Many of South Devon's activities revolve, understandably, around the sea and food!
Things To Do
Go diving for treasure, because one of the greatest collections of shipwrecks in Europe are along the South Devon coast. The shipwrecks span all periods of maritime history so, when you go treasure hunting in Devon you could find Bronze Age artefacts or 17th century gold nuggets! Well known wrecks include the Erme Estuary, Salcombe Cannon and Moor Sand.
Notch up some interesting stories on the Myths and Legends Tour around South Hams and Teignbridge. You’ll come across weird and wonderful tales of bishop’s teeth, gossiping ladies tied to anchors, water sprites, mysterious cottages and strange horseshoes.
South Devon crab is considered some of the finest in the world. Try eating crab served fresh in numerous restaurants and pubs, or perhaps catch your own crab at one of the region’s best crabbing hotspots such as Stoke Gabriel, Dittisham or Dawlish.
Enjoy a meal at the Field Kitchen restaurant of Riverford farm. The renowned organic veg-box company is based between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, and the restaurant uses produce from its own farm. Naturally, the set menu is incredibly seasonal and the food is served, convivially, on large farmhouse tables so you can pass it around and share.
For fantastic train rides, visit the South Devon Railway, a branch line of the former Great Western Railway. Historic GWR steam trains take passengers on a delightful round trip between Buckfastleigh, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and Totnes. The railway follows the pretty River Dart.
Getting There
Use Exeter as a gateway when heading for caravan holidays in South Devon, with the M5 junction 31 connecting with the A38, a road that takes you to the heart of this region, including Plymouth and the southern areas of Dartmoor. The A380 splits off from the A38 just a few miles south of Exeter and takes you to the English Riviera. All of these sections of road are dual-carriageway and fine for use when towing a caravan on the way to your chosen campsites in South Devon.
However, once off these dual carriageways, even the main roads can be slow-going so take it gently and anticipate taking longer than you might expect to get to your holiday destination. Minor roads, particularly down to the coast in South Hams and east of Wembury can be narrow and high-hedged. They’re beautiful but not great for big caravans, so check with your campsite if they have specific arrival and departure times, or if they can recommend a route.
