Suggested Weekly Holiday Itinerary

There are a great many attractions in this area, for adults and children alike. You can follow this weekly plan, or just pick and choose from the activities and ideas we've suggested.

Monday

Buckfastleigh Steam Railway
You can start your day at Totnes to pick up the steam railway, paying for an old-fashioned style ticket on the platform, where all the workers are dressed as they would be back before diesel trains. If you sit in the restaurant carriage you even have the option to enjoy Devon scones and tea during your journey, and on the way back you could take a private seat in the back carriage, with old padded seats and a private door.
You might decide instead to catch the train from Buckfastleigh, and simply take a return journey from there. You can find details of the Steam Railway here.

Buckfastleigh Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary
Once you arrive at Buckfastleigh Steam Railway Station, the Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary is literally just around the corner, a one minute walk away. With a whole range of animals to visit and a beautiful butterfly sanctuary where you can get right up close to the wildlife, there's even a chance to participate in the otter feeding.
The Sanctuary is open 10am until 5.30pm on most days during the summer, although for winter opening times it's wise to phone and check. You can view the website here (click on the 'menu' graphic in the top left to view options).

Lunch at Buckfast Abbey
Located in Buckfastleigh, which is within ten minutes of the Railway Station and Sanctuary, Buckfast Abbey serves a varied lunch in their restuarant. There is also plenty to see at the Abbey, so you may decide to come back another day to do it justice! You can find more information on the monks of the Abbey at their website.

Tuesday

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day, the botanical gardens span 63 acres and 300 years of history. The winding nature trail and walks take you through the beautiful gardens, while the Park also houses a woodland railway, mini-golf, play areas for children both indoors and outdoors, and a Palm House among other attractions. If you want lunch on the grounds the Orangery Restaurant has a beautiful view and a good range of food. The gardens are open all year, normally from 10am until 6pm. You can find more detailed information and admission prices on their website.

Lunch at The Otter Inn
Based in Colaton Raleigh and just one mile from Bicton Park, The Otter Inn has a reputation for fine food, and would be an excellent place to stop for lunch. Just recently refurbished, the Inn also has a childrens play area, and a bouncy castle when the weather outside is good. You can view a menu and more details on their website.

Wednesday

East Devon Golfing
Relax after two days of fairly solid activity with a day or golf at the East Devon Golf Course, just 400 yards from Hansard House Hotel. Situated on the clifftop at Budleigh Salterton, the golf course covers some varied terrain and commands accurate play to get the best scores. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, and only the harshest downpours can put the course out of action (it has excellent drainage).
To visit the golf course you just need your proof of handicap with you, and you can see the website for information on dress codes.

Lunch from The Good Food Shop
On the main street in Budleigh Salterton, The Good Food Shop makes excellent sandwiches to order, and you can take out salad bowls and slices of pie and cake. Collect a takeaway lunch and go down to sit on the stoney beach, with an ice cream from The Creamery (on the right on the way to the beach) where they serve all kinds of flavours imaginable.

Thursday

Powderham Castle
Set on the banks of the River Exe, very close to Exeter, Powderham Castle is a beautifully maintained castle bot inside and out, with many attractions in the grounds and guided tours inside. Every day at 2.30 there are Birds of Prey demonstrations in the gardens, with the chance also to have a go at archery!
The Team Rooms serve cream-teas and light lunches, meaning you can happily spend the whole day at the Castle. It's open to visitors from April to October and admission prices include the Secret Garden, which is home to a great many pets and is a popular picnic area. You can find more details and prices for admission here.

Friday

Dartmoor National Park
The Park covers an area of 368 square miles, with some amazing landscapes and a wide range of set walks if you don't want to just go wandering. The Dartmoor National Park Authority has various centres based around the Park, from which you can get walking details and start circuits or walks to other centres. The website gives online details of all routes so you can plan before you set out, and some good advice on how to prepare for a day in Dartmoor.

Lunch at the Meavy Royal Oak
Situated within the National Park and in the beautiful little village of Meavy, the Royal Oak Inn is a real traditional pub, with flagstone floors, old beams across the ceilings and a large open fireplace. For a hearty lunch mid-walk, check out the website to plan your visit.

Saturday

Beer Quarry Caves
With hour-long conducted tours from 11am every day, the Beer Quarry Caves is a complex network of quarried caves leading into the Beer Stone. Experienced guides relate the history of this quarry and the stone it produced, which was shipped all over the country and incorporated into such buildings as Windsor Castle and the Tower Of London. See their website for prices and times, and photos of what to expect on your visit.

Lunch in Beer
If you walk down the slip-road to the stoney beach at beer, mats are lined along the pebbles in front of a range of shacks serving food and drinks. There are benches to sit on under umbrellas for shade, right next to the working boats on the beach. From hotdogs to soup and bread, it's a great place to grab a seaside lunch, and then explore the town and the art galleries in the area. For information about the village and area see this website.

Sunday

After an activity-filled week, some of you might appreciate a break! A day spent wandering Budleigh Salterton and the surrounding towns and lounging at the beach would be a great way to wind down. But if you're after more excitement...

Crealy Adventure Park
Based near Exeter, Crealy Park has tons to do, from a selection of animals to meet to some wild water and roller-coaster rides. There are restaurants within the park, so you don't have to go hunting for lunch, and visiting on a Sunday means you'll miss many of the crowds that swarm the park on weekdays and Saturdays. If you're visiting in June, weekdays are relatively quiet too. For lots of information on rides and activities at the park, admissions and how to get there, visit their website.