Shaldon Zoo

Near Bayard's Cove Fort

Bayard's Cove Fort is a 16th-century artillery blockhouse located at the entrance of Dartmouth harbour in Devon. It features historic military architecture with multiple gunports and is managed by English Heritage, open to the public for exploration of its significant coastal defence heritage.

2 miles from Royal Geographical Society: Earth Photo 2026

12 Sep–21 Oct (another 12 days)

An outdoor exhibition presents shortlisted photography and film exploring nature, people, places and environments, including the impacts of and adaptations to climate change. The exhibition takes place throughout the garden at Coleton Fishacre.

Located in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a historic town in Devon, England, known for its medieval streetscapes, maritime heritage, and riverside setting. It offers cultural festivals, historic castles, and walking trails along the scenic River Dart.

3 miles from Great Fulford

Great Fulford is a historic Devon mansion with 800 years of history, featuring guided tours through its historic rooms and access to landscaped gardens and parkland. Visitors can enjoy a unique family home experience combined with outdoor scenic walks and historic interiors.

Near Sidbury Manor

Sidbury Manor is a Victorian red brick mansion built in the 1870s, historically significant as the residence of a statesman and still home to the Cave family. It offers a historic house visit experience near Sidmouth, Devon, available by prior appointment or special events only.

Near Burrow Farm Gardens

A 13-acre RHS Partner Garden in Devon featuring diverse plants, a thatched summerhouse, ancient woodland, formal and grasses gardens, and stunning wildflower meadows.

3 miles from Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre is a historic Arts and Crafts style country house with 24 acres of rare, exotic gardens running down to the sea in Devon. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a combination of beautifully preserved interiors and scenic outdoor garden walks along the coast.

3 miles from Little Acorns at Coleton Fishacre

7 Oct, 14 Oct…

Little Acorns is a term-time session for children under five at Coleton Fishacre. Families can explore the garden on a welly walk and take part in creative outdoor activities.

Located in Brixham

Brixham is a picturesque coastal town in Devon, England, known for its historic harbour, large fishing fleet, and vibrant local festivals. Visitors can enjoy scenic harbour views, maritime heritage, and cultural events like the Brixham Pirate Festival and Fishstock seafood festival.

2 miles from Shilstone House

Shilstone House is a restored Georgian manor in Devon offering guided tours of its historic interiors, extensive gardens, and a unique 17th-century water theatre. Visitors can explore the formal gardens, woodland walks, and enjoy refreshments at the on-site cafe. The venue is family-friendly with accessible facilities and charges an admission for tours.

Near Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle is a historic artillery fort in Devon, built from the 14th century onward to protect Dartmouth harbour with significant gun batteries and fortifications. Now managed by English Heritage, visitors can explore both indoor historic buildings and outdoor gun platforms, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its military history from medieval times to World War II.

3 miles from Tree management walk at Greenway

12 Oct (next Monday)

Join a Greenway Gardener for a walk around the garden to learn about tree safety management, tree decay fungi, structural defects and the ecological importance of trees.

3 miles from Shaldon Zoo

Shaldon Zoo is a conservation centre in Devon specialising in small endangered species with a focus on primates, offering outdoor animal exhibits, breeding programmes, and educational activities.

Located in Torquay

Torquay is a seaside town in Devon known for its mild climate and resort status on the English Riviera, featuring historic sites, beaches, cultural attractions, and connections to Agatha Christie.

2 miles from Kirkham House

Kirkham House is a late medieval stone house in Paignton, Devon, featuring original oak beams, medieval-style furnishings, and a historic interior open to visitors at certain times of the year.

3 miles from Be a writer for a day at Greenway

7–16 Oct (another 7 days)

Explore Greenway house and garden for writing prompts and creative challenges inspired by Agatha Christie and the surroundings of her former holiday home. Visitors of all ages can develop stories, draw ideas and add creations to the “tall tales” trees.

Located in Paignton

Paignton is a historic seaside town in Devon on the English Riviera known for its beaches, Victorian architecture, cultural events, and heritage railways, offering family-friendly tourism and coastal walking experiences.

