32 By the Dart • Things to do this spring 10 9


Visit Berry Pomeroy Castle this perfect romantic ruin tucked away in a deep wooded valley near totnes has a


colourful history of intrigue. Within the 15th Century defences of the Pomeroy family castle stands the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great elizabethan mansion of the seymours. the mansion was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon - a rival to Longleat and Audley end. But it was never completed and abandoned in 1700. After its abandonment it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, which are still kept alive and kicking in folk tales and rumours of supernatural goings-on today. Visitors can also explore the nearby beautiful woodland followed by a restorative cup of tea in the castle’s café. open weekends only until March 25 when summer daily opening begins. For more info visit www.english-heritage.org.uk


11


Learn about Salcombe’s maritime past at Salcombe Museum


salcombe’s maritime past comes to life in the town’s friendly little museum. Models, paintings, photographs and artefacts tell the story of salcombe’s links with the ships and the sea from ancient times to the second World War. the museum engages younger visitors with hands-on displays, models and pirates’ treasure in the Young sailors corner. the museum also boasts a unique gallery of paintings depicting the famed racing fruit schooners built in salcombe during the 19th century, and an impressive collection of tools, which tell the story of traditional maritime trades. And don’t miss the seabed treasures recovered by divers from the hundreds of shipwrecks that line our coast. salcombe Museum reopens for the season on April 1. It’s then open daily from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. It’s situated in Market street, below salcombe Information Centre. For more info visit www.salcombemuse- um.org.uk


Meet the animals at Totnes Rare


Breeds Farm tucked away behind the south Devon Railway


station at totnes is a real gem of a farm. What started as a collection of farmyard small breeds has gradually grown and now you won’t find smaller pygmy goats or more inquisitive pigs anywhere else locally. totnes Rare Breeds farm offers the chance to be within hugging range of all the animals. In the small animals’ corner, children can hold a guinea pig on their laps, admire the antics of the chinchillas and watch in amazement as gerbils shift mountains of soil. Wizard the eagle owl loves a cuddle and his eight feathered friends can be seen up close and stroked while visitors learn about each of the different species. the farm opens for this year’s season on March 18 and will then be open everyday from 10am to 5pm. For more information visit www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk


12


Be inspired by poetry at Stover


Country Park stover Park, on the outskirts of newton Abbot, contains


more than 114 acres of beautiful woodland, lake, heath and grassland. Interpretation boards, an aerial walkway and bird hide all add to the chances of seeing and identifying the huge variety of wildlife there. An information centre with visitor centre, classroom and rangers’ office is located near the entrance. easy car parking and picnic areas make this a great day out. Be inspired by the ted Hughes Poetry trail with 16 specially designed poetry posts celebrating the great poet and his long-standing links with the natural world of Devon. there’s also a shorter children’s poetry trail which lets families share some of Hughes’ most memorable poems illustrated by Raymond Briggs. For more information see www.devon.gov.uk/stover_country_park


More ideas for Things To Do this year in our May 2016 issue


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