2023 South Devon Quiz Answers

Find the answers to our 2023 South Devon quiz below as well as some extra facts and links to find out more! 

1.    In what year did William the Conqueror try to take Exeter?

a)    1066

b)    1076

c)    1086 

William the Conqueror recognised the importance of securing the West Country and tried to take Exeter in 1086 and after an eighteen-day siege, he was allowed to enter upon honourable terms.

The blog post this question relates to is: Medieval History of South Devon

2.    Tunes on the Sands took place in July, but on what South Devon beach?

a)   Dawlish Warren Beach 

b)   Blackpool Sands

c)   Wembury Beach

Tunes on the Sands is set on the beautiful golden sands of Blackpool Sands, it’s hard to find a festival with a more gorgeous backdrop.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top 10 Music Festivals in South Devon

3.    The Exe Estuary is approximately how many miles long?

a)    4 miles

b)    6 miles

c)    8 miles 

Starting at Exeter and meeting the English Channel at Dawlish Warren and Exmouth, the Exe Estuary stretches a massive eight miles and is an important site for wading birds.

The blog post this question relates to is: Wetlands in South Devon

4.   Hemerdon House near Plymouth was built in what century?

a)   17th

b)   18th

c)   19th

Built in the late eighteenth century by the ancestors of the current owners, Hemerdon House contains a wealth of local and family history, with artefacts collected by the family through generations bringing the building back to life.  

The blog post this question relates to is: Stately Homes to Visit in South Devon

5.    Paignton Zoo is spread over how many acres? 

a)   70

b)   80

c)   90 

With dozens of different animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you’re in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo with lots to see and plenty to do. 

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top 5 Family Holiday Destinations in South Devon

6.    Powderkeg Brewery is located in which South Devon village?

a)    Woodbury Salterton

b)    Branscombe

c)    Ashprington

Located in Woodbury Salterton, and sitting on the border of East and South Devon, Powderkeg Brewery is one of the fastest growing craft beer businesses of its kind in the region. 

The blog post this question relates to is:  South Devon’s Best Independent Breweries

7.    Pennywell Farm is arguably best known for which of the following animal experiences?

a)    Otter feeding

b)   Tarantula meet

c)    Piggy cuddles

In the Pennywell Theatre you’re able to take a seat and spend some time cuddling the miniature pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even the teeny tiny mice.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Visit South Devon Takes a Trip to Pennywell Farm

8.    Circa is a restaurant at what South Devon vineyard?

a)   Sandridge Barton

b)   Lyme Bay Winery

c)   Old Walls Vineyard

Sandridge Barton have a small farm shop selling their tantalising range of wines, Sharpham Dairy cheeses and other local produce, plus you can walk around their various woodland and vineyard trails or have lunch in their restaurant, Circa.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Dog Friendly Totnes   

9.    John Hawley, a pirate of the middle ages was mayor of Dartmouth how many times?

a)     6

b)    10

c)    14

A successful and adventurous Dartmouth merchant, John Hawley is a well-known pirate of the middle ages and was actually mayor of the town 14 times, plus elected MP for Dartmouth twice!  

The blog post this question relates to is:  Pirate History of South Devon

10.   Who is the chef/patron of Lympstone Manor?

a)    Rick Stein CBE

b)   Michael Caines MBE

c)    Mitch Tonks

Dining at Lympstone Manor is an exceptional experience in every way. Here in the beautiful fine dining rooms of a Georgian mansion, Michael Caines MBE, chef/patron and one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential chefs, can fully express his vision of modern British cuisine that is fresh, seasonal, original, and exciting.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Michelin Guide Restaurants in South Devon

11. The original Abbey on the site of Buckfast Abbey was founded in what year?

a)    1018 AD

b)    1028 AD

c)    1038 AD

The monastery stands on the site where the original Abbey was founded in 1018 AD, during the reign of King Cnut.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Abbeys and Monasteries in South Devon

12.  What beach did Agatha Christie supposedly claim was her favourite sunbathing spot?

a)    Meadfoot Beach

b)    Elberry Cove

c)    Churston Cove

Interestingly, this beach was much loved by Agatha Christie who claimed it was her favourite sunbathing spot – if it’s good enough for the renowned crime writer, it’s good enough for us! 

