Find the nearest Landscapes & Nature in Devon
Our Landscape and Nature category brings all Coast Radar’s Devon listings related to looking for something to do or a place to visit together where they offer some form of the countryside or coast path based activity.
Finding the best things to see and do on a Devon day out with your family or friends is easy – simply explore the countryside or coast path activity links below, hit the jump to my location button or use the search bar to plan your next Devon activity.
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- Morte is a spectacular coastline of cliffs and coves, sandy beaches, dunes and headlands, important for its wildlife, archaeology and geology. Just some of the places to visit include:Baggy Point – Rocky headland marking the southern end of Woolacombe Bay above the surf haven of Croyde. Three mile stretch of golden sand lying between Mortehoe and Baggy Point. Mortehoe and Morte Point – Gorse and heather covered headland to the north of Woolacombe Bay. Torrs Walk to Rockham Bay – Coastline to the east of Morte Point, with small coves, outcrops and jagged slate cliffs.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Tarka Trail is a figure-of-eight route, based on Barnstaple, and covers some 180 miles (290 km) of path through North and Mid Devon, from the Atlantic Coast, the estuaries of the two rivers of Tarka, the Rivers Taw and Torridge through rural Devon Countryside. Passing through the largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first published in 1927. The Tarka Trail is one of the country’s longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths, and forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route.
- Hound Tor is a good example of a heavily weathered granite outcrop. Thought to derive its name from the shape assumed by the blocks on the summit that have been weathered into forms resembling the heads of dogs peering over the natural battlements. To the south-east of the tor, on a north-eastern-facing slope are the remains of Hundatora, a deserted medieval village, which was excavated between 1961 and 1975. It has four Dartmoor longhouses, many with a central drainage channel, and several smaller houses and barns. The three grain storage barns appear to have been adapted to include corn dryers, indicative of the deteriorating climate which led to the abandonment of the settlement by 1350.
- The Gnome Reserve and Wild Flower garden was founded in 1979 and contains 4 acres split equally between woodland and wild flower garden. The 1000+ Gnomes are distributed about the whole site. Also see how gnomes are made and view some antiques. Facilities include shop, refreshments, toilets, picnic areas. Dogs are welcome on leads.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Hartford Abbey is within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you can wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove.
- 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.
