Activities in Devon
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Exminster Marshes Nature Reserve
The foot and cycle paths along Exeter Quay join the Exe Valley Way and head southeast to shadow both the canal and an ever-broadening estuary towards the sea. For the first 3 miles the route is a blend of heritage city, countryside and light industry. The excellent Double Locks pub is 1.5 miles down the cycle path from the quay; 2 miles further on is the start of the Exminster Marshes Nature Reserve, which is run by the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
One more great pub, the Turf Locks Hotel, is another 2 miles inside the reserve. From there a rougher trail connects with a path to Powderham Castle. You can also navigate the 6-mile canal by kayak - an enjo…
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Redcoat Guided Tours
Redcoat Guided Tours are hugely varied. Themes range from ghosts and murder to Romans and religion - there's even a torch-lit prowl through Exeter's Catacombs. Tours leave from Cathedral Yard or the quay. There are two to five daily from April to October, and two to three daily from November to March. Pick up a programme from the tourist office.
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Dartmouth-Dittisham Ferry
The best way to get to Greenway is on foot or by boat. Hike along the Dart Valley Trail from Kingswear (4 miles), or walk along the west bank from Dartmouth to the sleepy village of Dittisham (4 miles), then cross the river by the Dartmouth-Dittisham Ferry. It normally runs from 09:00 to 16:45, but if you're relying on it, call to check.
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Funicular Railway
Torbay boasts no fewer than 20 beaches, and a surprising 22 miles of coast. Tourists flock to the central Torre Abbey Sands (covered by water at very high tides); the locals opt for the sand and shingle beaches below the 240ft red-clay cliffs at Babbacombe. These can be accessed by a glorious 1920s funicular railway .
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Kingsand & Cawsand Ferry
The Kingsand & Cawsand ferry is the pick of Plymouth's boat trips. Boats surge from the Mayflower Steps, across Plymouth Sound to the old Cornish smuggling villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. There you can wander the narrow streets, soak up the atmosphere of some salty pubs and browse the handful of shops.
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Exeter Cruises
Exeter Cruises shuttle down the Exeter Ship Canal from Exeter Quay to the Double Locks pub. A connecting boat, the White Heather, then ferries passengers the extra 4 miles to the Turf Locks Hotel. The trip takes 45 minutes (five daily June to August, Saturday & Sunday only April, May & September).
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Sound Cruising
Sound Cruising offers regular boat trips from Phoenix Wharf out to the warships at Plymouth's naval base. If you want to surf, the best beaches are Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham, 16 and 20 miles south respectively - you can hire equipment or take lessons.
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Torbay Belle
Torbay Belle runs boat trips to Brixham from North Quay in the Harbour, and to Dartmouth from Haldon Pier. The trips to Agatha Christie's garden at Greenway leave from Princess Pier.
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Greenway Ferry
You can reach Greenway by sailing upriver from Dartmouth on the Greenway Ferry. Boats run only when the property is open; times vary and it's best to book.
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River Link
River Link runs cruises along the River Dart to Totnes (1¼ hours, two to four daily) from the pontoon at South Embankment.
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Enchantress
You can chug about the Dart on a hired motorboat, or charter the Enchantress, a yacht complete with Richard the skipper.
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English Riviera Centre
When the weather's foul, the wave machine and giant flumes of the pool at the English Riviera Centre draw the crowds.
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Castle Cove
For a swim, clamber down the steps and join the locals at the tiny Castle Cove just round from the castle.
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Saddles & Paddles
Saddles & Paddles , on Exeter Quay, rents out bikes, kayaks and canoes.
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Mount Batten Centre
Courses include kayaking (£85 for two days), sailing (£158, two days) and windsurfing (£135, two days).
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Surf South West
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Surfing Croyde Bay
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Skaigh
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Shilstone Rocks
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Saddles & Paddles
Saddles & Paddles , on Exeter Quay, rents out bikes, kayaks and canoes.
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Le Sport
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Guided Walks
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CRS Adventures
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British Canoe Union
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