Devon

Perched on the banks of the River Dart on the edge of Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery with a history dating back to 1018, making it one of the oldest religious sites in England. Though Henry VIII ordered its dissolution in 1539, leaving the abbey in ruins, monastic life was revived in 1881 by a group of French monks. In an incredible feat of dedication, the monks rebuilt the church themselves between 1907 and 1932 using the original medieval foundations, creating a stunning piece of early 20th-century architecture.

Today, visitors can find peace in the church, admired for its mosaics and stained glass, or stroll through the sensory, lavender, and physic gardens. The abbey is also well-known for its signature Tonic Wine, crafted from a recipe introduced in the 1890s. For those visiting, there is a restaurant, a gift shop, and a visitor centre that explores the community's enduring legacy.

Located in Great Torrington in north Devon, Dartington Crystal is the UK's top maker of handmade crystal and the only major glass factory of its kind left in the country. Started in the 1960s, the company brought over expert Scandinavian glassblowers to establish a standard of craftsmanship that is still alive today. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular destination that celebrates over fifty years of heritage.

The best part for visitors is the factory tour, where you can look down from walkways and watch artisans work at the furnace, skillfully shaping molten crystal into beautiful pieces. The visitor centre also tracks the company's history through timelines and audio-visual exhibits. Families can get involved with activities like glass painting, and guests can pick up some glassware from the shop or relax in the cafe to finish their trip.

Perched high on the exposed granite uplands of Dartmoor, Princetown is one of the highest villages in southern England. It exists primarily because of Dartmoor Prison, which was constructed between 1806 and 1809 to house French and American prisoners of war. Pushed forward by Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt, the jail defined the community that grew around it. Over time, the prison also held convicts, conscientious objectors, and soldiers training for D-Day during World War II.

You can dive into this dark history at the Dartmoor Prison Museum, located in an old dairy right outside the gates, with exhibits spanning over two hundred years. The village is also a great starting point for exploring the moor, featuring a National Park visitor centre in a former hotel said to be linked to Arthur Conan Doyle. From the village center, bleak and atmospheric walks lead out in every direction.

Nestled in the quiet Torridge valley just south of Great Torrington in North Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor began as a personal passion project for Lady Anne Berry. After a chance encounter with a famous plantsman inspired her in 1959, she spent years filling the grounds with plants collected from her travels. She eventually gifted the garden to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988, and since opening to the public in 1990, it has become one of the RHS's most celebrated sites.

Covering around sixty-five acres and surrounded by woodland, Rosemoor has something beautiful to see in every season. Visitors can explore two large rose gardens—one of which is dedicated to the Queen Mother—as well as a vibrant Hot Garden, formal borders, a charming cottage garden, and peaceful riverside walks. With its manicured lawns, art sculptures, and a steady stream of events, it's a perfect destination for anyone who loves gardening.

The South Devon Railway is a charming heritage line that winds through the wooded valley of the River Dart, connecting the historic town of Totnes with Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor. Originally built in 1872 as a Great Western branch line, it was eventually closed to regular traffic before being brought back to life by enthusiasts. Now run by a charitable trust, it is the longest-running steam railway in the South West, with much of its seven-mile journey hugging the riverbank and offering beautiful views.

Classic Great Western steam locomotives carry passengers through the Devon countryside, stopping at Staverton station with its traditional signal box. The main hub is at Buckfastleigh, where you'll find the railway's headquarters, a museum, a locomotive workshop, a model railway, and spots for food and picnics. At Totnes Riverside, visitors can enjoy gardens and walks into town, while Buckfast Abbey is just a short trip away for those wanting to make a full day of it.