Dartmouth's strategic naval importance has given the town plenty of history. It was the sailing point for the crusades, a departure point for the D-day landings and is the home to the Royal Naval College, all adding to the towns interesting mix of architecture. Dartmouth's boutiques have something for everyone and don't forget to visit Foss Street to browse its art galleries.

Salcombe boasts some big names and some gorgeous independent boutiques, Quba, Jack Wills & Crew all started in Salcombe and have their original flagship stores here in Salcombe.

A visit to Salcombe isn't complete without a wander down Island Street, try the famous Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, this working street is also home to the chandlers and sail makers you can take a peek in the workshops on your way past.

For those of us who thrive on nature Dartmoor Activity Centre has plenty to offer including horse riding, falconry, fishing and letterboxing an activity that combines problem solving, art and orienting. Other activities are available in alternative locations within Devon such as Stallion Karting and Clay Shooting.

To find out further information please refer to their website as below

South Devon Chilli Farm is based outside the village of Loddiswell. If you love chillies then this is a great place to visit. You can wander among the fruiting chilli within the show tunnel which has a fantastic display of around 200 chilli varieties. Why not sample the sauces, preserves and chocolate made on the farm or stop for a drink or lunch in the farm shop and café.

Dartmoor Zoo is a family owned zoo based just outside Plymouth and set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland. It has a fantastic collection of animals and boasts the widest variety of big cats in the South West of England. Get up close and personal with the animals by taking advantage of the 'Animal Experiences' on offer. It is also the subject of the book and film 'We Bought a Zoo'.

If you want to find out more please refer to their website as below.

Located in Paignton across 2000 acres Paignton Zoo has 2,000 animals, more than anyone else in the South West, with specially designed habitats, it allows you to get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world.

It's a great day out for the kids with its play areas and the Jungle Express train which allows you to get even closer to the action.

For further information please refer to their website as below:

The National Marine Aquarium based in Plymouth is the largest aquarium in the UK and in addition to this has UK's largest single-tank viewing panel. It offers a selection of activities for the family including sleeping with the sharks. Visitor interaction is encouraged, in the kids section, activities include colouring-in sheets, activity sheets, and photo challenges. A fun day out for all the family.

For further information please refer to their site as below:

The China Blue Café is the largest ceramic studio within the South West, it offers a range of pottery to choose from and for those feeling a little more adventurous why not take the opportunity to throw your very own masterpiece. As the name suggests there is a café on site as well as a homeware store. To find out more please see their website below:

Coleton Fisharce

A truly beautiful place Coleton Fishacre is an art deco 1920's country retreat providing enticing glimpses out to the sea. The house maintains its original features, and most of the rooms are open to the public including the servant's quarters allowing you to appreciate both the 'Upstairs & Downstairs' experience. The gardens are also very impressive offering a wide variety of planting form the traditional English to the subtropical. A place not to be missed.

Greenway house and garden

This relaxed and atmospheric house set in the 1950's was once the home of the author Agatha Christie and her family. The house is filled with many of the family extensive collections including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books.

Outside you can discover the woodland garden which drifts down the hillside towards the Dart Estuary.

Overbecks Museum and Garden

A hidden paradise of subtropical gardens, Overbeck proximity to the sea and the shelter of the surrounding woodland encourage an almost Mediterranean like climate making it a home to an astonishing and eclectic plant collection. Overbeck was the home of the famous eccentric inventor and collector Otto Overbeck. See Otto's electrical rejuvenator, which was all the rage from 1920 to 1940.

Saltram House & Garden

A refined Georgian mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth. Complete with all the original décor and period furnishings it is a splendid example of a preserved Georgian house and well worth a visit.

It also offers fun for all the family with a seasonal programme of events and activities for children.

For those of us who don't know Saltram House was used as one of the locations setting for the film Sense and Sensibility made in 1995. It is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a maid who was murdered and a young child.

For further information please see the website below: