Planning ahead with South Devon itineraries

An initiative from Visit South Devon is encouraging groups and tour operators to the area with a view to ‘influence tour programmes for 2021 onwards’. 

The tourist board now has a group travel area on the website, featuring several itineraries developed through partnerships with local towns, including Dartmouth, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Kingsbridge and Totnes.

Here are some suggestions of places for groups to visit, shared in the itineraries:

Visiting Ashburton

The high street contains a large number of antique shops, as well as bookshops and eateries; key points include: 

• Ashburton Antiques Trail.
• Visit the historic Exeter Inn, built in 1130.
• The town is located in Dartmoor National Park, with access to walking routes.
• Take a South Devon Railway trip.

Visiting Kingsbridge

Based in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, groups can get out on the water in Kingsbridge or explore the local countryside. Highlights include: 

• Visit to Kingsbridge Information Centre.
• Paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing activities on the Kingsbridge Estuary.
• Walk the South West Coast Path or South Devon AONB from Kingsbridge.
• Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum.

Visiting Exmouth

With the longest seafront in Devon and Cornwall, Exmouth could be a popular option for a summer visit, key points include: 

• Exmouth is a regional centre for watersports including kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing.
• Explore the ‘Town of Flowers’ on a Flower Trail.
• Ride the Exmouth Land Train.
• The World of Country Life contains a farming museum and animals.

“We have devised itineraries that highlight the key places to visit and stay that are group friendly in our town. We have also included useful information such as parking opportunities for coaches.”

Rons Boatman, Exmouth Town Council

Visiting Dartmouth

Dartmouth, beside the River Dart, could appeal to those interested in history. Dartmouth Castle and Agatha Christie’s holiday home of Greenway can be found here. Other recommendations include:  

• Access Dartmouth by ferry, from Torquay or Totnes. 
• Sample fresh local seafood at restaurants and pubs in the area.
• Visit Dartmouth Castle.
• Take a tour of Britannia Royal Naval College.

According to Jenny How of Visit Dartmoor, the initiative encourages “destinations, towns and tourism organisations to work together” to attract groups to the area. The website also contains details of coach parking and drop-off locations in each destination, as well as recommended accommodation for large groups.