2026 Teignbridge District Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#falladventures Powderham Castle: deer park, ghost of a screaming lady, and peacocks that heckle tourists. Berry Head to Brixham: epic coastal walk with Napoleonic forts. Blackpool Sands: posh shingle beach, crystal water, zero sand in your scone. Slapton Ley: WWII tank in the car park, shingle ridge, flaming autumn reeds. Burgh Island: Art-Deco hotel reachable by sea tractor at high tide (or swim if you hate money). Bonus: Saunton Sands – 3 miles of golden dunes where even the dog looks Instagram-ready. (castle ghosts and nudists included free of charge) 🏰🏖️

#falladventures Crunch through amber Dartmoor leaves, dodge cheeky ponies stealing your pasty. Hike the South West Coast Path while waves smash cliffs like angry drummers. Hunt ghosts at Powderham Castle (bring gin for courage). Slurp scrumpy cider in thatched pubs where locals speak actual pirate. Forage blackberries till your fingers look murdered. Spot red deer rutting (nature’s awkward teenage phase). Eat clotted cream until you waddle. Basically, autumn Devon is hobbit cosplay with better beaches and zero ring quests.

#mytraveldiary Ambience & Setting Set beside the River Exe estuary just south of Exeter, Powderham Castle rests within sweeping lawns, ancient deer park, and riverside views. The air carries salt from the estuary, dappled light filters through old trees, and the walls echo centuries of Courtneys’ lives—celebration, duty, adaptation. Walking its corridors and grounds, you feel both the grandeur of the past and the warmth of a lived home. ⸻ Highlights • Medieval Origins (c. 1391-1400s) – Built by Sir Philip Courtenay, Powderham began as a fortified manor house, with a Great Hall, kitchen, and six towers.  • Architectural Layers – Additions and renovations over Tudor, Georgian, Victorian eras, including 18th­-century interiors and 19th-century exterior enhancements by Charles Fowler.  • The Marble Hall & State Rooms – Decorative interiors combining medieval doorways, Georgian splendour, and family heirlooms.  • Courtenay Family Lineage – Home to the Earls of Devon; their history is intertwined with national events (Wars of the Roses, Civil War) and local Devon heritage.  • Grounds, Gardens & Estuary Views – The riverside setting, deer park, gardens and terraces add peace, scenery, and contrast with the fortified stone.  ⸻ Practical Info • Location: Exminster / Kenton, near Exeter, Devon, England.  • Access & Opening: The castle opens to visitors; guided tours available; estate includes house, gardens, grounds.  • Facilities: Café, shop, picnic areas; accessible features (including mobility scooter hire via Countryside Mobility) for parts of the estate.  • Events & Use: Hosts concerts, festivals, food events, weddings, seasonal lighting events.  ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting Powderham Castle offers more than stone and history—it’s a blend of architecture, family legacy, natural beauty, and living heritage. It’s rare to find a place so layered: medieval foundations, Victorian polish, everyday life, and events that invite the public in. Whether you love stately homes, river views, architectural detail, or just restful walks in historic gardens, Powderham delivers richly. ⸻ Final Thoughts To get the most out of a visit: choose a clear day so the views over the Exe glow; allow a couple of hours for both the house and grounds; go for guided tour to hear the stories behind secret doors and ancient family dramas; wear comfortable shoes for both grand halls and garden paths. Powderham isn’t just to see—it’s to experience across space and time.

#mytraveldiary Powderham Castle, Devon, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and family-friendly charm. This impressive medieval castle has been home to the Courtenay family for centuries and showcases beautifully preserved rooms filled with antiques and artwork. Visitors can wander through the elegant interiors, explore the extensive grounds, and enjoy the tranquil gardens that surround the estate. The castle also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from medieval reenactments to seasonal fairs, adding to its lively appeal. Children can enjoy adventure trails and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging destination for all ages. With its rich history, stunning setting by the River Exe, and welcoming atmosphere, Powderham Castle in Devon provides an unforgettable experience that transports visitors straight into England’s past.