Near Bradley

Bradley Manor is a medieval manor house in Devon featuring a detached early 15th-century chapel, medieval wall paintings, and a collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and Arts and Crafts furniture. Set in limestone woodland and meadows, it offers both indoor historic exploration and outdoor natural beauty.

Located in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is a historic market town on the River Teign in Devon, known for its Victorian railway heritage, thriving markets, cultural venues, and historical landmarks like St Leonard's Tower and Bradley Manor.

2 miles from Greenway

Greenway House is a historic Georgian estate on the River Dart in Devon, once home to Agatha Christie. Visitors can explore the house, riverside gardens with diverse plants, and the Barn Gallery showcasing local art, with connections to Christie's literary legacy.

2 miles from 'Voices of the garden' immersive audio trail at Greenway

7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

Visitors follow a GPS-triggered audio trail through Greenway’s garden, hearing a fictional story inspired by the estate’s use as a home for child evacuees during the Second World War. The trail uses the HistoryScapes app to explore Greenway’s heritage.

Near Sidmouth countryside

Salcombe Hill near Sidmouth offers scenic outdoor experiences with coastal and countryside walks including accessible trails, stunning views of the Jurassic Coast cliffs, and nature areas with grazing livestock. Visitors can enjoy trails, wildlife, and a nearby National Trust shop in Sidmouth town. Dog walking is allowed, and there are facilities for parking and easy access routes.

2 miles from Little Dartmouth

Little Dartmouth in Devon offers scenic coastal and countryside walks, including a circular path passing historic ruins. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife, and a natural environment with an on-site car park. Dogs are welcome with some restrictions near livestock.

2 miles from Gardening for nature at Coleton Fishacre

9 Oct

A guided garden tour led by the Head Gardener explores how Coleton Fishacre is adapting its gardening practices to support nature, improve habitats and increase biodiversity. Attendees can learn about the measures in place and get ideas for supporting wildlife in their own gardens.

2 miles from Grimspound

Grimspound is a late Bronze Age prehistoric settlement located on Dartmoor in Devon, England, featuring 24 stone hut circles enclosed by a massive granite wall. Visitors can explore the extensive outdoor archaeological site surrounded by natural Dartmoor scenery, gaining insights into ancient settlement structures and early human activity in the region.

3 miles from Blackbury Camp

Blackbury Camp is an Iron Age hill fort in Devon featuring large earthwork ramparts and an oval enclosure, situated within a scenic natural area. Visitors can explore the outdoor archaeological site and enjoy views of the surrounding valleys.

3 miles from Brownstone and Coleton Camp

Brownstone and Coleton Camp in Devon offers a coastal outdoor experience featuring rugged cliffs, dog-friendly beaches, historical WWII battery, and scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path with opportunities to enjoy wildlife and countryside.

3 miles from 100 years of Coleton Fishacre

7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

A year of events marking 100 years since the D’Oyly Carte family moved into Coleton Fishacre, including archive and contemporary photography exhibitions, a guided walk with the Head Gardener, and a 1920s-style Christmas party.

3 miles from Finch Foundry

Finch Foundry is a 19th-century water-powered forge in Devon, England, preserved by the National Trust, showcasing historic agricultural and mining hand tool production with operational demonstrations of water-powered hammers.

3 miles from Deer walk

11 Oct (this Sunday)

Join a ranger and a local deer expert for an early-morning guided walk on the Castle Drogo estate to look and listen for resident fallow and roe deer, along with other wildlife.

2 miles from Widecombe in the Moor

Widecombe in the Moor is a historic village located in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, known for its scenic character, the impressive St Pancras Church called the 'Cathedral of the Moors', and the traditional Widecombe Fair celebrated in a popular folk song. Visitors can enjoy local shops, pubs, and the surrounding moorland.

3 miles from South Milton Sands

South Milton Sands is a scenic and popular sandy beach in Devon featuring a long stretch of golden sand, rock pools, and a sheltered bay overlooking the Thurlestone Rock archway. Visitors can enjoy coastal walks, wildlife watching especially at the wetlands area, and accessible pathways including boardwalk ramps to the beach. Dog-friendly and child-friendly, it provides a natural outdoor experience with parking available via a digital system.

