Devon and Somerset places of interest and attractions

Children attractions in Devon and Somerset


	Places of interest in Devon and Somerset

DEVON / Buckland Abbey

Buckland Abbey Yelverton Devon PL20 6EY Tel: 01822 853607	The home of Elizabethan seafarer Sir Francis Drake, the 700-year-old buildings are set in the beautiful Tavy Valley. Visitors can explore 700 years of history through interactive displays with hands-on activities. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Andrew Butler).



The Old School Guest House	.. in a beautiful Victorian school building, lovingly converted to offer comfortable, well-equipped en suite accommodation with beautiful original features.	....surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park
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Moorlands Links Hotel, Yelverton	.. on the edge of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, with rugged moorlands and roaming wildlife and fascinating flora at the doorstep of the Moorland Links Hotel.	...with comfortable lounge, elegant Gun Room Bar and spacious restaurant.



Saltram Plympton Plymouth Devon PL7 1UH Tel: 01752 333500	A magnificent Georgian house with opulent Robert Adam interiors, gardens, follies and landscaped parkland,with riverside and woodland walks.It was the film location for Sense and Sensibility. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).

DEVON / Paignton Zoo / Compton Castle

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park Totnes Road Paignton Devon TQ4 7EU	Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics.	www.paigntonzoo.org.uk Tel: 01803 527936



The Cosmopolitan	.. just 200 metres from Paignton beach and only minutes from the town centre, The Cosmopolitan is a contemporary take on the traditional seaside hotel.	.....with stylish modern accommodation and facilities.
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Summerhill Hotel	.. in a charming Victorian building, ideally situated in the heart of Torbay, the English Riviera and close to both the beach and Paignton harbour.	...professional and friendly service, a relaxing atmosphere and excellent quality beds.
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St Marguerite, Torbay	.. in the idyllic and picturesque resort of Torbay, less than 10 minutes level walk to Paignton Sands and 5 minutes to Goodrington Sands, Quay West water park and Torbay Leisure Centre.	....4* accomodation at B&B prices.



Compton Castle Marldon Paignton Devon TQ3 1TA Telephone: 01803 843235	A dramatic fortified manor house and small formal garden hidden in a lush south Devon valley. The medley of fortified towers, battlements and buttresses was the 600-year-old home of the Gilbert family, kindred of Sir Walter Raleigh. There are delightful flowering gardens, enclosed by a stone curtain wall. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: ©National Trust)

DEVON / Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey Buckfastleigh Devon TQ11 0EE	A living Benedictine monastery.The church is the centrepiece, filled with art treasures and stained glass produced at Buckfast. Also visit the Abbey's historic precinct and 3 new gardens- the Physic garden, the Sensory garden and the Lavender garden. The Abbey Church, precinct and gardens are open daily, admission free.	Tel: 01364 645500 www.buckfast.org.uk


Dartmoor Lodge Hotel	.. in this friendly and welcoming hotel providing comfortable accommodation on the A38, within easy reach of Dartmoor, halfway between Plymouth and Exeter.	....with 22 en suite bedrooms, some of which have luxurious 4-poster beds.
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Sampsons Farm Country Hotel	.. in a sleepy hamlet, a thatched farmhouse only 5 minutes from the A38 (Cornwall) and A380 (Torquay) and therefore within easy reach of Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth.	....the perfect retreat in which to relax and unwind, with inglenook fireplaces and log fires in the winter.

DEVON / Becky Falls Woodland Park / Newton Abbot Racecourse

Becky Falls Woodland Park Ltd. Manaton Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 9UG	Featuring rescued Owls & birds of prey, Dartmoor ponies and greyfaced sheep, Lambs to feed, Badgers, Otters, Mink etc. Also marked wildlife discovery trails, picnic areas and gift shop.	www.beckyfalls.com Tel: 01647 221259



Cott Inn, Dartington	......in a delightful inn situated in the beautiful Dart valley, close to the historic town of Totnes.	....the restaurant was built in 1301 and has oak beams, cob & stone walls and it has recently been refurbished.
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Coombe Cross Hotel, Bovey Tracey	.. in Bovey Tracey at the friendly and informal Coombe Cross Hotel.	...modern leisure facilities include indoor pool, spa, sauna, solarium and gym.



