50 Free Things to do

50 Free Things to do in South Devon

We know holidays can be expensive so we've developed a fun-filled list of free activities and ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

From wildlife enthusiasts to adventurers and those who just want a stress-free day out - our list of 50 free things to do in South Devon is designed to give you plenty of choice when visiting the region, and apart from transport, parking and maybe the odd treat, like a local ice cream, they’re all free.

Whether you decide to keep your holiday on a tight budget and aim to tick off our full list of free activities or you want to mix it in with visits to top attractions and meals out you can create your perfect holiday to suit your budget.

1. Follow the Templer Way, the historic granite trail from Dartmoor to Teignmouth
2. Watch the fishermen return with their catch from a day’s fishing at Beer
3. Explore one of the many historical sites found across the Blackdown Hills National Landscape
4. Visit Slapton Sands and Torcross - see the Sherman Tank from the D-Day Landings
5. Visit the Mamhead Obelisk and enjoy stunning views towards Dawlish Warren and Exmouth
6. Step back in time and go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast
7. Have a sand castle building competition on Teignmouth beach
8. Go letterboxing on Dartmoor
9. Go rock pooling at Wembury and see what creatures live below the waves
10. Spot Dolphins, Seals and Basking Sharks off the South Devon coast
11. Cycle the Exe Estuary Trail
12. Enjoy a day out at the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey
13. Visit the Newcomen Engine in the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, the oldest preserved working steam engine in the world. 
14. Explore the area’s military history on with the Teignbridge War Memorial  Heritage Trail.    
15. Take the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail at Stover Country Park
16. Join in the fun at one of South Devon's Carnivals in the summer months
17. Stand on one of the most southerly points in Devon & see Start Point Lighthouse
18. People watch while sitting in the Royal Avenue Gardens in Dartmouth
19. Pack up a picnic and find your perfect picnic spot whilst exploring the East Devon National Landscape
20. Explore the trails, boardwalks and beautiful marshlands of Seaton Wetlands
21. Visit the Tumbling Weir in Ottery St Mary
22. Walk along the Grand Western Canal at Tiverton and see if you can spot a horse drawn barge
23. Find out about the history of Exeter on a Red Coat Guided Tour
24. Walk the South West Coast Path, there are some stunning stretches like Seaton to Branscombe and Torcross to Start Point
25. Visit Dawlish and look out for the famous Black Swans
26. Build a den at Haldon Forest Park with dead wood and branches
27. Visit the picturesque town of Bampton which is home to almost 100 listed buildings and structures
28. Meet the hundreds of donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth
29. Explore the Ludwell Valley Park Trail, a one and a half-mile route around Ludwell Valley Park. 
30. Visit the Grade II listed town house of the Thelma Hulbert Gallery
31. Head to Dartmoor and spot the wild ponies
32. Spend an afternoon exploring Exeter's Historic Quayside
33. Learn about the local history at one of the many town museums including Honiton, Sidmouth and Credition
34. At low tide, cross the exposed beach and explore the chapel ruins on Burgh Island
35. Train spot on Dawlish beach, keep an eye out for the Steam Trains that travel the line during the summer months
36. Spot the wildfowl & wading birds at the Dawlish Warren Nature and Wildlife Reserve
37. Visit the Custom House Visitor Centre in Exeter. 
38. Go Geocaching in the countryside
39. Explore a section of Brunel’s stunning railway line around Dawlish by following the Brunel Trail.  
40. Walk through the Smugglers Tunnel in Shaldon & discover what lies on the other side
41. Go wild swimming
42. Explore of the many walking routes & discover the stunning landscape of the South Devon National Landscape
43. Visit Slapton Ley, the largest freshwater lake in South West England
44. Follow a town trail & discover one of South Devon's charming towns, trails available include Kingsbridge, Credition & Cullompton
45. Enjoy a beautiful South Devon sunset then look out for a shooting star while stargazing
46. Look for the village that collapsed into the Sea at Hallsands
47. Discover the lighthouse, forts and nature reserve at Berry Head
48. Visit the Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, and discover its fascinating history
49. Visit a local farmers market & sample the delicious produce (you may be tempted to spend a few pounds)
50. Take your camera out & get some great snaps of your favourite places to visit, collect some leaflets & use them to create a scrap book to help you remember your amazing holiday to South Devon.