20things to do this Summer


Summer holidays are FInally here and the whole of South Devon is bursting with fun things to do. Here’s a selection of some of the best on offer, come rain or shine.


1 Paignton Zoo


With more than 2,000 animals – and now one very smelly plant – Paignton Zoo is a great day out for young and old. The zoo is split into six zones, mimicking different habitats including wetlands and savannahs. It also has a Jungle Express train and indoor play areas. And this summer they have daily birds of prey shows, courtesy of the Devon Bird of Prey Centre. Oh yes, and a plant which smells of rotting meat! The three metre-high Titan Arum – dubbed corpse flower due to its distinctive odour – has recently bloomed. Its smelly flowering has made national and international news. Get down there quick to smell what all the fuss is about! For more information see www.paigntonzoo.org.uk


2 Visit Dartmoor


Dartmoor National Park’s landscape is fantastic and dramatic and a great day out. Striking granite tors, steep wooded river valleys and swathes of heather covered moorland all create backdrops to stunning walks. There are also plenty of places to refresh, from ice cream vans selling lollies and hot chocolate to the wonderfully isolated Warren Inn on the Moretonhampstead to Princetown road. Visitor centres at Haytor and Princetown have tons of information and maps to enjoy the moor safely – by foot, car, bike or horse. There are also plenty of buses, which you can board and unboard at different points en route. For moor information see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk


©David gearing 3 River Dart Country Park


On the edge of the Dartmoor town of Ashburton, River Dart Country Park is set in 90 acres of beautiful woods, parkland and lakes, with the River Dart flowing through the middle. Children young and old can play at the pirate ship lake, assault course, spider’s web and play fort. Extra ‘dare devil’ activities including canoeing, bouldering, zorbing and high ropes are all available with supervision during school holidays. The award-winning campsite is open all summer and gives guests free entry to the adventure park. For more information see www.riverdart.co.uk


Powderham Castle is located in a unique, picturesque setting just outside Exeter, alongside the Exe estuary. Six hundred years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest stately homes. It’s stayed in the same family to this day and is currently home to the 18th Earl and Countess of Devon. The magical setting makes it the perfect venue for lots of summer events including recent music concerts. An outdoor cinema this summer will be showing Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and Top Gun. Themed weeks in August, and a great excuse to dress up, include kings and queens; pirates; knights and dragons; and Robin Hood. For more details and a programme of events see www. powderham.co.uk


4 Powderham Castle events ©Karen Courtenay


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