Devon is famous for its spectacular scenery with its fantastic coastline and two National Parks. It is also lucky to have some fantastic parks and gardens scattered across the county and Devon’s Top Attractions have an unrivalled choice of fabulous sites to explore. It’s the perfect opportunity to clear your head and get active and close to nature at one of our outdoor sites. From Lundy Island to Buckfast Abbey and Haldon Forest Park you will see the best that Devon has to offer, whether you are a local or a tourist. All of these attractions have the added benefit of exceptional eateries and cafes so you can finish your walk with some delicious refreshments to complete your visit. Plus most of our parks and gardens are dog friendly so not only will you, your friends and family benefit from an enjoyable day out, your dog will too!
Canonteign Falls. Get ready to discover an unforgettable day at Canonteign Falls which is nestled in Devon’s heart, where nature’s beauty meets family fun! Explore the South West’s highest waterfall, playgrounds, trails, and surprises spread across 90 acres. If you’re looking for tranquility, then you’ll find that too. The moss-covered streams, lakes, ancient woodlands and meadows offer the perfect peace in a world of excitement. Explore this unique combination of adventure and serenity. Canonteign Falls is a dog friendly attraction.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is Devon’s most magnificent historic gardens with over 60 acres of beautiful gardens and soft sweeping lawns, elegant water features, fragrant English borders and formal Gardens to explore. Take a tranquil walk and meander through the arboretum among some of the most majestic trees in the country. The magnificent Palm house has a fantastic collection of palms and tropical plants. Discover the little house of shells, the romantic Hermitage, the secret garden, the lake, streams and woodlands. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Powderham Castle enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe Estuary, just south of Exeter. Over 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon’s oldest family homes. Very little of the Castle itself has changed since those early days but there are now many more attractions in the grounds including the Secret Garden, Belvedere Tower and American Garden. Dogs are welcome in most areas on a lead.
River Dart Country Park is packed with outdoor fun for all ages, River Dart Country Park is located over 90 stunning acres. There’s excitement around every corner in the extensive adventure playgrounds. For those looking for a quieter moment, there are scenic walks along the beautiful River Dart and rugged woodlands. River Dart is dog friendly.
Becky Falls is set within a spectacular ancient valley. Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has been attracting visitors since 1903, and no trip to Devon would be complete without a visit. Take time to explore over 50 acres of woodland and streams which are rich in wildlife. There is a choice of trails. Choose the Blue Trail for a gentler walk along the Becka Brook and through the ancient oak woodland. The Red Trail is where you will discover a stunning waterfall and its dramatic 70ft drop at the heart of the park. Why not have a go at the notoriously fun boulder scramble? If you enjoy that, carry on to the Purple Trail for views of the beautiful lower falls on more rugged terrain. Becky Falls is dog friendly.
Buckfast Abbey forms part of an active Benedictine monastery at Buckfast that has a sense of serenity on the edge of Dartmoor. The Abbey is home to a working community of monks and visitors can enjoy the extensive grounds; including the award winning Millennium Gardens. A highlight during the warmer summer months is the Lavender Gardens boasting 50 varieties of the colourful plant. The Abbey Church is a centre of musical excellence and hosts choirs and performers from near and far, whilst being a haven of peace. Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
Lundy Island lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America. It’s a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled. In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain.
Haldon Forest Park – whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors at Haldon Forest Park which is open 364 days of the year. Entertain the family, get active and rediscover your connection with nature. The Park offers endless activities and miles of different trails ideal for families, runners, walkers, and cyclists of any age and ability. The Forest Park is set in the heart of beautiful Devon with some amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Discover easy going trails and a choice of stunning picnic spots, or head deeper into the forest for a more challenging hiking adventure. Haldon Forest has won Devon’s Top Attractions Dog Friendly award two years in a row.
RHS Rosemoor is a public display garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society in north Devon. It is surrounded by over 100 acres of woodland with the River Torridge running along the western border. Nestled in a Devon valley, Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect. The Royal Horticultural Society is the world’s leading gardening charity. They aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place – they are committed to inspiring everyone to grow.
Killerton is a family home and great estate with a glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland with a fine 18th-century house. It’s historic parkland has extensive woodland and an ancient Iron Age fort. The garden is of historic significance, famous for its collection of shrubs and specimen trees containing the Bear’s Hut, a curious thatched structure in the garden, nestled between the trees, that was once home to the family pet bear. There are many dog friendly trails to enjoy.
Pecorama at Beer, one of East Devon’s leading visitor attractions, is the home to the famous PECO Model Railway Exhibition and the Beer Heights Light Railway. Pecorama’s award-winning gardens also feature the Millennium Celebration Garden, a series of five celestially themed garden ‘rooms’. The individual garden names of Sun, Moon, Rainbow, Roof and Moat Garden reflect the nature and colour of the flowers, shrubs and trees found in each. Pecorama is now dog friendly.
So forget the winter blues, head down to one of our attractions for some outdoor exercise, get close to nature and find some peace. If you are a member or annual pass holder the added bonus of course is that you can visit multiple times to really make the most of your membership. Your dog will be happy too!
During the winter especially it is worth checking individual websites in advance as the opening dates and times can vary and some attractions are closed on certain days or have reduced opening hours.
