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Castle Drogo
Drewsteignton,
Dartmoor National Park,
Devon,
EX6 6PB
Tel: 01647 433306
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Castle Drogo stands in an elevated position, towering above the Teign Gorge in Dartmoor. It was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1910 and 1913 for Sir Julius Drewe – a self-made millionaire who named his magnificent new home after one of his ancestors, Drogo de Teigne. Castle Drogo makes a great family day out, as besides the grand manor house castle itself, there are splendid gardens and walks around the attractive Teign Valley. A programme of special events runs throughout the year.
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Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Buckfastleigh,
Devon,
TQ11 0DZ
Tel: 01364 642916
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Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is an enjoyable day out for the whole family. The tropical surroundings of the butterfly farm provide a fascinating opportunity to watch butterflies in their natural environment, while the purpose-built glass enclosure allows visitors to learn about the fascinating life of the otter. There is also a gift shop and café.
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Morwellham Quay
Near Tavistock,
Devon,
PL19 8JL
Tel: 01822 832766
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Situated to the south of Tavistock, close to Dartmoor National Park, Morwellham Quays is based around an historic port and copper mine works on the River Tamar, and brings the industrial and social heritage of this part of Devon to life. The living museum is staffed by costumed extras, who take you through a journey of discovery, learning what life was like for copper mining communities back in the 1860s. An entertaining and educational day out for the whole family.
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The Dartmoor Railway
Meldon Quarry,
Okehampton,
Devon,
EX20 4LT
Tel: 01837 55637
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The Dartmoor Railway operates on a 15-mile stretch of the old Southern Railway line between Crediton and Okehampton and Meldon Quarry in Devon. Taking in some stunning scenery as it climbs 600 feet along the northern fringes of the Dartmoor National Park, The Dartmoor Railway is the ideal way of enjoying the superb views of mid-Devon.
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Buckland Abbey
Near Yelverton,
Devon,
PL20 6EY
Tel: 01822 853607
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Situated on the south western fringes of Dartmoor, the magnificent Buckland Abbey can trace its history back over 700 years, which is represented by a collection of interesting interactive displays. It enjoys a peaceful and secluded setting in the beautiful Tavy Valley, and was once the home of famous seafarer Sir Francis Drake, whose ghost is among those reputed to still haunt the building. Lots of hands-on activities and a programme of events running throughout the year make Buckland Abbey a popular day out for the whole family.
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Museum of Dartmoor Life
West Street,
Okehampton,
Devon,
EX20 1HQ
Tel: 01837 52295
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The Museum of Dartmoor Life has, since it opened in 1982, provided a fascinating insight into the region, its people and their way of life over the last few centuries. The former granary in Okehampton has three floors of exhibits, as well as a gallery for special exhibitions, tearooms and a gift shop.
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The Church House
Widecombe-In-The-Moor,
Dartmoor National Park,
Devon,
TQ13 7TA
Tel: 01364 621321
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The Church House in Widecombe-In-The-Moor is a Grade II listed building dating from the 16 th Century, and over the years it has fulfilled many roles in village life, from a brewery to a school and then the village hall. The two-storey granite building has been restored and preserved by the National Trust, and offers an intriguing insight into the history of this remote part of Dartmoor.
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Dartmoor Wildlife Park
Sparkwell,
Devon,
PL7 5DG
Tel: 01752 837658
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Situated just to the south of Dartmoor National Park, the Dartmoor Wildlife Park is set in 30 acres of glorious Devon countryside and is home to more than 150 species of animals, most notably the superb big cats. It is an excellent way of getting to know some of the world’s most fascinating creatures, and with an adventure playground, picnic area and gift shop, you can really make a day of it here.
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Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast,
Dartmoor National Park,
Devon,
TQ11 0EE
Tel: 01364 645500
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Buckfast Abbey is a handsome monastery in the attractive Dart Valley on the outskirts of Dartmoor. The original monastery was founded in 1018, but the Cistercian Abbey dates from the 12 th Century; it is unusual in that it is the only English medieval monastery restored after Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, and then used again for its original purpose. Buckfast Abbey continues to attract visitors, with half a million people coming to this historic site every year.
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Dartmoor Prison Museum
Princetown,
Devon,
PL20 6RR
Tel: 01822 892130
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Dartmoor Prison stands on a particularly remote part of the moors, close to Princetown. Its isolated setting was chosen as the location of the infamous Dartmoor Prison – originally built during the Napoleonic Wars to house POWs, it was then used to house convicts. The museum is a grisly, yet thoroughly enjoyable insight into the history of the gaol and the prisoners incarcerated within.
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