Visit England's bucket list of 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad is a great way to find inspiration for visiting some of Devon's top attractions and experiences. Here are the five things that made it onto that elite list.
Brixham Fish Market
A tour of Brixham Fish Market to see over 40 types of fish being sold at the daily auction is a glimpse into the ancient fishing industry based at Brixham. The enterprising Fish Market actually offers daily guided tours but places on the tour are limited, so you need to book early, by calling 07410 617 931, especially after it's been featured in Visit England's Top 101 list! The tour cost £8 which includes breakfast at the nearby Fishermen's Mission for a totally authentic experience.
Tour a gin distillery
The historic Blackfriars Gin Distillery on the Plymouth Barbican is located in a building which dates back to the early 15th century. Learn how business boomed for the gin distillery which belonged to the Blackfriars monastery as they provided 1000 barrels of gin each year to the Royal Navy. Known as the oldest working gin distillery in the world, tours of this historic site include showing how gin is made, distilled and bottled.
Visit the Refectory Room with its hull-shaped timber roof, built in 1493 and now a national monument and discover how the Pilgrim fathers spent their last night here before sailing to America on the Mayflower. Tastings of this ultra-smooth gin are available at the end of the tour, making this a fun experience for anyone over the age of 18.
Twitch on Lundy Island
A trip on the MS Oldenburg to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel is a rare experience to see puffins and other seabirds that choose to nest on the cliffs of this windblown island. For non-birdspotters, Lundy has a disused lighthouse you can climb to the top of for great sea views, the 13th century Marisco Castle, diving, seal watching and walking. Lundy Island is quite unlike anywhere else which is probably why it was included on the 101 Things to Do before You Go Abroad list.
Dartmoor Ponies
Another suggestion in the Wildlife and Nature Top 20 was to spot the wild ponies on Dartmoor (just take a picnic and they'll find you!). This hardy breed of pony can be found in small family herds all over Dartmoor, grazing on the wiry moorland grass. Although cute, they are wild animals and prone to nipping, so watch your fingers!
Walk the South West Coast Path
This 630-mile long trail that runs from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset has some of its most scenic miles along the north and south coasts of Devon. Wherever you choose to stay you will be within easy reach of access to the stunning South West Coastal Path. This long-distance footpath is a great opportunity to walk for miles with just seabirds, sea views and sheep for company.
All five of these activities were worthy mentions on Visit England's 101 Things to Do Before You Go Abroad list, but there are many more worthy contenders. What would you add to the list of must-do activities in Devon? Help us compile a top list of 101 (or more) things to do in Devon by contributing in the comments box below.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.