If you're traveling to the UK, I highly recommend exploring areas beyond London! It will make your trip much richer and more fulfilling✨️ I visited Seven Sisters and Brighton in southern England as a day trip. 🩵Seven Sisters A breathtakingly beautiful place where white chalk cliffs meet the blue sea. Known as one of the most stunning coastal cliffs in the world and a natural wonder you must see before you die. 🩵Brighton A seaside resort that offers a completely different vibe from London! It's a popular holiday destination for Brits, featuring a pebble beach and charming shops in every alley. Definitely worth a visit.

Many people visit Seven Sisters and Brighton near London together, right? I also went there because of the cliffs that I had to see before I die.. Make sure to go on a clear day (◡̉̈). It was a day that explained everything! It was foggy due to heavy rain and wind, so not only could I not see well, but my clothes were all ruined. If you go on a clear day, you will be able to feel the beautiful beach and the majesty of the white cliffs. 📍How to get to Seven Sisters from London!! 1. Depart from Blackfriars Station/Victoria Station/Londonbridge Station and get off at Brighton Station (based on train) 2. After getting off at Brighton Station, purchase a 1-Day bus ticket at the Travel Center, indicate the date of use, and take the 13x bus from Stop D (about 1 hour) ✔️There are no restaurants near Seven Sisters, so buy food in advance in London or Brighton / or eat when you return to Brighton😉 #MarchTravelSupportEvent #EuropeTravel #LondonTravel #OverseasTravel

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent A view you can only see here I recently visited a place called Seven Sisters in London. I took a train and then a bus and had a hard time getting there, but it was really, really great. I recommend that you all visit at least once. It's a view you must see before you die. Please go.

Welcome to Buckfast Abbey , home to a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine Monks , a place of beauty , tranquility and spiritual nourishment. A living Abbey , Church and Monastery located at the centre of a picturesque valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park , the community lives a life of prayer , work and study according to the rule of St Benedict . Explore Devon’s hidden gem with a large Restaurant, shops , exhibition centre and beautiful gardens . Free entry and free parking , dogs on a lead are welcome , accommodation available . Had a great day lots of things to see and do and I would definitely recommend a visit if your in Devon .👍🏼

#NewYorkFlightEvent Seven Sisters, a really great place! This is a place in England that is famous for its scenery that you really have to see before you die. This is a place where you have to change trains in London and take a bus to get there. It is one of the really great places. I hope you all go there too.

#NovemberTravelSupportEvent This is a place I really like, so I hope you all visit it. You all know why I praise it so much. It's called Seven Sisters, located near London, England! It's a place you really have to see before you die. It's so pretty. You all should definitely visit it.

#NewYorkFlightEvent Seven Sisters is truly one of the best places in England. I hope you feel the same way I did here, so I'm posting this recommendation! I hope you all go there at least once! It's a bit of a hassle to get there, but it's worth it, so definitely go!

#NewYorkFlightEvent This is a place I really like. I went to the Seven Sisters in England near London, England! It was a really great place, so I hope you all visit there. It was a bit of a hassle to take the train and then transfer to a bus, but it was still really great. I definitely recommend you go.

#NovemberTravelSupportEvent I visited Seven Sisters in England, one of the places you must see before you die. This place really gave me the feeling that this is what nature is like. If you like nature or if you go to England, I strongly recommend you visit Seven Sisters. It was the most memorable place.

#familytrips2024 Visiting Buckfast Abbey in Devon with my family was a serene and contemplative experience. As we walked through the tranquil grounds, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees, we felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over us. The abbey's majestic facade rose before us, its towering spires reaching towards the sky, a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion and architectural mastery. Inside, the hushed atmosphere of the church enveloped us, punctuated only by the soft murmurs of prayer and the gentle strains of sacred music. We paused to admire the intricate stained glass windows and ornate altar, each telling a story of faith and reverence. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to connect with something greater than ourselves amidst the timeless beauty of Buckfast Abbey. As we bid farewell to Buckfast Abbey, our hearts were already yearning for our next family adventure: a journey to the enchanting city of Prague, Czech Republic. There, amidst the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, we hope to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of this vibrant city. From exploring ancient castles to sampling delicious Czech cuisine in cozy taverns, Prague promises to captivate our imaginations and ignite our spirits. It's a destination we envision as a celebration of both the past and the present, a journey that will deepen our appreciation for the wonders of the world and the bonds of family that unite us.