North of England
Scotland
Lower Moorwood, a delightful single-storey annex near the town of Bovey Tracey, in Devon. Perfect for families or friends, this abode features a hot tub, enclosed patio, open-plan layout and proximity to Dartmoor National Park.
After parking the car on the off-road driveway, guests are welcomed by far-reaching views that stretch across the surrounding Devon hills. The peaceful setting sets the tone for a relaxing stay, with birdsong and fresh air greeting you before you even step inside.
The property’s rustic stone exterior adds a charming countryside character, hinting at the comfort within. Step into the wide entrance hall, where wooden flooring flows through to the open-plan living space, creating a warm and cohesive feel.
The kitchen, dining and sitting areas blend seamlessly, inviting guests to settle in. Prepare meals using the twin ovens and induction hob, then gather around the dining table for hearty suppers and conversation.
The corner sofa offers a cushy spot to unwind with a book from the shelf, while the slimline dishwasher and washing machine are tucked away for convenience. Biomass heating and solar energy keep the space warm and eco-friendly throughout your stay.
Wander through the hallway to discover four bedrooms, each thoughtfully arranged for comfort and privacy. The first king-size bedroom offers a walk-in shower, basin and WC, ideal for refreshing after a countryside walk.
A King-size room also features an en-suite with walk-in shower, while another king-size bedroom boasts a wet room-style en-suite, perfect for guests with accessibility needs. The twin room opens directly to the outside, ideal for early risers or those seeking a quiet moment in the morning sun.
Please note, the twin room does not have its own shower and guests will need to use one of the en-suites. A cloakroom with basin and WC completes the interior layout.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Lower Moorwood, with real driving times.
Sat nav: PL7 5FB
A charity-run zoo on the edge of Dartmoor, with a breeding programme and the story behind We Bought a Zoo.
Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo just north of Sparkwell, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It is run by a charity that focuses on conservation, education and research, and it belongs to BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Sat nav: TQ4 7EU
An 80-acre Devon zoo with tigers, gorillas and giraffes, plus play areas, gardens and indoor habitats.
Paignton Zoo covers 80 acres of animal enclosures and gardens, and most families spend a full day here. You can follow the four zones (Wetlands, Islands, Grasslands and Rainforests), catch the daily talks and feeding sessions, and wander through nature trails in Clennon Gorge wildlife reserve.
Tip: Book tickets online ahead of your visit to save money.
Sat nav: EX15 2PE
Ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery at this family-friendly Devon park.
Diggerland is a theme park where children and adults can ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery. The Devon park is in Cullompton, and the whole line-up runs to around 20 rides and drives.
Tip: Check the ride height chart on the Diggerland website before you go, so you know which rides each child can enjoy.
Sat nav: EX6 6PB
Lutyens designed England's last castle, a granite home above the Teign Gorge with gardens and walks.
Castle Drogo is a country house and mixed-revivalist castle near Drewsteignton, built between 1911 and 1930 and known as the last castle built in England. Edwin Lutyens designed it for Julius Drewe, the founder of the Home and Colonial Stores. It is built of granite and overlooks the Teign Gorge. The castle is Grade I listed and the gardens are Grade II* listed.
Tip: The car park has limited spaces, so if it is full, come back another time rather than parking along the drive, which blocks farm vehicles.
Sat nav: PL4 0LF
See over 5,000 sea creatures in Plymouth, from local sharks and rays to Caribbean reef fish and jellyfish.
The National Marine Aquarium sits in Sutton Harbour, near the Barbican in Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity, and is split into four zones: Plymouth Sound, Eddystone Reef, Atlantic Ocean and Blue Planet. You'll see local sharks, rays and octopus, a jellyfish exhibit, and a huge Atlantic tank holding around 1,000 Caribbean fish, with lemon and sand tiger sharks.
Tip: Pre-book your tickets online, as entry can't be guaranteed without a booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
Sat nav: TQ9 7DQ
Devon's largest theme park mixes water rides, a zoo farm and big indoor play areas, whatever the weather.
Woodlands is a family-owned, all-weather theme park on the A3122, about 5 miles from Dartmouth in South Devon. It covers over 90 acres, with 16 rides, around 500 animals and several play zones, each with its own rides and attractions. There are water rides, a zoo farm and a falconry display with over 50 birds of prey.
Tip: Not every ride runs every day, so check the park's website for opening times and which rides are open before you set off.
Sat nav: EX1 1EZ
A near-thousand-year-old Gothic cathedral with the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world.
Exeter Cathedral has stood at the heart of Devon for nearly a thousand years. Its Norman towers and Decorated Gothic interior are topped by the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world. Inside you can see the 15th-century Astronomical Clock and an early set of misericords, and guided floor tours and audio guides help bring the building to life.
Tip: Head for the Treasures Exhibition tour or a guided floor tour, both included in standard admission, though floor tours are subject to availability.
Sat nav: EX6 8JQ
A Courtenay family home on the Exe estuary, with Victorian additions, grand interiors and historic parkland.
Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house six miles south of Exeter, on flat ground beside the Exe estuary. The medieval core dates from after 1390, and the house was extended and altered in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has been home to the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon, for centuries.
Tip: The main public entrance gates are in the village of Kenton, so head there rather than to the castle's other side.
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
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