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 Honey, tonic wine and stained glass |
Buckfastleigh Plymouth TQ11 0EE United Kingdom +44 1364 645 500 http://www.buckfast.org.uk |
Founded in Saxon times by King Canute, dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, Buckfast was re-established by Benedictines from France in 1882. The present buildings, including the enormous church, were built by the monks, no more than nine at any one time, and completed in 1932 - truly a labour of love as well as an edifice of great beauty. Famous for their beekeeping, tonic wine and stained glass, the monks welcome visitors to enjoy the Abbey gardens, church, restaurant and various shops, including one in the mill which sells the unique produce of other monasteries around Europe. They sell a wide variety of products, including wines, beers and cordials; cosmetics; linens; food such as biscuits, cakes and cheeses, as well as beeswax and religious items. There is also a retreat facility and venue for conferences and lectures, such as the popular Time Team talk by Mick Aston. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bob Watts |
 Photo: Bob Watts |
 Photo: Dr Scott Arthur |
 Photo: David H Roberts |
 Photo: Judith Coghlan |
 Photo: Rosie Beale |
 Photo: Colin Sansom |
 Photo: LOUIS DALBY |
 Photo: Brian Haslam |
 Photo: Alison |
 Photo: MARK BRYAN |
 Photo: kevin branchett |
 Photo: Matthew  |
 Photo: Gavin Stewart |
 Photo: Cat Hayward |
 Photo: Brian Smith |
 Photo: histman |
 Photo: Audrey Morgan |
 Photo: Carlie Giddings |
 Photo: Norshi16 |
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History, fun and games for kids |
Yelverton Plymouth, Devon PL20 6EY United Kingdom +44 1822 85 3607 |
This National Trust property has an excellent record for providing fascinating events and activities for children. There are dozens of different events each season, so phone for details. Once Sir Francis Drake's Dartmoor home, and containing Drake's Drum (which they say will beat a warning if England is in dire peril), Buckland Abbey is steeped in history. Originally a 13th century Cistercian monastery, whose church is incorporated into the fabric of the house, it now contains many mementos and exhibits devoted to Drake's adventures and achievements. The grounds contain the magnificent monastic barn, craft workshops, herb garden and country walks, plus a new Elizabethan garden under construction. Admission to House & Garden:adult £4.60, child £2.30, family(2+3)£11.50. Grounds only, adults £2.40, child £1.20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kim Precious, Plymouth |
 Photo: Sean Wright |
 Photo: T R I N E |
 Tropical butterflies flying free |
Station Yard Buckfastleigh Plymouth TQ11 0DZ United Kingdom +44 1364 64 2338 |
This fascinating attraction is a landscaped garden, complete with exotic plants, which makes a perfect environment for tropical butterflies to live and breed. Visitors can walk through the enclosed garden and enjoy the colourful butterflies flying freely about. If you wear something colourful, some will even land on your clothes for a closer look. There is a special area where you can see new butterflies at close hand, emerging from a chrysalis, drying off in the warm air, then taking off for the first time. Other creatures can also be observed alongside the butterflies, including terrapins, Koi carp and Costa Rican leaf cutting ants. The Otter Sanctuary runs alongside the Butterfly Farm and a combined ticket may be purchased. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Acres of fun |
Alma Road Plymouth, Devon PL2 3DG United Kingdom |
This huge park is a great place for picnics, having many secluded spots bordered by hedges. The three children's play parks offer fun for all young children and there is a small skate ramp near the Alma Road entrance. There are numerous football pitches and also an extensive putting green where clubs can be hired, or you can bring your own. It's an excellent place for walking dogs and has lots of designated dog bins. The park also offers an adult size keep-fit trail with many pieces of apparatus all round the park. Together with Plymouth's largest diving pool, swimming pool and a sports complex, it's a great place to relax and play, whatever your age. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Ferguson |
 Photo: liz townley |
 Photo: Dom Moore |
 Photo: Val Garland |
 Photo: richcastle |
 Photo: jo thyssen |
 Photo: diegeschichte |
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Woodland walks through 450 Devon acres |
Cockington Plymouth, Devon TQ2 6XA United Kingdom +44 1803 607230 |
