Exploring Devon
The Dartington Trust estate is superbly situated for those who want to get the most out of Devon.
Exeter and Plymouth are easily accessible via the nearby A38, and between the two lies the stunning, windswept landscapes and rocky tors of Dartmoor National Park.
Travelling in the opposite direction will lead you to the pretty seaside towns of Torbay, including Torquay and Brixham, and many miles of spectacular coastal paths.
Still need ideas? Read on!
Visit Totnes
The ancient market town of Totnes is a must see. Totnes is a captivating town set on one of Britain’s most picturesque and historically significant waterways, the River Dart. Its cosmopolitan population generates an exciting range of cultural activities and fosters passionate exploration of new ideas. Just 2 miles from the Dartington estate, there are regular outdoor markets in the Civil Hall Square in Totnes every Friday and Saturday throughout the year.
Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is located just 30 minutes from the Dartington estate and well worth a visit during your stay. From its striking granite tors to steep wooded river valleys and from swathes of heather covered moorland to tucked away villages and hamlets. It is a land of contrasts – some people come to experience the tranquillity by getting away from it all, whilst others come to get active.
South West Coast Path
Come to the beach anywhere in the South West of England, turn left or right and you’ll be on the South West Coast Path and on the edge of an amazing experience. Where else can you walk along 630 miles of such superb coastline which makes up the longest National Trail in the UK?
Sharpham Vineyard
The White Hart at Dartington Hall is proud to offer a selection of award winning cheese and wine produced by Sharpham Vineyard, just five miles from our estate. Enjoy a visit to the vineyard, choose from a selection of tours and perhaps sample some of the cheese and wine whilst overlooking the glorious Devon countryside.
South Devon Railway
The whistle of the steam engines as they journey between Buckfastleigh and Totnes are a familiar sound on the Dartington estate. The South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the South West. Take a nostalgic trip along the banks of The River Dart to Totnes where you can explore the ancient market town.
The English Riviera
The official tourism website for Torbay’s beautiful South Devon coastline. Surrounded by stunning coast and countryside, Torbay, including Torquay, Babbacombe, Cockington, Paignton and Brixham offer lots of things to do for everyone.
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm features rides, hundreds of friendly animals, indoor and outdoor play, plus a different hands on activity every half an hour.
Greenway House and Gardens
Take an extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family. This relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, when Agatha and her family would spend summers and Christmases here with friends, relaxing by the river, playing croquet and clock golf, and reading her latest mystery to their guests.
Torre Abbey, Torquay
Torre Abbey on the English Riviera tells the story of 800 years of history, from life in a medieval monastery, through its dissolution by Henry VIII, the Spanish Armada, the Napoleonic Wars, and Georgian family life – to its present incarnation as a museum, art gallery and Ancient Scheduled Monument, plus an award-winning garden.
Kent’s Cavern
Kent’s Cavern on the English Riviera is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain’s best showcaves! On your visit you’ll go back to a time when the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping tools and hunting Ice Age animals. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you’ll be surrounded by 400 million year old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
The best way to explore South Devon! The trip includes steam train, river boat and bus visiting the picturesque towns of Dartmouth and Totnes.
Torquay Museum
Searching for things to do in Torquay and Devon? Head to Torquay Museum and enjoy all the fun and family activities they have to offer – exhibitions, activities, events, lectures, outdoor activities and more.
Unique Devon Tours
Owned and run by local expert Alex Graeme, Unique Devon Tours organises fascinating and entertaining holidays for small groups in this beautiful and intriguing area of England, making the most of the wonderful array of activities, attractions and things to do in Devon.
The Dartington Hall gardens are just one of the many tour locations offered by Alex.
Self-Drive Classic Cars
Hire a classic car and make the most of the Devon sunshine with a classic car as part of your holiday. Classic and sports car hire from Self Drive Classics Ltd is here to fill a nostalgia gap for those who yearn for the days when motoring meant freedom and excitement.
Franklin Totnes Trail
The Franklin Trail is a 6 3/4 mile, waymarked, circular walk with several points of interest along the way, starting in the historic town of Totnes.