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 Weasels and waterfalls |
Manaton Plymouth, Devon TQ13 9UG United Kingdom +44 1647 221259 http://www.beckyfalls-dartmoor... |
This is a privately owned area of outstanding natural beauty. Its sheltered valley has a wide variety of plant and animal life which can be seen by exploring nature trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. To minimise erosion, visitors must keep to the signed trails which offer everything from a gentle 20 minute walk to a tough 200 foot climb requiring stout boots and strong limbs. Goats, lambs, rabbits, ponies and rescued birds of prey can be seen at close quarters, but there is also a chance of seeing otter, mink, badgers, foxes, weasels and stoats in their natural habitat. The cascading waterfalls must not be missed after either picnicking at one of the woodland spots or trying out the fine restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Great beach for shrimping |
Bigbury Plymouth, Devon TQ7 4HT United Kingdom +44 1752 897035 |
Arriving in Bigbury you will have a good view across to Burgh Island, made famous by Agatha Christy in the 30s. If you arrive at high tide and want to get across to the island the only way to get there is by water tractor, towing a modified carriage across to the island. The beach is sandy but swimming is not recommended, due to strong currents at certain stages of the tide. There is a good range of facilities in Bigbury, including toilets and shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Brown |
 Photo: Tim Snell  |
 Photo: 5k1nnyt1g3r |
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Fisherman's delight |
Nr Yelverton Plymouth, Devon PL20 United Kingdom +44 1837 85 5556 |
Burrator Reservoir was built in 1898 and is on the edge of the a Dartmoor National Park. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout. All fishermen must hold the correct EA Rod licence. Buy tickets from the ESSO Garage in Yelverton. The fishing runs from March 15th to October 12th. This is also an excellent place for walking, with footpaths around the lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Ashford (Plymouth, UK) |
 Photo: Neil Ashford (Plymouth, UK) |
 Photo: Jason Nolan |
 Photo: Robert Brimacombe |
 Photo: Steve Brien Plymouth |
 Photo: Tracy Cook |
 Photo: westcountryimages |
 Photo: phillip herdman |
 Photo: nick smart |
 Photo: mighty megx |
 Photo: Simon Hawkings |
 Photo: David Ayres |
 Photo: Scott Sunsburg |
 Photo: Martin Sarosi |
 Photo: Nawtcher |
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Excellent photographic spot |
Dartmoor Plymouth, Devon PL20 United Kingdom +44 1822 890414 |
This is one of the most beautiful spots on Dartmoor, where the East and West Dart rivers meet. It's a popular picnic and photographic site, with many interesting birds, as well as superb scenery. If you go upstream from the road bridge you'll find the remains of a clapper bridge, which is reputed to be 700-800 years old. There are several clapper bridges on the moor, clapper being the old name for a heap of stones. Amongst the bracken on the hillside to the east, you'll find the famous Coffin Stone. This is a natural boulder where coffins were rested on the journey to funerals at Widecombe. They would carve a cross and the deceased initials into the stone while the bearers imbibed liquid refreshment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Grimes |
 Photo: Jennifer Swatton |
 Photo: LizRap |
 Photo: Keith Apps |
 Photo: Frances Foot |
 Photo: George Hawthorne |
 Photo: Keith Gough |
 Photo: Vaughan Brean |
 Photo: dave martin |
 Photo: Geoff Hicks |
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Fulfill your ambition - drive a train |
Bickington Plymouth, Devon TQ12 6JD United Kingdom +44 1626 82 1361 http://www.gorseblossom.com |
This miniature railway and woodland park has mysterious Dartmoor as its backdrop. Set in beautiful woodland, it must be one of the most scenic days out you can enjoy in Devon. You can take a spectacular journey through upspoilt wilderness on these miniature electric and steam trains. The track runs for nearly a mile and rides are unlimited. There is even the opportunity for you to fulfill the lifelong dreams of many -and drive a train yourself. There are many added attractions, including the Once Upon a Time Story Castle, the Dragon Slide, Commando Mouse's Assault Course and model railway displays. When you've had enough of the trains, you can make tracks to the Whistle Stop cafe for refreshments, or enjoy the Woodland Nature Trail.Admission adult £5, child/senior:£4, family (2+3):£18 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enjoy a slower pace of life |
The Wharf Canal Hill Plymouth, Devon EX16 4HX United Kingdom +44 1884 25 3345 http://www.horseboat.co.uk |
If you need a rest from the rat race, here is a way to enjoy a slower pace of life amongst the water lilies - at least for a few hours. This large barge, drawn by a strong Shire horse called Prince, is suitable for all weathers and can accommodate up to 75 people. It is available for varying lengths of trips from one hour to the special three and a half hour trip to Sampford Peverell. The barge is always equipped with tea and coffee and bar facilities, but food can also be ordered for any trip. This is an ideal way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or as a unique mode of corporate hospitality. These trips are very popular, so you need to book in advance. Charges adult from £3.60 for 1 hour-£7.65 for 3 hours, child £1.80 for 1 hour-£5.10 for 3 hours Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bronze Age hut circle |
Challacombe Dartmoor Plymouth, Devon PL20 United Kingdom +44 1822 890414 |
