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THE TRAVEL GUIDE
The Short-Break Travel Guide - DEVONBACK

Short-Break Travel Guide Devon is a wonderful example of all that's appealing about a holiday at home: it has charming villages, lush countryside, striking coastline, ancient market towns and modern bustling cities.
Picking the right attraction depends on what appeals to you and, to some extent, what 'van you have. If you like relaxed village life in a beautiful rural setting then the South Hams is the place for you. But if you have anything larger than a van conversion you should avoid unclassified roads, or explore using your bikes.
Perhaps you'd rather sun, sea and sand on the English Riviera at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham? Or, for a more peaceful day by the seaside you could always take your motorhome to the lesser-known Bantham beach. Then there's the walking and horse riding across the rugged landscape of untamed Dartmoor.
For urban life you've got the cosmopolitan cities of Exeter and Plymouth, or the sleepy market towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth if you prefer a slower pace of life. Another favourite is the local food. Take a trip solely for Devon's food and drink and you won't be disappointed. You can fill up your fridge with clotted cream, farmhouse cheeses, wine, cider and stock the kitchen with delicious vegetables from one of the many organic farms.
Whatever you want from your next tour, there's a pretty good chance that you'll find it in South Devon. Perhaps best of all, the area is a year-round destination thanks to the relatively mild climate.

48 Hour Essentials

Paignton Zoo
Start the day by admiring the many species of animals among the zoo's 80-acres of natural habitat. Web www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Ride the 'Rivermaid' to Salcombe Y
ou can join the Rivermaid ferry from Kingsbridge and then sail along the Salcombe estuary. Tel 01548 853525. Web www.rivermaidferry.co.uk

Follow a guided walk on Dartmoor
Walks include the Archaeology of Haytor Down (2 Sept) and an Introduction to Dartmoor (9 Sept). Web www.dartmoor-npa.gov

Take a tour of the Plymouth Gin distillery
For £6 a head you can see the oldest working gin distillery in the world. Tel 01752 665292 Web http://plymouthgin.com

Have dinner at the Artillery Tower restaurant
The chefs use local produce such as Cullompton's Ark chicken and Mr & Mrs Swaby's Holberton organic beef, making a meal here the perfect welcome to South Devon. Tel 01752 257610 Web www.artillerytower.co.uk

What's NEW
Food trails
Download food trail maps from the Discover Devon website for details of the best eateries in specific areas. For example, you can eat your way across the coves and valleys on a South Hams Food Trail. The maps pinpoint pubs and restaurants so you can enjoy the best food and drink in Devon. Web www.discoverdevon.com/naturally-devon/food-and-drink/food-trails.
The Ride-and-Stride scheme
This scheme is great for motorcaravanners as it gives you access to areas that you otherwise couldn't reach in your 'van. For example, you can take a walk along the Erme Plym Trail from Brixham to Wembury. Leave your 'van in Plymouth or on site, then jump on a bus to Brixham, for the five-mile coastal walk. Web Clck here.

In the magazine

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks

The Short-Break Travel Guide - DEVONBACK
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