Laura's Guide to the Teignmouth area and beyond!

Teignmouth where our house is located is a coastal town with historic Georgian buildings, long sandy beaches, and fresh local food. The town sits on the edge of the mouth of River Teign and the South Devon coast – and is surrounded by lush Devon countryside, so you won’t find a more beautiful setting for a holiday. Located on the main South West train line, Teignmouth is an easy journey from London, along the most spectacular coastal train route in the country. Dartmoor National Park, Exeter and Torquay are just a few miles from Teignmouth, making it an ideal central location to explore the rest of South Devon. Things to do in Teignmouth Teignmouth is the ideal family holiday destination – with a Victorian Pier, lido, play park, crazy golf and skate park all within easy reach of the beaches and town

Torquay is a traditional yet thriving seaside town set on Devon's English Riviera coast and the top trending UK holiday destination in 2021. If you haven't visited for a while, then banish those thoughts of a resort that has seen its hey day.... the best is yet to come. With its iconic palm trees, busy harbour, international marina, sandy beach and wonderful array of continental style cafes, restaurants and cocktail bars, the scene is set for the perfect Devon seaside holiday or short break. This quintessential bucket and spade resort appeared in The Guardian, being described as one of "Britain's most booming seaside towns, undergoing a style revival with Michelin starred restaurants and swanky yachts"! You only have to drive along the seafront or take a stroll along the promenade to know that this is true.

Devon's capital city - Exeter is a real hub of history, culture and fun. As you’d expect from a city with a 2,000 year history, Exeter has plenty to show off, with stunning architecture and heritage visitor attractions. At the heart of the city lies Exeter Cathedral, one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in the country. Cathedral Yard is dotted with cafes and restaurants in which to sit and appreciate the Cathedral’s impressive West Front. Join a free Red Coat Guided Tour to find out more about the history of Exeter. Take a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, with 16 galleries of displays and a year round calendar of prestigious touring exhibitions. Descend beneath the city’s streets on a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages, constructed in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city from springs outside the city walls – an experience not for the claustrophobic! Shopping The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping destination – a great choice of shops can be found within easy walking distance from each other. Browse large department stores such asJohn Lewis in the main shopping areas of Princesshay and the High Street, or head to the Castle and West Quarters for quirky independents and vintage clothing, tucked away in interesting arcades. Head to the Quayside to watch the world go by from one of the waterside pubs or cafes, hire a bike or canoe to explore the Exeter Canal, or visit the Quay Climbing Centre to scale the south west’s largest indoor climbing wall. Culture Whatever your cultural tastes, Exeter will have something to offer. Catch professional touring theatre productions at the Exeter Northcott, quirky, underground performances at the Bike Shed Theatre and large scale festivals at nearby Powderham Castle, host to Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016 with headliners Coldplay and Mumford & Sons. Food and drink The choice of eateries here is vast, putting it firmly on the map as one of the foodie capitals of South West England. A weekly farmer’s market sells field-fresh produce and regular street food markets provide the opportunity to try quality Devon meats and fish as a quick lunch stop. Head to the Cathedral Quarter for a traditional cream tea, or enjoy real ales and fine wines in historic pubs.

Paignton Zoo With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres – you’re in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo. Located in Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions. It’s a place to roam, discover and get in touch with your inner animal. We’re a registered charity and part of a worldwide network of zoos which cares for and breeds rare species. By visiting the zoo, you’re helping us continue our important work for wildlife. Come rain or shine, Paignton Zoo is a fun filled day out for all the family, and you’ll need a full day to see it all!

www.forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park. Haldon Forest offers a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and so much more just waiting to be discovered.

Dartmoor really does have something for everyone; history lovers can explore castle ruins and learn about local myths and legends at our museums or on a guided walk, families have plenty of exciting attractions to choose from, while there’s lots of opportunities for rambling over tors, cycling up challenging hills and staying active in the great outdoors.

We’ve included some of our favourite places to go in the area. Some great choices with beautiful surroundings