Devon is well known as a popular visitor
destination and attracts large numbers of visitors each year.
Because of this you will find a hugely diverse number of visitor
attractions. We have picked out a small selection of these
based on their location and recommendations from previous
visitors and have tried to select something for everyone!
All of the Attractions you see here are a very short drive
from Ashburton. If you don't have a car then they are all
accessible by bus. See the Useful
Contacts page for contact details of the local bus services.
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Here are a few other near-by attractions you might be interested in:
Becky Falls
Dartmoor woodland park, with impressive waterfalls and woodland walks.
Canonteign Falls
Located in the beautiful Teign Valley, Canonteign Falls is Englands highest Waterfall.
Missing Attraction? If you know of a top attraction
based near Ashburton which is missing from this page then let us know! Simply email the details to
attractions@ashburton.org
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River Dart Adventures (formerly The River Dart Country Park) is situated on the southern slopes of Dartmoor, just 1 mile from Ashburton town centre. Set amongst 90 acres of spectacular parkland, which was once part of a Victorian country estate, with 1 mile of the scenic River Dart flowing through the grounds.
The park is packed with extensive adventure playgrounds, lakes & 'Dare Devil' activities, yet has the tranquility of riverside and woodland walks.
There are three playground zones dedicated to adventure
fun which include, a fantastic Indoor Climbing Wall,
High Ropes course, Mega Zip Wire, and Canoe lake, plus
tree walks, giant spiders web, an anaconda snake slide,
lilliput adventure play for toddlers, mini zip wires,
tree houses and swings, a multi-deck Pirate ship, play
lake and toddlers beach.
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The park is open from Easter to September. for more
details visit www.riverdart.co.uk |
| Butterflies,
Otters, Steam Trains and Monks |
About three miles down the road from Ashburton is Buckfastleigh, a small town with a wealth of family attractions, some of which we have picked out for you below.
Buckfast Butterflies
& Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary |
Wander around the butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings. See the otters swimming underwater in a specially built glass enclosure then follow the otter keeper around at feeding time. Learn about the otter, its recreational and family life. This is a really great, enjoyable and educational experience.
The park is open from 18th March to 31 October. for more
details and prices visit www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk
A visit to the delightful Buckfast Abbey really is an experience that will remain forever in your memory. Life at Buckfast Abbey still remains very much the same as it did over six centuries ago, and it is possibly the best example in England of an authentic working abbey.
The monks still follow a strict regime of prayer and
worship but also enjoy living and working in a busy
community. Renowned for their hospitality during the
Middle Ages, the abbey re-introduced this tradition
by opening a restaurant and tea rooms for visitors.
As a means of attracting much needed income they learned
the handicrafts and skills of their predecessors as
potters, brewers, winemakers, fruit growers and beekeepers,
and now sell their specialist wares to an international
market.
For more information visit www.buckfast.org.uk
| South Devon Steam Railway |
If old steam railways are your thing or you just fancy
a step-back in time then 'The South Devon Railway' is
for you. It originally ran from Ashburton to Totnes,
but nowadays just runs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes
and back. The 7 mile route takes you through the beautiful
rolling hills and wonderful countryside along a tranquil
section of the River Dart.
At Christmas time they also offer a Santa Train for children, where there are presents for all children, even the under 1's and a mince pie and mulled wine for the Mums and Dads. (from 6th Dec to 23rd)
For more information, times and prices visit www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
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| Marbles and Local Artists |
Following the A38 in the other direction you'll come to Bovey Tracey, another small moorland town. We've picked our favourite attractions from around the town for you and detailed them below.
The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is the South West's leading gallery and craft showrooms with work selected from around 240 makers, many with national and international reputations. Riverside Mill, the Guild's showcase, features frequently changing exhibitions, constant introduction of new work in the refurbished craft shop, as well as the popular Gallery Café.
All weather attraction. Open 7 days a week all year 10am - 5.30pm. Free Admission. Open throughout 2004 refurbishment creating the largest contemporary crafts centre in the South West with new gallery, larger craft shop and extended café with rooftop terrace.
For more details and an online shop visit www.crafts.org.uk
This a great place for Kids and Adults alike, you can come and watch the glass blowers at work, making not just marbles but all manor of glass objects from the safety of the observation gallery.
