Overlooking the dramatic Teign Gorge, Castle Drogo is a spectacular building with a wealth of history to go with it, and beautiful gardens to explore.  While it’s currently undergoing a conservation project, it remains open so that you can explore and learn about it’s fascinating story.  Outside, discover the beautiful Lutyens-designed terraced garden with dramatic views of Dartmoor, and see the quaint miniature gardens that go with it.  Beyond the castle there is the Teign Valley with its ancient gorge and magnificent wildlife, and after all that exploration there’s a cafe to refuel in with a traditional Devon cream tea.  Dogs are welcome.

Click Here for further information

An enchanting 5-acre woodland garden on the edge of the Dartmoor famous for National Collections of Birch trees and Alder trees and the annual ‘Mythic Garden’ sculpture exhibition.

Stone Lane Gardens Chagford  TQ13 8JU (T: 01647 231311)

In the picturesque valley of the River Bovey, experienced guns and beginners can both enjoy a great day’s shooting with tuition, clay pigeons and pheasant shooting all available.  Driven game shooting, falconry displays, hunting with hawks, working with gun dogs, preparing game for the oven, clay pigeon shooting, good food and good company are all available, set between Moretonhampstead and Manaton deep in the heart of The Dartmoor National Park. 

Click here for further details 

One of Devon's most prominent Art Galleries, Green Hill is attracting the attention of some of the most respected South West Artists with names such as Peter Randall-Page, Susan Derges, and Peter Stiles exhibiting in the Gallery's large attractive contemporary space.  While you’re there find out about the rich history of the area in the Heritage Centre or pick up a unique souvenir or gift from the shop. 

Green Hill Arts 23 Fore Street, Moretonhampstead TQ13 8LL (T: 01647 440775)

Famed as the last working water powered forge in England, Finch Foundry gives an insight into Dartmoor’s industrial past.  With three water wheels powering hammers, sheers and sharpening stone, this was the basis of one of the South West’s most successful factories in the 1800s, and in visiting there’s the opportunity to learn about the lives of the workers as well as the enterprising Finch family to which it belonged. Parking is free and there’s also a shop and tea room available.

Click Here for further information

A relaxed restaurant with a bohemian atmosphere serving gourmet pizzas along with daily specials, salads, coffees, cakes and cream teas. 

The Birdcage 11 The Square, Chagford TQ13 (T: 01647 433883)

You'll find an absolute treasure trove of delicious Dartmoor food and drink at Black's Deli including excellent local cheeses, home-made quiches, pies, pasties, soup and so much more.  The perfect place to stock up for your holiday cottage or to grab a delicious picnic to keep you going while out on the moor. 

Blacks Delicatessen, 28 The Square, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8AB (01647 433545)

A beautiful thatched Devon Inn complete with stone walls, inglenook fireplaces and beamed ceilings as well as a stylish courtyard dining area and cosy lounge and bar.  The menu is full of well-cooked classics using the best locally sourced ingredients.

The Three Crowns High Street , Chagford TQ13 8AJ (T: 01647 433444)

A friendly pub serving excellent locally-sourced food in a relaxed environment.  Here you’ll find delicious freshly made breads, smoked fish and meats all cured in house, as well as an entire menu dedicated to local beef.

The Chagford Inn 7 Mill Street, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8AW (T: 01647 433109)

A light and bright café serving modern British and authentic Italian meals alongside a mouth- watering selection of freshly made cakes, cream teas and coffees.

The Old Forge Café & Restaurant 6 The Square, Chagford, Newton Abbot TQ13 8AB

Sitting at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a traditional British seaside resort with a wide sandy beach backed by Georgian houses and a Victorian pier with amusement arcades and cafes.  The main beach, known as Town Beach, offers acres of sand to play on and sunbathe and if the mood takes you the safe waters are perfect for taking a dip.  The sheltered estuary is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders, and the award winning clean waters are home to plenty of sealife with dolphins spotted occaisionally offshore.  No dogs 1^st May – 30^th September. 

This family friendly Blue Flag beach is the perfect spot for some traditional seaside fun.  The mile and a half long sandy beach with award winning clean waters is backed by sheltered sand dunes and grassland, home to over 600 types of flowering plants and a host of interesting birdlife.  If watersports are your thing you can have a go at surfing or body boarding under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards, or enjoy the many family friendly amusements and rides.  The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, toilets and a choice of restaurants, cafes and bars plus deck chair hire.  Dogs welcome all year round in designated areas.

Exmouth Beach is a bustling two mile stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Exe Estuary backed by a promenade of shops and restaurants.  Old meets new here, with traditional seaside donkey rides, swing boats and crazy golf alongside volley ball courts and a huge selection of modern watersports including jet skis, kite surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. 

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet you can find that here too at the far end of the beach, where there are also some rock pools for children to explore.  Exmouth is known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and its cliffs are teaming with fossils and geological finds.  The coastline is also part of the South West Coast Path with the beach and surrounding cliffs providing some excellent long and short walks. 

Dogs are welcome all year on parts of the beach and on the main beach from October to the end of April. Dog bins are provided.

In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).

Far from the bustling crowds of Paignton and Brixham’s bigger beaches, this small pebbly cove is a truly relaxing spot. The calm waters are great for swimming and are said to have been one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Elberry Cove even features in one of her crime thriller novels, The ABC Murders. This picture-perfect cove, surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides and crystal clear water, can only be accessed by the coast path, with the nearest carpark at Broadsands Beach. From here, it is only a 10 - 15 minute walk, but make sure to pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at Broadsands Beach before you set off, as there aren’t any facilities at here. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year.