Four hundred and fifty acres of beautiful Devon parkland are available for you to enjoy every day of the year. You can take a carriage ride through the park and past the tranquil lakes. There are many woodland walks to stroll through, as well as more formal gardens in the old English style. The Rose Garden and Organic Kitchen Garden are sure to delight anyone with an interest in plants. You can walk through the woods to the quaint Gamekeeper's Cottage or the Norman church and nearby delightful thatched village of Cockington, where you can hire horses to ride the many bridle paths of the country park. The fascinating Cockington Court Craft Centre is also worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ondra Macoszek |
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Lutyens style house |
Brownstone Road, Coleton Kingswear, Dartmouth Plymouth, Devon TQ6 0EQ United Kingdom +44 1803 75 2466 |
Set in a valley amidst the spectacular scenery of the South Devon coast is this Lutyens style house, designed for Sir Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte in 1925. The arts and crafts tradition is reflected in the house, and the interiors are refreshingly modern. Disabled access is restricted to the ground floor. The D'Oly Cartes created the fascinating garden, complete with with trees, spring-flowering shrubs and tender exotics and spectacular views over the ocean. In the spring wild flowers abound amid the rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas. The terraces and walled garden provide summer long interest. Paths descend to a small sea cove below. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stewpond and sailing barge |
St Dominick Plymouth, Cornwall PL12 6TA United Kingdom +44 1579 35 1346 |
Built concurrently with the medieval house are the stewpond and the lovely domed dovecote - now picturesque garden features, once important sources of food. A walk down the valley leads to the quay, a busy river port in Victorian times. A museum here shows the vital role the Tamar River played in the local economy. The restored Tamar sailing barge, Shamrock, is moored here, and local arts and crafts are on sale in the Quay Gallery. From here it's an easy walk to the old estate corn mill, which is once again in working order. Admission:Garden and Mill: adult GBP5, child GBP2.50, family GBP7.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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From desert to jungle - in Cornwall |
Bodelva Plymouth, Cornwall PL24 2SG United Kingdom +44 1726 81 1911 http://www.edenproject.com |
In a 50-metre deep crater, the size of 35 football pitches, are two gigantic geodesic conservatories—the largest in the world. Inside is the most ambitious environmental project that the UK has ever seen. Each biome is a wealth of different climate zones, from arid desert to steamy jungle, complete with thriving plants. Their mission is to promote the understanding of the vital relationship between people and plants and help us understand how to manage our resources responsibly. They use many fascinating displays to achieve this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dion Crannitch |
 Photo: Dion Crannitch |
 Photo: BRENDA HARE |
 Photo: almostailsa |
 Photo: V Wragg |
 Photo: Rowan Castle |
 Photo: winningpostimages |
 Photo: Anika Rothe |
 Photo: Jonathan Tweed |
 Photo: twjhowell@btinternet.com |
 Photo: Derek Chaplin |
 Photo: Gary Crutchley |
 Photo: Robert MacDonald |
 Photo: Peej Harding |
 Photo: ZzzZs/Zsolt Villas |
 Photo: jeremybeddows |
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Time warp garden |
Southside Street Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LA United Kingdom +44 1752 26 4849 |
This delightful little garden is an oasis of tranquility in a sea of shoppers and tourist activity,in a street that was new in the 16th century, when wealthy merchants built their houses here. Although a popular tourist stop it is tucked away, and can be quiet and completely empty even on a hot August day. Very low box hedges contain beds of colorful flowers and fragrant herbs in the old Elizabethan manner. Underfoot are cobbled paths and areas of old slate. Stone seats are very welcome to the weary shopper, although unfortunately this is not a place for those whose mobility is limited, as there are lots of stone steps and no room for ramps. Relaxing beside the cooling fountain, it is easy to think yourself back in Elizabethan Plymouth. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Brett |
 Photo: david a steele |
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In a monastery garden |
Buckland Monachorum Yelverton Plymouth, Devon PL20 7LQ United Kingdom +44 1822 85 4769 |