There is a marble museum, where you can see all sorts of fascinating exhibits, including a lovely antique marble making machine and a huge collection of toys and games dating back as far as the 3rd century B.C. Not forgetting the wonderfully intricate marble runs which can keep you fascinated for hours.
Probably the best thing about the House of Marbles is its all FREE. For more information visit www.houseofmarbles.com
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| Miniature Pony and Animal Farm |
The Miniature Pony Centre, which is situated near to Moretonhampstead in the heart of the moor, is ideal for younger children.
Experience close encounters with miniature ponies, donkeys, pygmy goats and other "miniature" breeds. You can also meet rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and many other small animals and wild fowl.
Driving a tractor, feeding the pigs and goats, pony rides, and sitting on Gulliver our Shire horse are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy every day.
For the more energetic children we have two adventure play areas (one indoors and one outdoors) and a new indoor soft play area for younger children.
You will find plenty to eat and drink in our cafe overlooking the Pony Paddock. Alternatively, you can enjoy a picnic next to the lake.
For more information visit www.miniatureponycentre.com
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Multi award winning Pennywell Farm is the Westcountry's BEST activity farm, with up to 20 hands on activities, shows and displays throughout the day. It's all included in the admission price and the Pennywell team guarantee that you won't waste a single moment.
There's something new every half hour - listen for the bell! Also included in the admission are the Pennywell Young Farmers Quad Bikes, the Run Rabbit Ride Go Carts and a ride for all the family on the Rainbow Railway.
You can bottle feed the hungry lambs, join the pet's party with more pets than you can count, hand feed Willow, Sorrell and family the Pennywell deer, give the cheerful hedgehogs and hoglets their tea or dip into the Pennywell ponds which are teaming with life and a constant source of fascination.
The Eagle, Owl and Bird of Prey Centre with Bodicea, Pennywell's very own Golden Eagle offers twice daily displays, Sunday - Friday. Pennywell is one of the few places in the whole country where you can watch breathtaking free flying eagle displays.
Visit Pennywell's Dartmoor Pony Centre where the children can enjoy a safe ride on a pony or donkey ride (height restrictions apply) and make some new pony pals. With all this, combined with breathtaking views of Dartmoor and a real taste of Devon there is something to appeal to all ages. It's a great value day jam packed full of Pennywell Fun, where everyone makes friends!
Pennywell is just off the A38 near Buckfastleigh - follow the brown tourist signs. The Pennywell team will give you a full day of action packed fun - guaranteed! For further information contact:
01364 642023 or visit the website: www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Open 7 days a week April - October, 10am - 5pm
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All-Weather Winter Woodlands Fun!
The Largest Family Theme Park in the South West is a fun filled day out for the whole family. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for everyone is this 90 acre park. Woodlands Family Theme Park is a great value day out and with 20% off when you buy your tickets online it makes your day even better.
If it’s thrills your after check out the 3 electrifying Watercoasters, the 500m Toboggan Run, the awesome Avalanche Ride where we dare you not to scream, then experience real G-force on the high flying Swingship and discover family rides and action challenges hidden in the woodland.
Even the wettest day can't stop the fun at Woodlands. The huge indoor Fun Factories have 4 great rides including the stomach churning Trauma Tower and the Circus Train. Blast buddies in the Master Blaster while the little ones play safely in the 2 soft play centres. This is just a small taster of the fun at Woodlands, there is so much more to do, check out woodlandspark.com for all the rides and attractions at Woodlands.
Discover Woodlands’ Zoo- Farm where there are hundreds of animals just waiting for you! Compare our Meerkat’s and see our cute Coatis. Check out our creepy crawlies which you can even hold at the new Bug Show, there’s something for everyone in big barns at paddocks at the Zoo-Farm. Take time to swoop over to watch the owls gliding and hawks diving in the flying displays at one of the best Falconry Centres in Devon.
Don’t forget to check out Woodlands events which are included in the admission price. Live entertainers, TV character days and the Haunting Halloscream Week make your great day out even better value. Check out the website to see what’s on!
Come rain or shine Woodlands is the place for your family day out. Why not bring your caravan, motorhome or tent to our 5 AA Pennant site? Woodlands Grove Caravan & Camping Park offers the highest standard facilities with free entry to Woodlands Family Theme Park when staying two nights or more. Experience the best camping holiday you've ever had www.woodlands-caravanpark.com.
For more details, opening times and prices please visit www.woodlandspark.com.
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