Newton Abbot Racecourse Newton Abbot Devon Tel: 01626 353235	Newton Abbot Racecourse is the leading summer racecourse in the UK. It is therefore a showcase for the industry and aims to provide quality competitive National Hunt racing to a wide audience drawn from both the general public and from the corporate sector.

DEVON / Bicton Park Botanical Gardens / A La Ronde

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens East Budleigh Devon EX9 7BJ	Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon's picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and southwest England's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Magnificent Historic Gardens, museum and children's play area.	Tel: 01395 568465 www.bictongardens.co.uk



The Devoncourt Hotel, Exmouth	.. ....where palm trees and uninterrupted sea views of Sandy Bay form a continental landscape to this first class hotel.	...with a superb indoor pool, spa, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, snooker room and outdoor all-weather tennis court.



A La Ronde Summer Lane Exmouth Devon EX8 5BD Tel: 01395 265514	A quirky, 16-sided, 18th-century house with a fascinating interior decoration and an impressive collection of Grand Tour mementoes. The distinctive interior décor includes a 'feather frieze' and shell room. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).

DEVON / Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre Brownstone Road Kingswear Devon TQ6 0EQ Telephone: 01803 752466	A luxuriant garden by the sea, with an Arts & Crafts-style house, featuring Art Deco-influenced interiors. Rare and exotic plant collection set in a secluded coastal valley and an award-winning tea-room. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Stephen Robson).



Dart Marina Hotel, Dartmouth	.. in contemporary bedrooms, stylish hotel apartments and a luxury health spa combined with award-winning cuisine in the River Restaurant, or 'slow food - fast' in Wildfire Bar & Bistro.	...situated at the marina of the River Dart, in the charming town of Dartmouth.

DEVON / Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle Kenton Exeter Devon	The historic family home of the Earl of Devon. Visit the Woodland Garden, the Secret garden, the Farm shop and plant centre. The Castle lies in a beautiful setting in an ancient deer park alongside the River Exe and is at the centre of a large traditional estate of about 4,000 acres. The Castle is open to the public and welcomes thousands of visitors between Easter and October every year.	Tel: 01626 891883



Gissons Hotel, Exeter	.. in contemporary accommodation, located just one mile south from the end of the M5 motorway, a short drive from Exeter Airport.	...some of the latest accommodation is fitted with a steam shower, with foot and full jet massage and a radio background.
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Lord Haldon Hotel, Exeter	.. in a country house hotel situated in beautiful countryside four miles from the city of Exeter.	....with 23 en suite bedrooms, 5 function rooms and our tranquil setting within easy reach of the city.
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Abode Exeter - The Royal Clarence Hotel	.. in Exeter's oldest and most historic hotel, situated in the heart of the city in the stunning Cathedral Yard.	....with 53 contemporary styled bedrooms with the traditional values of comfort expected from such an historic property.



Castle Drogo Drewsteignton nr Exeter Devon EX6 6PB Tel: 01647 433306	One of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens and the last castle to be built in England. Perched above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor with the highest National Trust garden, at 900 feet. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Charlie Waite).

DEVON / The National Marine Aquarium / The Merchants House

The National Marine Aquarium Rope Walk Coxside Plymouth PL4 0LF	The National Marine Aquarium was the first aquarium in the UK to be set up solely for the purpose of education, conservation and research. It remains Britain's foremost aquarium and in the six years it has been open it has attracted over two million visitors through its doors.	Tel: 01752 600 301



Grosvenor Hotel	..... in this traditional Victorian hotel situated on the Plymouth Hoe.	....conveniently positioned for easy access to the ferry port, railway station and Plymouth Airport.
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Jewells Guest Accomodation	..... close to Plymouth city centre and a short walk from the Hoe.	.. in a smartly decorated family run establishement.
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The New Continental	..in a Victorian Grade II listed building, Plymouth's largest independent hotel.	......situated in the heart of the city centre, adjacent to Plymouth Pavilions.