Located in Dawlish

Dawlish is a charming seaside town in Devon known for its sandy beaches, scenic sea wall railway, black swan sanctuary, and Victorian-era charm, offering a mix of cultural, historic, and natural attractions.

3 miles from Canonteign Falls

Canonteign Falls is a 90-acre estate in Devon featuring natural waterfalls, woodlands, lakes, and meadows, with family-friendly amenities including a children's play area, café, and scenic walks.

3 miles from Bowling Green And Goosemoor

Bowling Green and Goosemoor is a scenic nature reserve at the junction of the River Exe and River Clyst near Topsham, ideal for birdwatching from accessible hides and viewpoints including an estuary lookout. The reserve features seasonal visitors like waders and waterfowl, with walking and cycling paths offering panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Entry is free and dogs are allowed on leads on designated paths.

3 miles from Guided fungi walk

8 Oct, 15 Oct…

A guided walk around the A la Ronde estate, where a knowledgeable guide helps identify the fungi species found across the grounds. The event is not a foraging activity.

3 miles from Labrador Bay

Labrador Bay is a coastal nature reserve near Shaldon featuring stunning views over Lyme Bay and important habitats for rare birds like the Cirl Bunting, with walking trails and wildlife observation opportunities in a working farm landscape.

3 miles from Fingle Bridge

Teign Gorge near Drewsteignton in Devon offers a natural outdoor experience with scenic river paths, ancient woodland, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore walking trails through Fingle Woods and along the River Teign, enjoying the beauty of the Dartmoor landscape.

3 miles from Compton Castle

Compton Castle is a fortified manor house in Devon, England, notable for its medieval architecture, historic connection to the Gilbert family and Newfoundland colonisation, restored interiors, and small formal gardens.

2 miles from A la Ronde

A la Ronde is an 18th-century, 16-sided historic house near Exmouth, Devon, notable for its unique octagonal design, intricate Shell Gallery, and beautifully crafted interiors. The site includes Grade II listed gardens and the adjacent Grade I listed Point-in-View chapel. Owned by the National Trust, it offers a blend of indoor and outdoor historic experiences.

3 miles from Ugbrooke House

Ugbrooke House is a Grade 1 listed historic family home in Devon with guided tours, parkland gardens, and a café serving Devon cream teas. Visitors can explore the house's rich history, enjoy the Capability Brown landscape, and access family-friendly facilities with good accessibility.

2 miles from Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle is a historic fortified manor house in Devon, offering visitors tours of the house and access to extensive gardens and parkland. The venue provides good accessibility including an all-terrain mobility scooter for hire, a cafe, and facilities for children, making it a family-friendly destination with a rich history spanning over 600 years.

Located in Exmouth

Exmouth is a historic seaside resort town in Devon known for its long sandy beaches, marina, watersports, and status as the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It offers Victorian architecture, walking and cycling routes, and a vibrant town centre with leisure and cultural amenities.

Near Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is a large family-oriented theme park in Exeter, Devon offering over 60 rides, live shows, animal attractions, and themed areas such as Sooty Land. The park combines outdoor rides and indoor attractions with on-site accommodation and animal exhibits, providing entertainment for all ages.

3 miles from Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle is a well-preserved Norman motte and bailey castle in Devon, England, featuring a 14th-century stone keep on a commanding hilltop above Totnes. It is managed by English Heritage and offers a historic outdoor experience showcasing medieval architecture and fortifications.

3 miles from Berry Pomeroy Castle

Berry Pomeroy Castle is a Tudor mansion ruin within a late 15th-century castle in South Devon, known for its picturesque romantic ruins and reputed hauntings. It is managed by English Heritage and open to the public as a historic site with extensive outdoor exploration.

3 miles from Hound Tor

Hound Tor is a granite rock formation on Dartmoor in Devon featuring weathered granite outcrops, ruins of a medieval village, and nearby prehistoric remains, offering an outdoor experience popular for rock climbing and cultural history.

3 miles from Wildlife art trail at Parke

7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

Visitors can follow a trail around the Parke Estate to find six large wildlife artworks created by pupils as part of an environmental project, and learn about the project and the featured native species.

