided walks are also available.
Lydford Gorge
A deep gorge surrounded by ancient woodland, Lydford Gorge is Designated Site of Scientific Interest managed by the National Trust. A circular two hour walk will take you by the White Lady's Waterfall and the whirling Devil's Cauldron.
The Maer Mobile Challenge
The Maer - grassland that is home to weird and wonderful wildlife. Climb on huge, wooden beasts in the Play Zone, then using your smartphone join the interactive trail. This is your chance to be a Maer Ranger by tracking 6 very different creatures. Will you find them all?