Unique Experiences in South Devon

Whether you’ve been to Devon before or if it’s your first time here, it’s always exciting to do something you’ve never tried before when you’re on holiday. If you enjoy spending your time with animals, fancy doing an activity more exhilarating or something a completely different, there’s plenty of things on offer in South Devon. Take a read of our top picks below.  

Animal Experiences at Dartmoor Zoo  

Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park is Dartmoor Zoo. They have a fantastic collection of animals such as tigers, lions, wolves and monkeys, spread across the entire park and backed by beautiful countryside. If you’re an animal lover, what better experience is there than getting closer than ever before for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? You could meet the tigers, feed the otters, be a Big Cat keeper for a day or enjoy a hands-on reptile and bug experience; that’s just a few of the great experiences Dartmoor Zoo offers!  

Paignton Zoo Experiences 

Paignton Zoo is another attraction in the region that offers hands-on animal experiences. Here you could feed the Giant Tortoise or you could get up close with the beautiful Giraffes. You could even try your hand at being a zoo keeper for the day where you’ll discover what it’s like to be a keeper at Paignton Zoo and see some behind-the-scenes action whilst spending time with the animals.  

See the Bears at Wildwood Escot 

Wildwood Escot is an attraction with plenty of unique experiences! Alongside a 40-metre zip line, a hedge maze and lots of fascinating animals to see, they also offer a Bear Experience where you can meet the two rescued bears and receive behind-the-scenes access. You’ll be able to walk through the enclosure to scatter food, as well as teaching them how to forage for their food. We were invited to try this attraction last year, read about our experience here.  

Piggy Cuddles at Pennywell Farm 

Located near Buckfastleigh, Pennywell Farm is a multi-award-winning attraction jam packed with friendly farm animals, hands-on activities, rides, shows and displays. With a different activity occurring every half an hour, there’s no chance of getting bored here – from pig racing to bottle feeding and goat walking to pony pampering. As Pennywell Farm are the original breeders of the Pennywell Miniature Pig they offer miniature piggy cuddles – it’s a totally unique experience that anyone, regardless of age, will absolutely love! 

Explore Exeter Under the City 

Originally built to house the pipes that bought clean water to medieval Exeter, you can now tour beneath the city centre with Exeter’s Underground Passages. Narrow and dark, but incredibly interesting and unique, the tour will guide you through Exeter’s fascinating history whilst you explore this hidden underground world. It’s the perfect experience for anyone interested in history; remember to visit their heritage centre before the tour as it’s packed with interesting, interactive exhibitions. 

Embark on a Unique Devon Tour 

Offering exclusive guided tours of the region and the surrounding counties, Unique Devon Tours provide tailor-made experiences according to the interests of the party, such as family history, food and drink, folklore, and plenty more! They work with places such as Exeter Cathedral, Dartmoor Prison Museum, Greenway and lots of others. As well as offering single day experiences, they also offer multi-day tours ranging from 3 – 7 days and if you’re looking for something a bit more bespoke they will happily oblige.  

Become a Tram Driver for the Day! 

Seaton Tramway offer exciting Tram Driving Experiences where you can learn to drive one of their trams. The courses are very ‘hands-on’ giving you a chance to learn and enjoy using the controls in the same way the drivers do. There’s also a guided tour which gives you a behind-the-scenes experience of the Riverside Depot. During the lead up to Christmas Seaton Tramway host their special Polar Express Tram Ride! This is a truly unique experience that both children and adults will love!  

Take a Ride Through the South Devon Countryside on a Segway! 

If you’ve never been on a Segway before, why not try something different when you’re visiting the region! You can explore some of the beautiful countryside and woodland that South Devon has to offer on foot, of course, but there’s something more thrilling when riding a Segway! You could ride around Cann Woods, a beautiful, expansive woodland near Dartmoor with Cann Woods Segway or soak up the countryside and grounds of Whitehall Country Park just outside of Paignton with EasiGlide Segway Experience. It’s the perfect way to build confidence, enjoy the thrill of riding off into the distance, view some beautiful landscapes and make some long-lasting memories with your friends, family or loved ones. 

Enjoy a Canoe Tour with a difference! 

During the warmer months, Winding River Canoe offer a range of fantastic canoe trips along the River Dart. Such tours include a Paddle to the Pub tour, a Canoeing and Wine-tasting tour or a Bush Craft Trip! They also offer Stag and Hen do experiences and host corporate events – what better way to enjoy some team building than exploring the great outdoors together! During the winter period Winding River Canoe aren’t able to offer their usual services but will be happy to create a bespoke, private trip for groups of 8 or more.  

Berrybrook Steam and Classics, Exminster 

Berrybrook Steam and Classics offer unique steam engine tractor experiences and miniature steam engine driving lessons. Their full-day experience involves learning about the maintenance of the engine, and learning how to steer and control it before taking it out on the road to a local pub. After lunch you’ll head back to Berrybrook, taking the longer, scenic route and put the engine to bed.  

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