This is the best preserved of the reputed 2,000 sites of prehistoric life to be found on Dartmoor. Settlements were usually found in groups of thatched huts within a stone wall to keep livestock in and wild animals out. At Grimspound the ruined stone wall encloses an area of nearly four acres, with the remains of 24 huts and some cattle pens. The doors are all on the south side to catch the sun and keep out the cold winds that blew from the north. It is very evocative to stand within the ruins of these huts and realize that people lived here 3,000 years ago, weaving, spinning, making pottery and herding animals. It's definitely a spot not to be missed by the serious traveler. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Secluded cove |
Mothercombe Plymouth, Devon PL8 ILB United Kingdom +44 1752 830253 |
Mothecombe is a private beach owned by the Fleet Estate, open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only. The beach has good clean sand and is safe for swimming. At either side of the beach there are rocks with rock pools inhabited by all manner of sea creatures. Between April and the end of September there is no parking on the road but the Fleet Estate provide a field for parking. Ice creams can be bought from a small shop in the parking area, but there are no other facilities in the area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Sylvan walks |
Plym Bridge Road Plymouth, Devon PL7 8BD United Kingdom |
Today Plym Bridge is a quiet and tranquil place, but one hundred years ago it was at the centre of local industry. China clay and granite were mined and transported down to Plymouth by rail. The area is justly popular with Plymothians as well as visitors as there is a choice of walks either by the river or along the cycle path. Either way the visitor will have a refreshing walk. The observant walker may find a trace of the old canal, which pre-dated the railway. The National Trust maintains the whole area and access is free. At the end of your walk you can refresh with an ice cream bought from a mobile van in the car parks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Nolan |
 Photo: nagabhyru |
 Photo: David Johns |
 Photo: Reese Howard |
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Exploring Plymouth's heritage by water |
8 Anderton Rise Millbrook Plymouth, Cornwall PL10 1DA United Kingdom +44 1752 82 2797 |
The following cruises leave from Phoenix Wharf at regular times from May to October, depending on tide and weather: Calstock (4 hours), River Yealm (2 hours) and Devonport Dockyard (1 hour). The dockyard cruise leaves every 30 minutes from 10.45am onwards, and you'll get a good view of the historic Plymouth Hoe and the largest naval dockyard in Europe. Every afternoon a boat leaves for the Yealm estuary. Cruise though Plymouth Sound, enjoying views of Plymouth and beyond, marvel at the cliffs and seabirds on the Mew Stone and find peace in the picturesque Yealm estuary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Johnston |
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Ancient clapper bridge |
Postbridge, Plymouth, Devon PL20 6TH United Kingdom +44 1822 880201 |
Since the 13th century there has been a unique bridge, made out of slabs of granite, over the East Dart at Postbridge. This type of bridge construction is peculiar to Dartmoor. There are others on the moor but the one at Postbridge is the most accessible, and on a sunny day it is well worth a visit. Across the road the local post office sells some of the best ice creams around, just right for refreshing weary walkers. You can also get a well-earned pint just up the road in the East Dart Hotel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: DMBHolidays.com |
 Jetskiing and windgliding |
Goodrington Sands Plymouth, Devon TQ4 6LN United Kingdom +44 1803 5 5550 http://www.quaywest.co.uk |
This is the biggest, best water park in the Southwest, with water heated to 80 degrees. The eight flumes are extensive and other facilities include an under 5s playpool, submarine play area and a swimming pool. There are many other attractions too, including a Grand Prix Go-kart Track, lots of "pay as you ride" amusement rides and refreshment areas. It fronts onto the beach, where you can go jetskiing and waterskiing, sailing, ring-riding and even windgliding. There is a free Seashore Centre where children will enjoy meeting "Shawn the Prawn" and other sea creatures; then they can watch traditional Punch and Judy shows on the beach. Without doubt, this is an outstanding family day out. Admission: adults £6.95, child £5.95, under 42" tall £1.95, family £23. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: < |
 Photo: < |
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Breeding and releasing otters |
North Petherwin Plymouth, Cornwall PL15 8LW United Kingdom +44 1566 78 5646 |
Set in beautiful surroundings, this is an interesting and rewarding place to visit. The otters play happily in large natural enclosures, and can also be seen inside their breeding holts or dens. Visitors can see them fed at noon and 3p. There is an illustrated nature trail, as well as two lakes with many waterfowl, which are fed at 2.30pm. Splendid peacocks and Golden Pheasants, wallabies, Fallow and Muntjac Deer all roam freely. The sanctuary is famous for being the only place in the Southwest breeding and releasing otters to save them from extinction in lowland England. They have bred over 100 otters and released them into the wild, where they and their offspring are breeding well. The centre is also running a Dormouse Conservation Project to help conserve these fascinating little animals. There are also refreshments, a picnic area, Visitor Centre, a gift shop and a free car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sue Houghton |
 Photo: samantha cornes |
 Photo: Paul Gibbons |