History & Heritage

The recovered Sherman tank stands in the memorial car park, opposite Start Bay Inn at the Torcross end of Slapton Sands

Slapton Sands History

Address: Your local beach Slapton Sands

On April 27th 1944, more than 1,200 Allied soldiers were killed over two days on Slapton Sands – many of them were American soldiers supporting the World War Two effort. ‘Exercise Tiger’ was intended to be a dress rehearsal for the D-Day landings. An American Sherman tank that was sunk in action was recovered in 1984 and set up as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the ill-fated ‘Exercise Tiger’.

Sadly, it went badly wrong and so many lives were lost. Over 400 soldiers lost their lives due to friendly fire of shell bursts on the beach. It was a disaster that was kept hidden by the authorities for decades.

WW2 soldiers on Slapton Beach

Buckfast Abbey

Address: Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0EE

The Monks welcome you to their home so you can also experience its unique, tranquil ambience.
Enjoy an immersive presentation of Benedictine monastic life from its origins to the present day. Visit the breathtaking Abbey Church which was painstakingly rebuilt over a period of 30 years by just a few monks who formed the core of the workforce.

Take a stroll around the gardens (Lavender, Physic, Sensory and Millennium). Browse in the Bookshop, Monastic shop and Exhibition shop and visit the Grange Restaurant for refreshments and snacks whilst there.

A beautiful abbey with a rare opportunity to meet the Benedictine monks

Climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic views - we recommend booking in advance as places are limited

Totnes Castle

Address: Castle St, Totnes TQ9 5NU

Overbeck's Museum & Garden

Address: Overbeck’s Museum and Garden Salcombe TQ8 8LW

How to get there

You can take a ferry from Salcombe Whitesands Quay OR… walk along Cliff Road from Salcombe and follow the signs to Overbeck’s. (About two miles) There is also a small car park at the top of the winding roads.

South Sands Ferry

Ferry service runs every half an hour in season

An amazing subtropical garden due to its microclimate - with panoramic views. As a National Trust member entrance is free

Imagine... standing in a prehistoric cave which was created millions of years ago

Kents Cavern

Address: Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JF

Award winning Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves. With an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns. Entertaining guides lead you on an underground adventure into this remarkable prehistoric site, the earliest known home of ancient humans in Britain. The prehistoric human archaeology discovered at Kents Cavern makes it one of the World’s most important caves and designated by UNESCO for its remarkable geological heritage. Enjoy the tours, activities and shop.

Dartmoor Ponies

Dartmoor Mini Pony Farm

Meet mini ponies… mini donkeys! Podgy pigs and get up close