Love Like a Local - Family Favourites

Guest Blog Post - Organised Jo

Sunny south Devon in my eyes is one of the most glorious places to live and visit. With glorious beaches and the rough rugged landscape of the moors only less than hour in the other direction, South Devon offers you so much to do. Whether you are looking to unwind and chill out or make memories with the family, there is something for everyone.

I grew up in South Devon, mainly in the Teignmouth area, and I have amazing memories of spending hazy summers on the beach and swimming in the sea. Teignmouth has come a long way, and now with its range of shops and cafes it has grown up from just being a bucket and spade town. For me, Teignmouth is still all about the beach. As a family now we enjoy spending time in their great play park on The Den then a walk up to the pier to play the 2p machines. And if we are still around when it's time for the sun to set we head to the back beach. Grab some fish and chips on the way and sit there and watch the sun set up the River Teign over the moors.

If you have time during the day I also highly recommend a trip on the oldest ferry in the U.K. You get picked up from the back beach and taken over to the little quaint village of Shaldon. Here you can find more independent shops and cafes, or if you fancy an explore you can go on a hunt for the Smugglers Beach that can only be accessed through a tunnel under the Ness.

Now further down the coast is another place we like to visit for shopping. The Royal Naval town of Dartmouth provides a more upper class shopping experience and cafe culture but it is a great place to watch the world go. If you are visiting with children then you must have a go at catching a crab or two from the River Dart.

If a trip up a river is your thing then hop on the River link ferry from Dartmouth for a slow meander up the River Dart to Totnes. Along the way you will be able to see Greenway, the holiday home of Agatha Christie as well as the quaint riverside villages of Dittisham and Stoke Gabriel. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the vineyards of Sharpham that can be seen climbing the hill. One of my favourite things to do on this trip is spot my dream house, it changes every time we go.

A favourite day out for us is a visit to the Buckfastleigh steam train. The train runs between Totnes and Buckfastleigh with a stop at Staverton. This trip though is not only just about the trains. Pack a picnic and make the most of the activities at either end. When at Totnes, cross over the tracks and visit the Rare Breeds Farm, where you can get hands on with the animals. The goats are very entertaining when you have a handful of food. At the Buckfastleigh end of the line you can also pay a visit to the Butterfly and Otter sanctuary. The keepers in the Otter sanctuary are full of knowledge about their little furry animals and the sequels of delight that can be heard at feeding time will bring a smile to your face.

Even though I have lived in South Devon all my life, we never run out of things to do. It is packed with new adventures and the most delicious ice creams and cream teas at every turn. Regardless of what the weather is doing there is always something to do. If you haven't visited South Devon before, you really must stop by. You won't regret it and many a happy memory will be made.

Organised Jo is a lifestyle blogger who has lived in South Devon all her life. Jo, her husband and two daughters, love spending family time travelling around South Devon, visiting old favourites and finding new places. Jo's blog, Organised Jo, started in January 2016 and it's where she shares her tips on how to try and organise the busy working life of a working parent. Organised Jo can be found at www.organisedjo.co.uk