Find the nearest Landscapes & Nature in Devon

Burgh Island is a small tidal island off the coast of South Devon in England near to the small seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea. There are several buildings on the island. The island is approximately 270 yards (250 m) from the mainland and is approachable on foot at low tide. At high tide, the sea tractor, which is operated by the hotel, transports pedestrians back and forth. The original vehicle was constructed in 1930; the current, third generation tractor dates from 1969. The vehicle drives across the beach with its wheels underwater on the sandy bottom while its driver and passengers sit on a platform high above. Power from a Fordson tractor engine is relayed to the wheels via hydraulic motors. The island has a network of footpaths.

Bideford Bay and Hartland, coastal area away from the crowds, an excellent location for families and sporting groups. The Bideford Bay shoreline has excellent rock-pooling. With 30 miles of footpaths (14 miles of the South West Coast Path), you have many places to discover around the Hartland Peninsula and Bideford Bay. For off-road cycling (mountain biking) and horse riding there is a fairly challenging bridleway route from East Titchberry to Exmansworthy, Hartland. The bridleway from East Titchberry to Exmansworthy offers views to Lundy and across Bideford Bay to Morte Point. Kite surfers have Westward Ho! beach with seasonal life guards.

Clovelly has a single steep cobbled street that runs down past 16th Century fisherman’s cottages to the harbour. The road is half a mile (0.8km) long but drops some 400ft (122m). Once at the bottom Clovelly harbour is a 13th Century stone quay. Clovelly has not been spoilt by the holiday trade over the years as it is owned by the Clovelly Estate and so you will not find holiday homes but arts and crafts. The car park and visitor centre is at the top of the village and does offer some transport down via back lanes, but the beauty at Clovelly is the walk down to the harbour.

Berry Head, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, is an extensive limestone headland. The near-perpendicular cliffs rise 60m and the constant action of the waves has gouged out huge caverns. The plateau is green with plants, some of which are rare: pink thrift, white sea campion, autumn squill, wild rock rose, goldilocks and honewort. The rocks and cliffs abound with jackdaws, pigeons, kestrels, kittiwakes, gulls and guillemots. Fine views are to be had and it is possible on a clear day to see Portland Bill, over thirty-five miles away. Torbay and Brixham Roads have long been sheltered anchorages, surrounded as they are by high hills and cliffs. Fortifications were erected on the headland in 1793 against threatened invasion by French armies and strengthened with limestone in 1803, when gun batteries were added to protect the anchorages. They were dismantled by 1820 and returned to civilian use, but the ramparts remain, overgrown with ivy.

Undisturbed by cars, the island of Lundy has a small village with an inn, Victorian church and the 13th-century Marisco Castle. The Island has a variety of migratory seabirds, heathland and grassland habitats and the Lundy ponies. Designated the first Marine Conservation Area, Lundy offers opportunities for diving and seal watching.

Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West, with the spectacular 30-metre Whitelady waterfall. Woodland trails through a deep-cut ravine alongside the river Lyd.

The RHS Rosemoor garden has something for everyone. In 26 hectares (65 acres) you have fruit and vegetables to woodland, formal gardens to wildflower meadows and water features to foliage. Often events are held and why not visit the Rosemoor Restaurant, RHS Shop and Plant Centre.

The most southerly point in Devon, a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path with dramatic cliffs, open farmland and secluded sandy coves. Excellent for spotting migratory birds and rare butterflies. Iron Age promontory fort at Bolt Tail and small sandy coves between Salcombe & Prawle.

Hartland Point is a 325 ft (99 m) high rocky outcrop of land on the northwestern tip of the Devon coast. The Hartland Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the point marks the western limit (on the English side) of the Bristol Channel with the Atlantic Ocean continuing to the west.

Glen Lyn Gorge is situated in Lynmouth, is part of Exmoor National Park within a designated sight of special scientific interest. It is the site of the “Power of Water Exhibition” a visitor attraction where people can learn about renewable energy in a stunning natural setting. Learn about the devasting floods that ravaged the town in 1952

Castle Drogo is set above the Teign Gorge at a height of nearly 300 metres with spectacuklar views over the Dartmoor National Park. As well as the castle you have formal gardens and paths through the valley and gorge. The castle facilities include cafe, gift shop and plant centre.