Set in a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, this beautiful garden was created by the late Lionel Fortescue in the grounds of the romantic ruins of a 16th century monastery. Terraced slopes and walled gardens are the setting for a fine collection of herbaceous perennials and ornamental shrubs. Climbers clothe the stone walls, while many herbaceous plants are laid out beneath, with great attention to colour and form. Keith Wiley, the present occupant, has maintained Fortescue's garden and expanded it outside the walls, where a flower meadow is being established. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Howes |
 Photo: Markles55 |
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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 |
 Cornwall's grandest house |
Lanhydrock Plymouth, Cornwall PL30 5AD United Kingdom +44 1208 7 3320 |
The grandest house in Cornwall, Lanhydrock dates back to 1620 when a square plan house was built. Of this house only the magnificent granite gatehouse survives as it was. Today it is mainly the fine 19th century house that visitors see, with 49 rooms on show, giving an extraordinary glimpse into the life of a Victorian country house, including the state rooms, the children's nursery wing and the fascinating warren of kitchens, larders and sculleries "below stairs". The house can be seen in the movies The Three Muskateers and Twelth Night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spectacular Cornish gardens |
Lanhydrock Plymouth, Cornwall PL30 5AD United Kingdom +44 1208 7 3320 |
Lanhydrock is set in 450 acres of woods and parkland running down to the River Fowey, and is lovely in all seasons. Formal Victorian gardens surround the house, and climbing the hillside are 30 acres of wooded higher gardens with a superb collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, making a glorious spring display, plus other rare trees and shrubs. There is a unique circular herbaceous garden and a famous avenue of ancient beech and sycamore trees runs down towards the Fowey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter White (dohger) |
 Photo: Liz Walker |
 Photo: Stuart Craig Madden |
 Photo: Balliolman |
 Photo: Andrew Eberlin |
 Photo: Duncan Walker |
 Photo: Lance |
 Photo: Carmen Seaby |
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Enchanting, enchanted time capsule |
Pentewan St Austell Plymouth, Cornwall PL26 6EN United Kingdom +44 1726 84 5100 http://www.heligan.com |
The site of the largest garden restoration in Europe, these enchanted and enchanting gardens cover some 80 acres of glorious pleasure grounds plus a superb complex of walled gardens and a large productive vegetable garden, all being returned to their former glory as a working museum of 19th century horticulture. At the end of the 19th century the Tremayne family's thousand acres gardens were flourishing, but only a few years later brambles and ivy were already turning them into the Cornish equivalent of Sleeping Beauty's gardens. The award-winning garden restoration is already internationally acclaimed, and a must-see place for every visitor to Cornwall who has at least half a day to spare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Dolan |
 Photo: Conny Liegl |
 Photo: Clare Sewell |
 Photo: Ironmonger |
 Photo: Mark Liebenberg |
 Photo: Christopher Richardson |
 Photo: banksider |
 Photo: Roger Meggs |
 Photo: garth wyles |
 Photo: steph_govier22 |
 Photo: Jeff Walker |
 Photo: Bladewood |
 Photo: Mary Gerard |
 Photo: G. Hicks |
 Photo: Veronique |
 Photo: Paul Jervis |
 Photo: Stephen King |
 Photo: matstace |
 Photo: Andy Laidlaw |
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Eccentric scientist's extravaganza |
Sharpitor Plymouth, Devon TQ8 8LW United Kingdom +44 1548 84 2893 |
Taking its name from the scientist, Otto Overbeck, who lived here between 1928 and 1937, this elegant Edwardian house is now a museum containing Overbeck's eclectic collections of shells, photographs, drawings, model boats, toys, curios, and displays on local maritime history and wildlife. There is also a secret room especially for children, with dolls, tin soldiers and other toys, plus a ghost hunt.Outside there is a lovely subtropical garden with many rare plants, trees and shrubs. Fromhere there are spectacular views over the estuary creeks and beaches to Salcombe, which looks like a toytown in the distance. Wheelchair access (not garden): Ground floor, shop & tea-room, accessible by ramp into museum. Braille guides to museum for adults and children; also Braille ghost hunt certificate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Anyone for bowls? |
Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom +44 1752 30 4849 |
