AD | Beautiful Devon is well-known for its peaceful, rolling hills, green national parks, stunning coast, and walking trails. And the South Coast is a popular tourism destination for many visitors, from both home and abroad. Even though many of its more unusual and hidden gems and attractions are often overlooked. So, for those of us looking for something a little different for our next trip to the English Riviera, here are five unique tourism destinations in Devon that are also off the beaten track.
Five unique tourism destinations in Devon to inspire you
Given the news footage of Durdle Door and Bournemouth in neighbouring Dorset, I think most of us planning a staycation will want to find places that aren’t swarming with crowds. For local accommodation, Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays has a range of holiday homes throughout Topsham, Exmouth and many other spots across Devon.
Whether your taste runs to modern townhouses, apartments, cottages, or sea-view lodges, they’re all ideally located for lovely holiday. And as much as we adore Cornwall, I’m very tempted by a beach-facing town house for a staycation in Devon in the future! And invest in a camper van to get to some of the more remote places off the beaten track too.
Just a reminder though, of course you should always purchase some travel insurance*, even if you’re only going away in the UK.
Anyway, in no particular order, here’s the first of those hidden gems in Devon that most tourists won’t know about.
Explore Exeter’s underground passages, Exeter
Under the busy Exeter high street, there are a series of hidden underground passages that date back to medieval times. Many visitors throughout the year enjoy guided wandering and exploring the tunnel system built in the 14th century. And afterwards you can engage with some interactive exhibits that help reveal a forgotten part of Exeter’s history too.
Miniature pig racing at Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
Pennywell Farm is the biggest activity farm in the South West, and has cared for miniature pigs for over 25 years. Perfect for a full day of family fun, watching and feeding the pigs as they run around. There are regular half hourly activities with lots of friendly animals, from goats to tortoises, to enjoy. Or you could try your hand at pond dipping or goat milking, perhaps. Whatever you choose, it’s a great attraction for little ones and animal lovers alike to experience.
Supernatural events at Berry Pomeroy Castle, Seymour House
With reports of unexplained shadows, screams and ladies in grey, Berry Pomeroy Castle has just about everything that those interested in paranormal activity could hope for. This spooky and historic castle offers creepy tales of its resident ghosts, such as the Blue Lady and the White Lady, and is considered one of the most haunted castles in Europe. Somewhere you’ll have to be feeling particularly brave to visit then! Tourists and ghost hunters alike will love a trip to this overlooked tourist attraction, especially at night time.
Get fiery at South Devon Chilli Farm, Loddiswell
Foodies can enjoy tasting samples of various chillies, perfect for those who are interested in how to cook and grow a variety of chillies. As well as taste testing, you can enjoy an educational tour of around 200 chillies throughout the show tunnel. And the chilli farm even has its own chilli-themed playground for children. If you’re feeling the heat, you can enter the Fresh Chilli Tasting Challenge to try and earn a spot on the wall of ‘flame’!
Enjoy a movie in Totnes’ secret cinema, Totnes
Built around 1880, 27a High Street used to be the town’s Temperance Hall. It first became a cinema in 1946 when it was used by a travelling cinema for Thursday night screenings. Today, you access it through a small alleyway between two shops on the Totnes high street into what will seem like another world. (The Harry Potter vibes are strong here…) Then you can relax on the comfy leather sofas with drinks from the bar while you enjoy the movie, and reflect on a day well spent in beautiful Devon.
Have any of these five unique tourism destinations in Devon inspired you to think about holidaying on the English Riviera in the future? If you’ve holidayed on the South Coast before, have you been to any of these tourist attractions? What and where would you recommend as a must see and do in Devon?
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It looks like a staycation will be our only chance of a holiday this year so I’ll definitely be making use of these tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
That’s exactly how we feel. My husband is vulnerable so air travel is out. English Riviera here we come!
I’ve always wanted to go to Devon!
It looks like such a beautiful place to visit and stay and I’d love to walk around and take in the lovely views! ☺️
Love Lozza x
Devon is really gorgeous, and luckily for me, only a couple of hours away, so really easy for a staycation in due course! x
Miniature pig racing? I have never heard of that before, but I am imagining it to be cute and funny and am laughing already! I will have to find some videos on Youtube to make up for seeing it live right now.
I love the sounds of that secret cinema! Places with a cosy vibe that offer films alongside sofas and drinks sound perfect to me.
Mini pig racing really is as hilarious as it sounds! And yes, the secret cinema is definitely a hidden gem to treasure 🙂
We visited Cornwall two years ago, and loved everything about it! Devon is next on my list, this post is so helpful. Often you arrive at your destination with no idea the best places to visit.
