Many places offer reduced rates for parties and out of season visits. It is advisable to check current opening times and admission charges before setting out, either with the attraction or using the Website links provided. National Trust historic houses do not admit dogs (except Guide Dogs), prams, pushchairs or backpack baby carriers (although some offer the loan of front-sling baby carriers).

There are also many walks, nature trails, coastal footpaths, woods and forests which can be explored free of charge. Within Plymouth itself, there is a car park at the Tamar Bridge, which enjoys wonderful views up and down the river, including Brunel’s magnificent railway bridge and the Tamar road bridge; information on the road bridge is available from the Bridge office at the car park; see Tamar Bridge webcams. The Evening Herald and Radio Devon regularly give information on the movement of Royal Naval ships into and out of the Dockyard. This gives the opportunity to go to vantage points like the Hoe, Mount Edgcumbe and Devil’s Point to watch the ships.

Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 368 square miles, making it the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England.

Drake’s Dartmoor is an interesting website with much local information; details of walks on Dartmoor, ranging from easy to difficult, can be found at Divine Dartmoor Walks

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe set within 865 acres of Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall. The wider park is open year round, daily from 8am to dusk and is free to the public. There is a charge for visiting the house and Earl’s Garden. The free area of the park includes the National Camellia Collection, the majority of the formal gardens and the Orangery Restaurant.

Check out the sub-category links opposite for more detailed information.