The blog post this question relates to is:  You Won’t Believe These Beaches are in South Devon

13.   Hopes Nose on the English Riviera is recognised as what type of area?

a)    Local Nature Reserve

b)    Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

c)    Marine Nature Reserve

At the most easterly point of the English Riviera is Hopes Nose, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the English Riviera Geopark.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top Places to See Seals in South Devon

14.   The Grade II listed Plymouth Lido was built in what year?

a)    1915

b)    1925

c)    1935

Built in 1935 and Grade II listed, there’s plenty of charm to this jewel in Plymouth’s historic waterfront.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Outdoor Pools in South Devon

15.   Bygones is a popular attraction in Torquay. It’s home to a replica street of what era?

a)   Tudor

b)   Georgian

c)   Victorian  

Upon entering the doors at Bygones you’ll be transported back in time to the Victorian era. Wander through the authentic and life-size Victorian street filled with original artefacts, witness the blacksmith hard at work and smell the treats of the sweetshop.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Dog Friendly English Riviera

16.   Which famous author stayed in the building which now houses Dartmoor Visitor Centre in Princetown?

a)    Jane Austen

b)    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

c)    Agatha Christie

You can stop for a bite to eat in Princetown as it boasts a number of great cafés and pubs. It’s also home to Dartmoor Prison and the visitor centre is where famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once stayed so there’s lot to explore here too.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Countryside Walks in and Around Buckfastleigh

17.   Paignton’s historic pier stretches how far out to sea?

a)    240 metres

b)    340 metres

c)    440 metres

Perhaps one of the most prominent landmarks of this seaside town is the historic pier which stretches majestically out 240 metres to sea from the promenade.   

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top 10 Must Visit South Devon Destinations with Railway Links

18.   Simmons Park is located in which West Devon town?

a)    Okehampton

b)    Tavistock

c)    Moretonhampstead 

Simmons Park in Okehampton is a charming oasis of greenery and tranquillity nestled in the heart of the town.

The blog post this question relates to is: Parks in West Devon

19.   Exeter’s Underground Passages were originally built for what reason during the 14th century?

a)    Take sewage away

b)    Bring in fresh water

c)    To smuggle contraband

Beneath the bustling streets of Exeter lies a network of medieval tunnels known as the Exeter Underground Passages. These eerie passages were built to bring fresh water to the city in the 14th century. 

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top 10 Weird & Wonderful Places in South Devon

20.   Historically, Tiverton was primarily known for it’s production of what?

a)    Woollen Cloth

b)     Silk

c)    Linen 

In its heyday (1500-1750), Tiverton was famous for the manufacture of woollen cloth. Thousands found work and merchants grew rich.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Dog Friendly Crediton, Tiverton & Mid Devon

21.   In what year did the Teignmouth Riots occur?

a)    1588

b)    1688

c)    1788

One of the most notable events in Teignmouth's history occurred in 1688 when the town was rocked by the Teignmouth Riots. These riots were sparked by religious tensions between the townspeople, who were predominantly non-conformists, and a group of visiting French Huguenots.

The blog post this question relates to is:  A Brief History of Teignmouth

22.   Smeaton’s Tower is located in which South Devon city?

a)    Exeter

b)    Truro

c)    Plymouth 

Climb to the lantern room of the iconic Smeaton's Tower, perched on The Hoe in Plymouth, and be rewarded with enchanting vistas of this historic maritime town.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Top 10 Viewpoints in South Devon

23.   What is Dartmoor Brewery’s flagship beer called?

a)    Shingle Bay

b)    Gold

c)    Jail Ale 

Established in 1994, Dartmoor Brewery has consistently produced a range of exceptional ales, including their flagship beer, ‘Jail Ale’.  

The blog post this question relates to is:  Breweries in South Devon

24.   The Tar Barrels are a famous Devon event, but in which of the following towns does it take place?

a)    Ottery St Mary

b)    Sidmouth

c)    Honiton 

Ottery St Mary is widely celebrated for its annual Tar Barrels event, a distinctive spectacle that unfolds on Bonfire Night each year. Witness the remarkable sight of flaming barrels rolling through the town, and sometimes even balanced on people's heads.

The blog post this question relates to is:  Where to Watch Fireworks in South Devon this Bonfire Night

25.   Wistman’s Wood is an ancient woodland in what South Devon area?

a)    East Devon National Landscape

b)    Dartmoor National Park

c)    Blackdown Hills National Landscape

Dartmoor is known for its ancient woodlands, and Wistman's Wood is a true gem. This walk begins near Two Bridges and takes you through the hauntingly beautiful Wistman's Wood, a tangled mass of twisted oaks covered in moss and lichen.  

The blog post this question relates to is:  Discover the Best Walks for Frosty Mornings in South Devon

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