The Merchants House 33 St. Andrews Street Plymouth Devon PL8 6DZ	A 400 year old house, now a museum of Plymouth's history. Step back into an Elizabethan Merchant´s house and get a taste of what Plymouth life was like in the past - from beggars to the Blitz. Browse potions and lotions in our reconstructed chemist shop.	Tel: 01752 304774

DEVON / Knightshayes Court

Knightshayes Court Bolham Tiverton Devon EX16 7RQ Tel: 01884 254665	A Victorian country house with splendid Romantic and Gothic-style interiors, designed by the eccentric William Burges. Celebrated gardens with lily pools, floral borders, amusing topiary and walled kitchen garden. Rare shrubs and specimen trees give vivid autumn colours. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).



Best Western Tiverton Hotel	....on the outskirts of Tiverton, just five minutes walk from the town centre.	....in a modern hotel offering quality in relaxing surroundings.
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Bickleigh Castle	.. in one of Devon's most beautiful wedding venues and bed and breakfast breaks, a 14th century castle nestling in a valley surrounded by 30 acres of lush green land.	..accommodation available in our newly renovated thatched cottages situated around the castle courtyard.

SOMERSET / The Roman Baths / Bath Abbey

The Roman Baths Stall Street Bath BA1 1LZ Tel: 01225 477785	Around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. See the water's source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements. The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented using the best of modern interpretation.



Abbey Hotel	..... in the heart of Bath, close to the Abbey, Roman Baths, shops and theatre.	...with an award-winning Number One North Parade restaurant.
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The Windsor Guest House	.....in a Grade 1 listed building on Great Pulteney Street, reputed to be one of the finest Georgian boulevards in Europe.	...offering uniquely styled and furnished bedrooms.
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Mcdonald Bath Spa Hotel	.. nestling among cedars, fountains and ponds the hotel offers all the amenities that guests would expect of a 5 star hotel, bedrooms are elegantly decorated, the bathrooms are luxuriously appointed in mahogany and marble.	... where guests are entitled to complimentary use of The Spa with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, gymnasium, beauty treatment rooms and a relaxation room



Bath Abbey Bath Tel: 01225 422462	Edgar, the first king of united England, was crowned in a church in Abbey Courtyard in 973, but the present abbey, more glass than stone , was built between 1499 and 1616, making it the last great medieval church raised in England. The nave's wonderful fan vaulting was erected in the 19th century. The most striking feature of the abbey's exterior is the west facade, where angels climb up and down stone ladders, commemorating in stone a dream of the founder bishop Oliver King .

SOMERSET / Wookey Hole / Cheddar Caves & Gorge

Wookey Hole Ltd. Wookey Hole Wells Somerset BA5 1BB	Revamped, restored and totally remarkable, the new Wookey Hole Experience is bursting onto the 2008 holiday scene in an explosive mix of history, mystery and fun. With new attractions, great new facilities and the classic glory of Britain’s most spectacular underground caverns, the centuries-old site near Wells in Somerset has been given a brand new lease of life.	Tel: 01749 672243 www.wookey.co.uk



Webbington Hotel	.... in a hotel situated prominently on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, overlooking the picturesque hamlet of Loxton. The Webbington Hotel offers you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the best of comfort and cuisine.	...with its own indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium, steam room, sauna, solarium, sun lounge and two flood lit tennis courts all with panoramic views over the valley.
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The Battleborough Grange Hotel & Restaurant	.. in a country hotel set in picturesque landscaped grounds, offering superb views of the Somerset Levels and Glastonbury, with Tor visible in the distance.	...conveniently located off the M5 and near the town of Burnham-on-Sea.
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Days Inn Sedgemoor	.. at the Days Inn Hotel Sedgemoor - the best value under the sun!	...AA approved, Pet Friendly, 24 hour reception with dedicated disabled rooms.



