Devon & Cornwall
Places of Interest - Days Out in and around South Devon and the English Riviera
Whilst in South Devon and the English Riviera...
While visiting this part of the country you’ll be amazed by how beautiful the coastal scenery is. From the beaches of Torquay and Paignton to the picturesque harbours at Dartmouth and Kingsbridge South Devon and the English Riviera offer a wonderful day out for all of the family.
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is home more than 3000 amazing animals all housed in 80 acres of natural habitat and includes lions, tigers, gorillas, elephants and rhinos. New in 2008 was The Crocodile Swamp featuring the world’s most aggressive crocodile, the world’s largest crocodile and the world’s longest snake! As well as the thousands of animals, there’s a miniature train ride, a wobbly jungle bridge in Lemur Wood, indoor and outdoor play areas, keeper talks and feeding times, places to eat and places to sit. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.
How to get there: There is a bus stop right outside the zoo so getting there by bus is so easy. If travelling from Torquay or Totnes take service X80 or X81 which between them offer up to 2 journeys an hour. If travelling from Plymouth, Lee Mill, Ivybridge or Dartington take the X80.
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk (opens in a new window)
Living Coasts
Living Coasts is an innovative coastal zoo and discovery centre where you can take a journey around the coasts of the world and see amazing animals and plants in specially-designed naturalistic habitats. It is an educational and scientific charity dedicated to conserving our global wildlife heritage and inspiring its visitors to have a life long respect for animals and the environment. At Living Coasts, you’ll see birds and mammals in specially-designed naturalistic habitats including Penguins and Fur Seals. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.
How to get there: Living Coasts is just a short walk from Torquay Town Centre where services X80 and X81 drop off and pick up from (Torquay Strand stop). If traveling from Totnes or Paignton catch either the X80 or X81 which between them offer up to 2 journeys an hour. If traveling from Plymouth, Lee Mill, Ivybridge or Dartington take the X80 which offers up to 1 journey an hour.
www.livingcoasts.org.uk (opens in a new window).
Princess Theatre, Torquay
The Princess Theatre first opened its doors on Wednesday 7th June 1961. Top of the bill on the opening night were the late, great Tommy Cooper and the legendary Morecambe and Wise! Since then the theatre has been home to a wide range of artistes and acts from Jim Davidson and Westcountry legend Jethro to west end productions of Chicago and Grease.
The 2009 line up looks not to disappoint with performances planned including ABBA Mania (August), Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (September) and Evita (November & December). Please visit the website for full details of the 2009 programme.
How to get there: The Princess Theatre is situated on Torquay promenade and services X80 and X81 drop off and pick up right across from the theatre. If traveling from Totnes or Paignton catch either the X80 or X81 which between them offer up to 2 journeys an hour. If travelling from Plymouth, Lee Mill, Ivybridge or Dartington take the X80 which offers up to 1 journey an hour.
www.princesstheatre.org.uk (opens in a new window).
Dartmouth
Dartmouth is a beautiful historic waterside town full of varied and specialist shops and some quaint little restaurants and bistros. A walk along the cobbled embankment past the harbour to Bayard’s Cove is a must with such striking scenery. Dartmouth’s Music Festival is a popular annual event and 2009’s festival takes place from 8th - 10th May which features an eclectic mix of local and international talent performing everything from jazz and folk to rock and funk. Dartmouth’s Royal Regatta is well known across the region. In 2009 the event takes place from 27th - 29th August and will feature over 200 craft of different sizes, from Yachts to Dinghies competing in over 15 events. Please visit the websites for details of the 2009 events.
How to get there: The Mayflower Link service 93 operates between Plymouth, Brixton, Modbury, Kingsbridge, Slapton and Dartmouth and offers an hourly day time service from Monday to Saturday and 4 journeys on Sunday.
www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk/2009 (opens in a new window).
www.dartmouthweek.com (opens in a new window)
Dartington Cider Press
In recent years Dartington Cider Press has expanded into a unique visitor centre with fifteen shops, eating places and workshops set in a village atmosphere. The centre offers an eclectic collection of fine foods, glass, traditional crafts, jewellery, pottery, books, toys, stationery, gifts, kitchenware and world crafts. It is open 7 days a week. At weekends and on special days throughout the year, the Centre comes alive with street entertainment such as music, singing, juggling and face painting. The centre also holds exhibitions in its Craft and Design Shop and Glass Gallery plus children’s events and book signings. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.
How to get there: Service X80 links Dartington with Plymouth, Ivybridge, Totnes, Paignton and Torquay and offers an hourly weekday daytime service and six journeys on Sundays. There are bus stops directly outside the Centre on Shinners Bridge.
www.dartington.org/cider-press-centre (opens in a new window)