3 miles from Parke

Parke is a peaceful woodland estate near Bovey Tracey, Devon, offering scenic walks, a walled garden, riverside wildlife, and a café. It's ideal for outdoor activities, dog walking, and family-friendly exploration close to Dartmoor's edge.

3 miles from Guided walks at Parke - Wider Estate

14 Oct, 25 Oct…

Community Walk Volunteers lead a friendly walk of around three miles through the natural landscapes of the Parke Estate. The route includes varying terrain, steep hills and uneven ground.

Located in Teignmouth

Teignmouth is a historic seaside town and fishing port in Devon known for its sandy beaches, pier, and rich maritime and cultural heritage. It offers a walkable town center with museums, festivals, and scenic river and coastal views attracting tourists.

3 miles from Matford Marshes

Matford Marshes is a small wildlife reserve near Exeter offering opportunities to watch wildfowl and waders in diverse wetland habitats. The site features accessible paths and a viewing platform, making it ideal for outdoor nature observation and walking.

3 miles from The Old Bakery, Manor Mill & Forge

The Old Bakery, Manor Mill & Forge in Branscombe is a National Trust property featuring a historic thatched bakery, a restored working watermill, and England's only thatched forge, with a tea room and blacksmith selling ironwork.

Located in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is a picturesque market town in South Hams, Devon, known for its historic architecture, estuary views, and vibrant arts and culture scene, making it a popular tourist destination.

2 miles from Buglife letterbox trail

7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)

Visitors can follow a letterbox trail around the Parke Estate, finding five boxes representing species that Buglife is working to protect. Each box has information about its species, and participants can collect stamps along the route.

Located in Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a picturesque historic Georgian and Regency town in Devon on the Jurassic Coast, popular for its beach, literary connections, folk festival, and gardens.

3 miles from Dartington Hall Gardens

Dartington Gardens in Devon are historic Grade II-listed formal grounds featuring notable trees, beautiful vistas, sculptures, and various themed gardens, managed by The Dartington Trust.

Near Castle Drogo

Castle Drogo is the last castle built in England, located in Devon. It is a Grade I listed country house designed by Edwin Lutyens, featuring a mix of medieval and Tudor revivalist architecture. Visitors can explore the castle's interiors, formal gardens, and enjoy facilities including a café and shop provided by the National Trust.

3 miles from Dartington Hall

Dartington Hall offers a historic house experience with Grade II Listed gardens and parkland. Visitors can explore indoor historic spaces including the Great Hall, outdoor gardens and open spaces, with accessible facilities and food options available.

3 miles from Overbeck's

Overbeck's Garden at Sharpitor is a Grade II registered Edwardian garden in Devon featuring a subtropical collection of plants, themed garden areas, and a historic house housing a museum with maritime exhibits and unique displays like a secret door and musical box.

3 miles from Guided Garden Tour 2026

7 Oct, 14 Oct…

Join Overbeck’s gardeners for a guided walk through the garden, with insights into its unusual plants, gardening techniques and coastal setting. The tour is intended for everyone from keen gardeners to casual visitors.

3 miles from Branscombe

Branscombe in Devon is a charming village on the Jurassic Coast featuring an 18th-century forge, a restored watermill, a traditional bakery, and a pebble beach, all connected by accessible trails. It offers food, family activities, and opportunities to explore history and nature in a beautiful coastal setting.

2 miles from Parke, Bovey Tracey

Parke is a historic estate in Bovey Tracey, Devon with a grade II listed mansion rebuilt in the 1820s. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Dartmoor National Park Authority and has significant historical monuments in the nearby Bovey Tracey Church.

2 miles from Loughwood Meeting House

Loughwood Meeting House is a historic Baptist chapel near Dalwood, Devon, dating back to the 17th century. It is notable for its thatched stone construction, early Baptist origins, and its designation as a Grade II* listed building managed by the National Trust, with limited regular worship use.

3 miles from Darts Farm

RSPB Shop at Darts Farm is a family-run working farm and nature reserve located in Exeter, Devon, offering both indoor shopping for bird care products and outdoor nature trails with wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic wetland views, guided walks, public hides, and family-friendly facilities including a play area and animal corner. The venue welcomes dogs on leads and is wheelchair accessible, with free entry to the nature reserve and shop.