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History & Heritage

In South Devon history buffs are in for a treat. From a very rare surviving monastery to the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer and grand country houses with spectacular gardens, South Devon will open up a world of heritage and culture for everyone.

You’ll discover South Devon’s country estates situated in tranquil settings and beautifully managed by a range of organisations keen to preserve their heritage so that visitors to the area and locals can make the most of them for years to come. Most are open for the public to visit, experience and enjoy.

As well as some spectacular country houses you’ll find some imposing castles and forts here in South Devon, bringing to life the conflict and power that has shaped the county. Check out our fascinating museums and galleries, including the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, or why not pop into one of our many theatrical churches or the stunning cathedral in Exeter.

Old buildings aren't everyone’s cup of tea, but there's plenty of history in the landscapes, caves, towns and villages which cover the region. Not forgetting the Iron Age, Bronze Age and Saxon settlements which can be found on Dartmoor and Blackdown Hills AONB. But if that’s still not old enough for you, South Devon is also home to part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site where you can scour the coastline for fossils or delve in the wild past with a trip to the Seaton Jurassic Visitor Centre.

With such an abundance of historical places to visit and activities on offer, don’t forget to visit one of our great museums or ancient ruins to get a real insight into the heritage and history of this wonderful part of the country.

To start discovering the history of South Devon check out the below historical attractions.

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National Trust - Greenway House

Address

Greenway Road, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon, TQ5 0ES

Telephone
01803 842382

greenway@nationaltrust.org.uk

Brixham

Holiday home of the famous author Agatha Christie, take a journey back in time and get a glimpse into her life. The house is where Agatha would spend summers & Christmases, relaxing by the river. Agatha was a great collector, and the house is filled...

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The Stover Canal

Address

Newton Abbot - Teigngrace, Devon

The Stover Canal runs for nearly two miles north from the Jetty Marsh Local Nature Reserve, Newton Abbot to Ventiford Basin, Ley Green, Teigngrace. It is an important part of the local heritage and was significant to the industrial growth of the...

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Custom House Visitor Centre

Address

Exeter Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN

Telephone
01392 271611

customhouse@exeter.gov.uk

Exeter

The Custom House Visitor Centre is in the centre of Exeter's historic quayside & occupies one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront.

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Exeter's Underground Passages

Address

2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1GA

Telephone
01392 665887

upassages@exeter.gov.uk

Exeter

The Passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter. A guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages is a memorable event - narrow, dark, interesting and exciting.

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Exeter City Wall Trail

Address

Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets, Dix's Field, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1GF

Telephone
01392 665700

evit@exeter.gov.uk

Exeter

A superb self-guided tour. Pick up a free leaflet from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets & discover the history of Exeter's City Wall.

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National Trust - Compton Castle

Address

Marldon, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 1TA

Telephone
+441803661906

comptoncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Paignton

Dramatic fortified National Trust manor house dating from 1340-1480, the castle has been lived in by the Gilbert family for most of the last 600 years and is still their home today. Sir Humphrey Gilbert was coloniser of Newfoundland and half-brother...

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The Exe Valley Way

Address

Exeter, EX1 1JJ

Telephone
0870 6085531

tourism@devon.gov.uk

Exeter

The Exe Valley is a long distance route for walkers exploring the length of this beautiful river valley.

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The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas has supported Visit South Devon CIC to develop online destination marketing