If you love Cornwall then Devon is definitely a must too. And thank you, I hope you enjoy some of these hidden gems if you get to go!
A trip around a chilli farm sounds like my idea of heaven. I’ve never been to Devon but it always looks lovely! That photograph of the cottage is incredible too, what a lovely place to stay x
Sophie
Well, it’s not really mine, but it’s definitely Alan’s, he loves eating food that makes him cry (weirdo!) And the cottage is the holiday home of dreams, isn’t it? 🙂 x
Miniature pig racing sounds so cute! What a fun area to explore.
It’s really fun to watch – and yes Devon is gorgeous!
Omg miniature pig racing! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this before, am 100% going to try and check it out when I get the chance. Thanks for all the lovely ideas x
To be fair, it’s not an everyday thing! But yes, do take a look if you can, you won’t regret it! x
I loved this post, sometimes the really touristy areas get a bit much so I love finding out about the lesser-known locations. Look forward to visiting some of these when I’m next down in Devon
Oh they do, which is why I always love finding out about less well-known spots, they’re often just as good in a different way 🙂
I’ve never been to Devon; but would love to go at some point! Thanks for sharing – love off the beaten track places as it makes it slightly more unique.
Paige
Devon is gorgeous, we haven’t been as much as I’d like yet, but I think staycations are going to become the norm for us going forwards.
I have been to Devon a few times and it is absolutely beautiful! Definitely a lot different to busy London. But this list is great for exploring and I hope I can see it at some point ☺️ Thanks for sharing x
It is, isn’t it? I’m glad we live relatively close by – and yes, I couldn’t go back to living in London again, far too busy for me now! x
Miniature pig racing sounds fun! I definitely think I’ll be staying in the UK this summer.
It’s really fun! And yes, I couldn’t agree more 🙂
Lovely post! Devon is definitely on my list of places to visit!
Thank you, I’m glad it was helpful!
This is such a good post, I really enjoyed reading it! I’ve not yet been to Devon but it’s definitely on my list now!
Oh thank you, that’s so kind – and yes, I hope you love Devon if and when you do get there!
I use to live in Devon and only have been to the Exeter Underpass – what a lovely list!
It’s so worth a visit though, isn’t it? And thank you!
Devon is a beautiful English countryside. I haven’t visit there yet. But I have done a lot of research on Devon. Wish to visit there in the future. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post.
You are most welcome, and I do hope you get to visit our beautiful English Riviera at some point!
Ugh, I want to go back to the UK so badly! Last time I went I was in London the whole time. I had a wonderful time, but I was so sick, and our days were so packed, it was a real struggle. I’ve always wanted to go back for an extended stay, especially to visit the south. And excuse me, mini pig racing!?!?! That’s enough to inspire a trip all on it’s own! Great post!
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that, that’s so sad! But yes, you should definitely visit the South Coast, it’s so beautiful, and you don’t have to go to all the major tourist hotspots either – although I do have to say that mini pig racing is popular!
Great post! I haven’t visited any of these destinations before but I’ve been to Devon twice and it was really nice there!
Devon is so lovely. And the bonus is all these gems will be waiting for you next time now!
It’s been such a long time since I’ve been to Devon, but I would love to visit again.
Me too, I can’t wait to get back there again!
Such a great post! I love the locations you’ve chosen, I hadn’t heard of any of them but I definitely want to travel more within the UK when it’s safe to do so since overseas travel seems to up in the air for a while! I haven’t been to Devon before but I definitely want to visit at some point. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I think UK travel is going to be the first choice for many people this year and beyond. The thought of airports and planes just aren’t appealing. Plus there are so many lovely places to explore at home too!
Devon is so gorgeous but I haven’t been in years. Hopefully since we can’t go abroad this year that I’ll think about going to Devon and exploring.! X
It really is, and full of so many beautiful places too – I love finding things that aren’t on the main tourist drag! x
This is perfect! Hopefully, I can travel around the UK more this year and I’ve never been to Devon!
Oh, I do hope you can get to Devon, it’s sooooo lovely, a perfect UK break destination!
This is a really helpful post and come at a great time. Me and my girlfriend are trying to have a look for different ideas for staycations either in the summer holidays or in the October half term and things to do in the UK. Thank you some of these places look beautiful. I was born in Torbay hospital and lived in Newton Abbot when I was really young, so I always love visiting Devon.
