The City of Plymouth alone could fill any break for the inquisitive visitor, but this is also the county of Devon, one of the UK's most beautiful locations. Within minutes of leaving Plymouth's boundaries you'll find an exhilarating range of visitor attractions and interesting heritage sites. Morwellham Quay, for instance, is an old, historic port near Tavistock which has been restored and conserved since 1968 to offer the visitor the authentic feel of what life was like in this one-time shipping centre for tin, copper, silver and other materials. With its quaint architecture and old copper mine, this is a real trip into history.
Becky Falls Woodland Park is the pride of Dartmoor, with it's huge oak canopy, intriguing woodland trails, a viewing platform for the Falls and some fine walks. Here you can see goats, ponies, (you can even ride one) lambs and rabbits whilst enjoying the ultimate outdoor experience.
On the A38 between Liskeard and Bodmin you'll find the breathtaking Carnglaze Slate Caverns and The Rum Store. This is where the Royal Navy stored their rum supplies during WWII, and the three main slate caverns open out into a natural, 400-seater underground concert area, where, in a constant atmosphere of 10c, there are regular performances of drama, pop music, classics and opera. Culliford Lake Park, situated close to Liskeard, Launceston and Bodmin on the A30 is just 2 miles from the historic Jamaica Inn. The park is a paradise for adults and children alike, with nature trails, playzones, wetlands areas, picnic areas and snack bars, all supervised by highly trained staff equipped with radios.
In Plymouth a must-see attraction for the historically-inclined is the legendary 'ring of fire', Crownhill Fort. Established in 1872 as a defence for the Royal Dockyards against any future incursions by the French, the fort, known locally as 'Plymouth's best-kept secret' is today anything but. The staff wear period costumes - and visiting kids can also dress up - there are tunnels to explore, a fascinating history to absorb, all made possible by the restoration efforts of the Landmark Trust.
Back on Dartmoor, near Plymouth at Stoke, there's a chance to soak up some folklore and further history with Dartmoor Safaris. On these tours around the rugged moorland you'll be shown the place where the Devil killed 6 people and injured 64 with a bolt of lightning, an experienced nicely contrasted with a delicious cream tea at Widdicombe.
