Devon Attractions
Places of interest in Devon & Cornwall
Situated on the banks of the River Teign, the Passage House has the ideal position to offer a peaceful and relaxing break whilst being in easy reach of the West Countries Cities and Towns.
Around and about Dartmoor National Park
No visit to Devon would be complete without a trip to the "unconquered wilderness" that is Dartmoor. Littered with prehistoric remains including standing stones, cairns and hut circles, it is testimony to the inhabitants who have existed here for thousands of years. A variety of other more recent remains and monuments are also to be found, many pertaining to the industrial past when Dartmoor was a rich source of tin. Silver, lead, zinc and iron were also excavated, and during the last century, granite gained appeal as a building material.
Flora & Fauna
The Passage House Inn is situated within easy reach of many areas of scientific interest. Closest is the Hackney Marshes Local Nature Park, which, along with the Jetty Marsh Nature Reserve, is a reedbed managed by Teignbridge County Council for conservation benefit. A little further along the coast can be found the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve situated on a sand spit across the mouth of the Exe Estuary. The intertidal mud flats provide vital feeding areas for internationally important populations of waders and wildfowl.
Walking in the region
Templer Way
Covers an eighteen-mile route from Haytor on Dartmoor, down to the seaside resort of Teignmouth and encompasses a wide range of scenery from open moorland, through woodland and meadow, alongside estuary foreshore and finally culminating at the sea.
Two Moors Way
A long distance walking route linking Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor, with Lynmouth on the north coast of Exmoor. Covering a distance of one hundred and two miles, across the only two national parks in southern England, it offers unrivalled scenery and varied landscape.
South West Coast Path
From the mouth of the River Teign, travelling in either direction, sections of the South West coastal path can be enjoyed, from narrow clifftop paths, dramatic seascapes and long sandy beaches.
Historical Interest
A La Ronde
Situated at Exmouth, A La Ronde is the idiosyncratic creation of Jane and Mary Parminter, who instructed the creation of a distinctive sixteen-sided house, inspired by the Byzantine octagonal basilica of San Vitale at Ravenna. Originally thatched and limewashed, it was completed in 1796 and houses the collection which they assimilated during their travels.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Abandoned since 1690, local legend and ghostly apparitions make this castle reputedly the most haunted place in the Southwest. Now in the care of English Heritage, much consolidation work has been undertaken and the site is well documented making Berry Pomeroy Castle well worth visiting.
Bradley Manor
A small medieval manor house set in 70 acres of meadow and woodland, the majority of the house was constructed in the fifteenth century, although the south wing dates from the late thirteenth century. Built from limestone quarried from the nearby hills Bradley estate is open at all times to walkers free of charge.
Castle Drogo
The last castle to be built in England. Created entirely in granite and perched high on a Moorland spur above the River Teign, it commands spectacular views across the Teign Valley and over to Dartmoor.
Escot House & Gardens
An impressive mansion was built on the elegant Escot estate between 1680 and 1688. Unfortunately the original house was destroyed by fire in 1808. The house was rebuilt although not open to the public, the historic gardens and parkland surrounding it are well worth visiting.
Little Haldon
Lying approximately 600 feet above sea-level and comprising primarily of heathland, Little Haldon is a bleak plateau with few visible signs of habitation by man. Nevertheless, the environment is unique and has consequently been designated a Site of Specific Scientific Interest by the National trust.
Belvedere Tower
A restored eighteenth century building with commanding views over the surrounding countryside, encompassing Dartmoor and on a fine day extending as far as Exmoor and the Isle of Portland in Dorset.
Bicton Park & Gardens
Lying halfway between Sidmouth and Exmouth, the gardens are amongst the most beautiful in the region, incorporating a magnificent collection of rare trees and an exceptional Palm House.
Buckfast Abbey
Originally founded in 1018, an abbey has been in existence at Buckfast for around a thousand years. Closed in 1539, the monks returned around two hundred and thirty years later and rebuilt it on medieval foundations (by four of the monks for thirty-two years) until its completion in 1938. In addition to their pastoral work, the monks run a farm, keep bees and make honey, create stained glass and produce tonic wine.
Compton Castle
Compton is one of the few fortified manor houses that have remained intact and in its original form. In 1951 the house and 300 acres of land were passed to the National Trust with the proviso that the family would continue to live there.
Killerton House & Gardens
A substantial estate enjoying panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The magnificent garden has been well maintained since the house was built, and is renowned for its rare trees and shrubs. Set on a gently sloping hill and pervaded with the scent of Magnolia, it also features rhododendrons and attractive herbaceous borders.
Powderham Castle
A medieval castle and the home to the Earl of Devon. Set amongst attractive landscaped grounds, including a deer park, the Powderham estate embodies the peace and tranquillity of the English countryside.