Cheddar Caves & Gorge Cheddar Somerset BS27 3QF	A major tourist attraction for over 200 years, with plenty to do above and below ground. Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you'll find many rare species. The Cathedral-like Caves and Britain's biggest Gorge are million-year-old Ice Age river beds. Your ancestors have lived here for 40,000 years, and world-famous Cheddar Man is Britain's oldest complete skeleton.	Tel: 01934 74234

SOMERSET / Clevedon Court

Clevedon Court Tickenham Road Clevedon North Somerset BS21 6QU Telephone: 01275 872257	An outstanding 14th-century manor house and beautiful 18th-century terraced garden. Fascinating collections of Eltonware ceramics and Nailsea glass. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).



Walton Park Hotel	.. .. in a stunning cliff top location, overlooking the Severn Estuary and Welsh Hills.	....with an award-winning restaurant, magnificent views and spacious, lavishly equipped bedrooms.
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Bridge Inn New Lodge	....in a budget lodge, located in beautiful countryside	...very convenient for the M5 motorway Junction 20.

SOMERSET / Wells Cathedral / Glastonbury Abbey

Wells Cathedral Chain Gate Cathedral Green Wells Somerset BA5 2UE	Wells is one of England’s smaller cathedrals, with its name originating from the three springs in the grounds of the old Bishops Palace. The site history has been traced back to Roman times, and the first church dates back to early 8th century. By the middle of the 13th century the imposing west front had been decorated with a vast array of statues. This outstanding collection of Kings, saints, angels and biblical characters is believed to be the largest collection of medieval sculptures in the world.	Tel: 01749 674483



The Ancient Gatehouse, Wells	..... opposite the cathedral’s west front, the hotel exudes an old, intriguing atmosphere with its centuries-old spiral stone staircase and quaint little passages.	.... with 9 bedrooms, 2 of which have four-poster beds, are all en suite.
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Beryl, Wells	.. ..in a small Victorian Gothic mansion built circa 1838, one mile from the city of Wells, for luxury bed and breakfast.	... in its original parkland of 13 acres overlooking Wells Cathedral.
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George & Pilgrims	.. at George & Pilgrims Hotel situated in the beautiful town of Glastonbury. Founded in the early 15th century, the hotel has welcomed people for over 500 years.	.. ...with 14 en-suite bedrooms, 8 of which are situated within the oldest part of the building and have their own distinctive character.



Glastonbury Abbey The Abbey Gatehouse Magdalene Street GLASTONBURY Somerset	The abbey is set in 36 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian Sanctuary in Great Britain, visited, so legend has it by Joseph of Arimathea and Saints David and Patrick. Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's staff and others are convinced that King Arthur was buried in the Abbey beside his lovely wife Queen Guinevere.	Tel: 01458 832267

SOMERSET / Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park Dyrham nr Bath Gloucestershire SN14 8ER Tel: 0117 937 2501	Spectacular late 17th-century William and Mary mansion, garden and ancient deer park.The lavish 17th-century collections reflect the fashion for all things Dutch while the Victorian domestic quarters give an insight into life below stairs. There are elegant formal gardens, woodland, and lakes to explore. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).



Hinton Grange Hotel	.. in the sleepy village of Hinton, near Dyrham Park, yet only 5 minutes from junction 18 of the M4 and 8 miles from both Bath and Bristol.	.. in stunning parkland, wooded grounds and gardens, the hotel offers low beams, stonewalls, blazing open fires and candlelight in all the lounges.
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Lucknam Park Hotel	.. ..in a magnificent listed Palladian mansion dating from 1720, one of Britain's finest country house hotels set in extensive 500 acre park lands near Bath.	..where each of the 13 suites and 29 bedrooms are individually designed with fabrics, antiques and ornaments specially chosen to reflect the character of the rooms.