Oh thank you, Lauren, and that’s great to hear! Lucky you to know Devon so well then, although (recent events notwithstanding) I’ve always loved Bournemouth too, you’re lucky to live there 🙂 x
Thank you for sharing! One day I’ll be able to visit 🙂
It sounds like such a cozy area
Lindifique
It’s a lovely spot, I hope you can visit soon!
Devon is such a pretty area. I love the pigs at pennywell farm, they are adorable. I’d recommend lynton & lymouth as well as the butterfly & otter sanctuary too, both of which are usually pretty quiet.
Oooh yes, I’d forgotten about the butterfly and otter sanctuaries, they are wonderful, very family friendly too, thank you!
I wish I got to see more Of Devon before I left the UK. Whenever I return for a visit I will see if I can get to some of the places you listed — thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I hope you’re able to return to the UK when it’s safe to do so and enjoy more of our South Coast!
I’ve never been to Devon before but I’d really like to visit one day! It seems like there’s so much to do and it looks like a beautiful place. I definitely want to visit more places in the UK over the next few months if possible so this is really useful! Thanks for sharing lovely xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Aw, you’re welcome, I hope you can get down there sometime soon, it’s such a beautiful part of the country, with masses to love and do! xx
I hate to admit, but this is a part of the UK that I have never visited before, but it looks like a stunning area to stay! This is a perfect inspiration, as it looks like we will be heading for a lot of staycations this year. Love the sound of the haunted castle, but I don’t think I would be brave enough to visit at night!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Ah, you’re welcome. Devon is such a beautiful part of the world, I really hope you can make it down there at some point! X
Thanks for sharing, I have been to Devon many times on staycations, the places you have suggested look lovely to visit 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Ah, thank you, Nic, I’m glad to find another fellow Devon lover 🙂
Beautiful. I would love to see Devon when travel is possible again!
Fingers crossed that won’t be too much longer 🙂
I honestly love Devon so much, I really want to visit again soon!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Me too, can’t wait, keeping everything crossed!
I’ve been in holiday around Devon, but I had no idea there are tunnels underneath Exeter! I need to visit them, so I’m saving the link to this post for later, when we are able to go on holidays.
Excellent, I hope you enjoy the tunnels, they really are fascinating!
Ahh love the recommendations! I’ve been through Exeter’s underground passages! So interesting! …confining, but interesting!
Devon has so many great spots!
Claudia x
Thank you, yes, it does. We’re so lucky in this part of the world! X
Okay, I clearly need to go visit Berry Pomeroy Castle. My husband and I are both super interested in the paranormal. We’re constantly watching shows about different areas and paranormal investigations and digging into local legends here in our own back yard. That being said, if we’re ever in the Devon area, this isn’t even a question!
It sounds like the castle would be right up your street then! Fingers crossed you can get to Devon some day 🙂
Oh my goodness. Sounds like I need to visit Devon! The miniature pig races sound like so much fun and I would love to see the supernatural events at that castle. That sounds so interesting and right up my alley. Thanks for sharing all about this!
You are welcome and yes, the mini pig races are not to be missed! Devon is so lovely, I hope you can make it over sometime, when it’s safe to do so!
Amazing little houses, great photos and even the secret cinema.
I would love to explore..
Devon is perfect for exploring, so many lovely things to see and do.
I love the sound of the Totnes’ secret cinema! There’s nothing better than a great film with a glass of wine 🙂 x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I know, it’s the dream, isn’t it? Much better than a soft drink, haha! x
It sounds like a simply beautiful place to visit – I wish I could go no but alas… no traveling 🙁
Ah, I know, fingers crossed the situition in the US improves soon and you can get over here!
This place looks great. I would love to live in that cottage and visit that chilli farm. It looks so beautiful. I hope we get to travel soon. My June trip got cancelled. Lovely post Lisa 🙂
Ah, I’m so sorry your trip was cancelled, Via, I hope you can go somewhere soon. I think we all need a break from where we’ve been staying, don’t we!
I’ve never really thought about visiting Devon before, but it sounds like there are so many fun things to see and do. I definitely need to visit. The farm sounds so cute, the secret cinema sounds incredible too xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Devon is gorgeous, there are so many fab things to see and do, and they have amazing beaches as well! xx
This is a great travel idea. I love the places that aren’t swarming with crowds. Devon has so many great places!
Thank you, I’m glad to discover a fellow Devon fan 🙂
Amazing! I know nothing about travelling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
i visited devon in september 2020 when the uk had their staycations happening! it was so beautiful!! thank you for these hidden gems im definitely going to keep these in mind if i visit again
jessica
Ah, that’s lovely, I’m so glad you had a wonderful time – Devon is gorgeous, I do hope you can visit again 🙂