Exploring the area
There are so many different places to visit that it would be impractical to give an exhaustive list, but we can suggest itineraries to suit your individual interests and to make the most of your stay.

Historic towns and villages
Totnes and Dartmouth are within easy reach, with wonderful views to be enjoyed en route. A Round Robin ticket is a relaxing way to visit both towns, including travel by steam train and river boat. There are many more ‘picture postcard’ towns and villages along the coast and nestling among the hills and woods of Dartmoor.

Walking
There are lovely walks through the bluebell woods that can be accessed directly from our back garden, and a 20 minute drive will take you to the wide open spaces of Dartmoor or, in the other direction, to the South West Way coastal footpath.

Gardens
This part of Devon is a gardener’s paradise, with a wealth of gardens and nurseries close by, including Plant World, Hill House and Dartington Hall. National Trust properties and gardens not to be missed include Coleton Fishacre and Overbeck’s. Further afield, the RHS garden Rosemoor, Lanhydrock (National Trust) and the Eden Project are all easily reached within a day.

Beaches
There are numerous beaches within 20 minutes’ drive, including Teignmouth, a traditional seaside town with pier and promenade, and Meadfoot one of Torquay’s quieter beaches, with wonderful views of Lyme Bay. Further down the coast, Blackpool Sands has an organic café, and nearby Slapton Sands is an unspoilt stretch of shingle next to a nature reserve.

Shopping
From individual craft workshops to the cosmopolitan attractions of Exeter, there is plenty of opportunity for retail therapy. The Cider Press Centre at Dartington and the Devon Guild of Craftsman at Bovey Tracey showcase the best of handmade jewellery, ceramics and textiles, and there are many individual shops to be enjoyed in Chagford, Tavistock, Totnes and Dartmouth, to name but a few.