SOMERSET / Coleridge Cottage

Coleridge Cottage 35 Lime Street Nether Stowey Bridgwater Somerset TA5 1NQ Tel: 01278 732662	Home of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge displaying the poet's personal mementoes. He lived in this cottage in Nether Stowey from 1797 to 1800. You can follow in the footsteps of the Romantic poet by walking The Coleridge Way. Coleridge wrote some of his finest poems here: Fears in Solitude, This Lime-Tree Bower my Prison, The Nightingale, Frost at Midnight, the first part of Christabel and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which has many references to neighbouring places. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).



Chestnut House Village Hotel	.. in this relaxed farmhouse dating back to the 1500s, in the quiet and peaceful village of Woolavington.	.... with comfortable guest lounges, a garden, veranda and 7 fully appointed en suite double bedrooms.
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The Old Vicarage, Bridgwater	.. in a small, historic, country cottage style property, situated in Bridgwater town centre.	...retaining much of its original character and yet offering all of the modern conveniences you'd expect from a hotel in the 21st century.

SOMERSET / Montacute House

Montacute House Montacute Somerset TA15 6XP Telephone: 01935 823289	A magnificent Elizabethan Ham-stone house filled with historic treasures, a garden and park. The Long Gallery boasts Elizabethan artwork from the National Portrait Gallery. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Rupert Truman).



The Hollies Hotel, Martock	..... in the delightful countryside of south Somerset in the picturesque village of Bower Hinton, Martock.	....luxury accommodation set in 3.5 acres of landscaped gardens.
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Ash House Country Hotel	.. in a beautiful Georgian Country House located in the heart of the peaceful Somerset countryside yet just 1 mile from the main A303 and just 10 minutes drive from Yeovil.	....tastefully maintained and improved to provide modern facilities within the elegant Georgian structure.
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Greystones Court Guest House	.. in an elegant, welcoming, Georgian Townhouse with modern, comfortable rooms.	....within walking distance of the town centre.

SOMERSET / SS Great Britain

SS Great Britain The Great Western Dockyard Gasferry Road Bristol Tel: 0117 926 0680	Launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first iron-hulled, steam-powered, ocean-going ship. Her designer was the inventive genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Intended for the trans-Atlantic luxury passenger trade, she was more used to carry emigrants to Australia. In 1970 she was rescued from an ignominious fate as a hulk in the Falklands and returned to the dockyard where she was built, where she is being lovingly restored.	www.ssgreatbritain.org



Arnos Manor Hotel, Bristol	.. close to the city centre, a great combination of award-winning food, comfortable rooms, friendly staff and free secure parking.	.. the best value hotel in the city.
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Express by Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre	...a city centre location opposite Bristol Temple Meads train station.	.. ..with a welcoming air conditioned reception and bar lounge area.
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City Inn Bristol	.. ..close to the city's vibrant centre, ideally located opposite Temple Quay and a 2 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station.	... with a cosy lounge bar, award-winning modern European cuisine in City Café and a stylish terrace.

SOMERSET / Dunster Castle / West Somerset Railway

Dunster Castle Dunster nr Minehead Somerset TA24 6SL Tel: 01643 823004	An ancient romantic castle with turrets and towers, fine interiors and subtropical gardens. The dramatic hilltop location has sweeping views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. The terraced gardens with subtropical plants are home to the National Collection of strawberry trees. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Magnus Rew).



The Langbury	.... in a small and friendly establishment situated on an elevated position in the small village of Blue Anchor, with the traditional seaside resort of Minehead 5 miles away by road.	....enjoying magnificent views of the sea and the hills of glorious Exmoor.
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Dragon House Hotel, Minehead	.. in this 300 year old country house hotel provides the perfect base in which to relax and tour the beautiful area, nestling on the very edge of Exmoor.	....with real log fires, olde worlde rooms and exceptional service.



West Somerset Railway the Railway Station Minehead Somerset TA24 5BG	The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast. From Bishops Lydeard, trains run beside the Quantock Hills northwards to the Bristol Channel coast at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The end of the line is the holiday town of Minehead, with its sandy beach, thrilling fun fair, beautiful gardens and lots of shops to explore. Buses run on Exmoor and steamers call at the harbour.	Tel: 01823 433856

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Devon and Somerset places of interest and attractions