This green plateau is an excellent place to watch the ships in Plymouth Sound. There are many interesting landmarks on the Hoe, including three war memorials and a large statue of Francis Drake, whose game of bowls there is legendary. Also re-erected here is the spectacular Smeaton's Tower, Plymouth's famous lighthouse. On the east side of the Hoe is the vast Citadel, built by King Charles II to defend the port. A later edition, Plymouth Dome, is a high tech time capsule of Plymouth through the ages. There is no sand below Plymouth Hoe, just a pebbly beach at the very far end. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jo Thyssen |
 Photo: Photo: Anthony ROSENDO |
 Photo: Chris Jakeway |
 Photo: Furlow Roth |
 Photo: techiedog |
 Photo: Andrew Green |
 Photo: Christian Allinger |
 Photo: Nik Allen |
 Photo: Tammy Wright |
 Photo: Nick Gilchrist |
 Photo: Roy Grove |
 Photo: Liam Kelly |
 Photo: laconic94 |
 Photo: Chris Parker |
 Photo: Matt Roberts |
 Photo: Mija Jope |
 Photo: Zeta Brigden |
 Photo: Jo Hsll |
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George II mansion |
Plympton Plymouth, Devon PL7 1UH United Kingdom +44 1752 33 3500 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
A remarkable George II mansion whose landscaped park overlooks the Plym estuary, Robert Adam worked here on two occasions to create the magnificent state rooms. There are gorgeous Adam ceilings throughout, and three rooms have exquisite hand painted Chinese wallpaper. The original contents also include Chippendale furniture, Wedgwood ceramics and many portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Angelica Kaufman. A very popular feature is the Great Kitchen, where authentic 18th century banquets are sometimes prepared. Saltram is often seen on film and TV and was Norland Park in the film Sense & Sensibility. A spectacular Jazz Picnic is held here every summer. Admission: adult £6, child £3. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Goddard |
 Photo: Nick King |
 Photo: Markles55 |
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Landscaped park with ha-ha |
Plympton Plymouth, Devon PL7 1UH United Kingdom +44 1752 33 3500 |
There's much to enjoy at Saltram, with beautiful gardens near the house and many walks through the 18th century landscaped parkland. Here you can explore the orangery and the garden follies, which include Fanny's Bower and the Castle; follow the tree trail to identify some of the many magnificent specimen trees, and walk by the river. There's an art gallery in what was the private chapel for the family, a licensed restaurant in the house and tearooms and gift shop in the stables. Visiting the parkland is free, and a great place for dog-walking. There is a shaded "dog park" near the stable block entrance, with dog bins installed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: RachelCreative |
 Photo: Nick King |
 Photo: clicks_1000 |
 Photo: Trevor Lockyer |
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Stannary town |
Tavistock Tourist Information Centre Town Hall, Bedford Square Plymouth, Devon PL19 0AE United Kingdom +44 1822 61 2938 |
This ancient stannary (tin-assaying and tin-marketing) town lies on the southwest edge of Dartmoor National Park, about 24 km (15 miles) north of Plymouth. It gets its name from the River Tavy, on which it lies, and 'stock', which indicates that it became a prominent agricultural market for the area nearly a thousand years ago, when a Benedictine Abbey was founded. It is the largest town in West Devon and still flourishes, being full of interesting shops, a fine market, riverside park, leisure centre and arts centre. The town buildings are composed mainly of local stone and it is a great base for exploring the beautiful rolling countryside around it, the grandeur of Dartmoor and nearby places of interest, such as Morwellham Quay and Cothele. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Goodwin(jgoodwin.co.uk) |
 Photo: Jonathan Goodwin(jgoodwin.co.uk) |
 Photo: christine duncan |
 Photo: Ronto |
 Photo: Rachael Nash |
 Photo: malsain_infinity |
 Photo: Robin Macartney |
 Photo: theagenceyewear |
 Photo: david madden |
 Photo: Clarisse Carvalho |
 Photo: nueva castille |
 Photo: Cornwall Search and Rescue Team. |
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Garden landscaped by Repton |
Carew Pole Garden Trust Anthony Plymouth, Cornwall PL11 2QA United Kingdom +44 1752 812191 |
Overlooking the River Lynher, the parkland of Antony was landscaped by Humphrey Repton and has fine gardens, which include the National Collection of Day Lilies and lovely summer borders. The Woodland Garden, also laid out by Repton in the late 18th century, features outstanding displays of camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and other flowering shrubs, as well as many fine specimen trees, both native and exotic. There are also natural woodlands bordering the tidal shores of the river, with a number of walks. Review © 2007, Wcities |