Summer’s on its way, so if you’re planning a visit to our beautiful part of the World, or are a local looking for inspiration for fun activities, these five attractions are only open during the summer months.
Tiverton Castle (image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Tiverton-Castle-131561476892171/)
Tiverton’s castle reopens Easter Sunday for visitors. Open then on from 2:30pm – 5:30pm on Sundays, Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays until the end of October. Originally built in 1106 by order of Henry I, and later rebuilt and much enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries, Tiverton Castle was once home of the powerful medieval Earls of Devon and of a Plantagenet Princess. With later additions and alterations down the centuries all periods of architecture from medieval to modern can be seen, with beautiful walled gardens within the romantic ruins.
Famous for being one of the last working horse-drawn barges in Great Britain, Tiverton Canal Company reopens for barge trips and refreshments in its floating café ‘The Duck’s Ditty‘ from 15th April. Located on the beautiful Grand Western Canal, Tiverton Canal Co is truly one of Great Britain’s unique Living Heritage Tourist Attractions that offers an enjoyable family day out for everyone that loves canals, history, boats, horses, wildlife and water.
Normally open April to October, with the barge running to a timetable (see www.tivertoncanal.co.uk for times). Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays) and Fridays (except during July and August).
Devon Railway Centre (image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/devonrailwaycentre)
Devon Railway Centre
This fun-filled family railway attraction reopened for the summer season on 9 April and runs on selected dates through to October. Devon Railway Centre is a popular Devon tourist attraction which offers a unique railway experience and boasts a host of attractions in one location. Discover a model railway exhibition, an Edwardian model village and crazy golf.
The Play Shed houses a fantastic railway-themed soft play area; great fun for our younger visitors. Enjoy a visit to the museum housed in a former BR carriage. Find out about the history of the site and play the interactive train games!
Devon Badger Watch (image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Devon-Badger-Watch-172874249429179)
This wildlife sanctuary offers a rare and magical experience for all who love being at one with the beauty and tranquility of unspoiled & undisturbed nature. Hidden within an idyllic bluebell wood with glorious Exmoor nearby, watch in awe from a purpose built hide as these beautiful creatures forage, eat and play right before your very eyes, almost within touching distance.
Devon Badger Watch is open evenings, Monday to Saturday from April to October inclusive. The start time can vary slightly throughout the year, but it is usually 7:30pm.
Downes Estate (image courtesy of www.downesestate.co.uk)
Downes Estate (House and Gardens)
Downes is the historic home of General Sir Redvers Buller VC and includes a small museum to celebrate this. Built in 1692, the property is Grade II Listed and sits in rolling parkland. Originally constructed of red brick by Moses Gould, the property was faced with Beer Stone by James Buller in 1794 before undergoing extensive changes during the 19th Century.
Opening from 18 April, the house is available to the public for guided tours at 2:15pm daily during set weeks up to September. Please see www.downesestate.co.uk for dates and booking information.
Diggerland (image courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/Diggerland)
BONUS Attraction: Diggerland
Having been closed since September 2021, the Diggerland Devon theme park is reopening for visitors on 28 May. Diggerland will normally be open throughout the year.
This is low level walking with few or no gradients. This may be along a road or
tarmacked
path. Suitable for all levels of walkers, pushchairs and wheelchair users.
Comfortable
shoes or trainers can be worn.
Moderate
For reasonably fit walkers with no mobility or specific health problems. Some
gradients or uneven terrain. May include unsurfaced rural paths through woodlands or
fields and may have a style. The route maybe less obviously marked in some sections.
Walking boots and warm waterproof clothing are recommended.
Challenging
Good level of fitness and walking experience, some steep climbs and open country with
less well marked sections of the route. Unsurfaced rural paths with rough and uneven
terrain. Suitable for more experienced and prepared walkers. May require a compass
and map. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Technical
For very experienced and fit walkers only, will need to use compass and map, could
have steep inclines and uneven terrain, may need additional technical skills eg
scrambling, crampons etc. You must plan your walk beforehand.
Easy
Suitable for beginners in good health with basic bike skills. Relatively flat and
wide trail suitable for most types of bike.
Moderate
Suitable for riders in good health with basic off-road riding skills. Some
singletrack sections and small obstacles of root and rock may be present. Suitable
for basic mountain bikes.
Challenging
Suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills and fitness.
Route may contain some challenging climbs, tricky descents and technical features
such as drop-offs and large rocks. Suitable for good mountain bikes.
Technical
Suitable for expert mountain bikers with high level of fitness. Route may contain
greater challenge and difficulty. Riders should expect large and unavoidable
features. Suitable for quality off-road mountain bikes.
