A lovely, small, lake, which was originally built to provide a water supply for Paignton, lying on…read morethe edge of the Dartmoor National Park. There's a footpath around the edge which makes an attractive walk as the views over the moorland are very fine. There is a toilet in the nearby car park.

This estate has it all: beautiful gardens with a variety of unusual flowers and plants, lovely…read moreviews of the sea, and an interesting art deco style house. As it is run by the National Trust, the entry fee is quite high, but the money does go towards the proper upkeep of the house and grounds. Wander around the gardens, and you will also see a range of different bird species, which are resident here. The house is interesting, with the most spectacular room being the green salon at the front of the house, and there are volunteers about, who will be happy to tell you about its history. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take your camera inside. There is also a reasonably priced café near the entrance, which serve good lunch and afternoon tea.

This is a large park, the north and south grassy areas separated by a vast expanse of tarmac road…read morethat cuts into the middle of the park, with the Royal Citadel and disabled parking at one end, and the other end leading to West Hoe Park. This tarmac expanse is often used for military parades, concerts and funfairs. Notable landmarks are the War Memorials, Sir Francis Drake statute and Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse, which is open to the public, and has it's own twitter account @smeatonstower

Heavitree Pleasure Grounds is a lovely park situated just off Fore Street in Heavitree, Exeter…read more It is a very large park with something for everyone with a lovely childrens play area, which is fenced off and large enough for picnics as well. In the children's area there are all the usual park play equipment plus a paddling pool. There is seating as well and is nicely grassed. There are tennis courts, a basketball court, bmx and skate areas as well as another fenced off area away from the childrens play area. No dogs are allowed in the fenced off areas. There are paths all the way around the park, there is access from several different directions and plenty of on road parking.. There are toilet facilities. It is also disabled friendly. There are some beautiful really old trees here. There is also a Bowling Club attached to the park.

A large park in the centre of Paignton. The park has football pitches marked out on the largest…read moreexpanse of grass, it has tennies courts and basketball courts, a children's playground, a stream and a pond, all in the main part of the park. (The pond isn't huge, but it looked that way when I was a kid, and I know for a fact I'm not the only child who fell in and had to walk home squelching wet). Walk through to the back of the park under the railway line that bisects the park, and you enter a smaller, quieter sub park, with a stream and pond and an exit that leads to the sea front. A far better way to get from the town to the beach than making your way through the flocks of tourists along Hyde Road and Torbay Road.

Victoria Park is a real hub at the heart of Paignton. I love the childrens play area in the summer…read more It has good play equipment with swings, climbing frames and roundabouts. When the open air cafe is open it is lovely to sit and watch the children with a drink and perhaps a snack. The women who run the cafe are really friendly and it is good value. If you like trains you can watch the trains coming into Paignton Station and walk under the railway bridge if you want to head towards the beach. Take some bread to feed the ducks but watch out for the seagulls. The park is well kept with grassy areas, tennis courts and skateboard facilities.

Now I have camped in a fair amount of campsites in the UK and this one does really appear to be up…read morethere as one of the best... if not, dare I say it, the best. The reception and its staff were great. The camping products they sold were reasonably priced too, which can be a bit unusual for a campsite shop. The shower and toilet facilities were the best I have experienced (and I've experienced some pretty good shower and toilet facilities I can tell you). Spotlessly clean. But three more additional facts make this site great: 1) it is across the road from a supermarket, this my friends is a real boon. 2) and its right next door to the Dartmouth town park and ride car park. This is perfect, you can go into town of an evening, have a drink and come back again for 3 GBP, which includes up to six people. Flipping brilliant (last bus is at 1130) 3) the park has wifi, good wifi too. It is paid for, but I thought 11 GBP for seven days wifi is a bargain One final note: it was not because we had the best weather ever that made me review this place through rose tinted glasses... far from it. The weather was terrible. So bad that two of our group of four left to go home after two nights (because of the weather I stress). Us hardcore campers soaked up the storm conditions and had our holiday :) So the bad weather did not dampen how I feel for this campsite. It is top notch and if I am ever back in the area with a tent, I will be found here.

Food was rapid, staff were very attentive, very clean, food was delicious, very well priced…read more Would definitely visit again.

First time visit after hearing the praises of Lanhydrock from my daughter for about 10 years…read more AND....not at all disappointed. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which took us about 2 hours. After this, we enjoyed the gardens upper/lower. Well laid out. The car park is approx 15-20 minute walk, mostly downhill, which means you've got an uphill struggle to get back. There is a "mini" taxi type service costing £1 per head each way, (well worth it), to the House. Car park charge to non-members is £3.00 all day, which is pretty good. The house is in good repair, and the history is very well recorded. Beware the Cafe.......as with most NT establishments it is franchised, extortionate and not good value for money....especially for eating and drinking in a shed...!! That aside, you will have a lovely day...

During my stay in Devon and Cornwall, my most memorable visits were to several grand estates. This…read moreone was special because my family lives just down the road and it has some of the loveliest views of Plymouth across the River Tamar. You can visit the grounds (865 acres) for free, so my review is limited to that experience. For a fee you can visit the Mount Edgcumbe House and Earl's Garden. There is no garden like an English garden. This one was absolutely lovely since there were so many different and distinct areas as you rambled through the large estate. The manicured Italian and French Gardens led to the more rambling American Garden with a geyser in the middle. But really the most interesting for my son were the battery, with cannons, pointing out over the river. There is a Block House nearby that helps a child imagine defending the estate against all intruders.

One of the nicest places for a walk in the area with some great views. It's worth seeing the…read moreinteresting buildings within the park including the 18th century Folly, the Doric Thomson's Seat and the circular Milton's Temple. There are some lovely woodland trails to follow, many of which are suitable for everyone including wheelchair users. There are formal gardens too and the lovely Orangery and restaurant is well worth a visit.

The extraordinary Oldway Manor home of the (Rei)singer…read morefamily of Singer Sewing Machines who built this amazing mansion. Museum of sewing machines; Registry Office & gardens for Devon weddings,cafe It was recently up for sale to be converted into a huge hotel & spa. A huge loss to the community if that goes through; so get there quick before it goes!

Gorgeous listed building, register office, gardens and tennis courts in the centre of Paignton…read more This listed building must count as one of the loveliest register offices in the country, with grand marble staircases, ornate decorated ceilings, and views of the formal gardens from the ceremony rooms. The building, inspired by the Palace Of Versailles, is open to the public to visit, and is well worth a few hours on a day out. The building is set in 17 acres of gardens, which include tennis courts, a small maze, formal Italian-style gardens and grotto gardens with waterfalls and hidden flights of steps between levels. A great place to spend a few hours. Take a camera!