8 Cool, Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Devon

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Just a little off the beaten trail, Devon has some of the most unusual and offbeat visitor attractions and sites in the UK. Owned and run by a dedicated army of enthusiastic and eccentric patrons, these places add that vital sense of surprise and novelty to any trip to the region. And why indeed not? Variety is healthy and it’s always nice to be surprised. So we decided to put together a helpful list of unusual things to do in Devon.

We’ll grant you that some of these sites divide opinion; many are very much for the grown-ups only. But they are also great for confounding expectations and providing great pictures and plenty to talk about. After all, who wanted a generic holiday in the first place? Here are some of the best alternative places to visit and things to see in Devon, from the brilliant to the baffling.

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Barnstaple

Beautiful, fascinating, and thought-provoking, what’s not to love about a collection of contemporary sculptures in a pretty location? You’ll find works from bronze to marble from a range of award-winning artists, ranging from sinister to sublime. The summer flowers are pretty spectacular too.

Narnia Time Traveller’s Museum & Shop, Totnes

If the Devon town of Totnes could be described as colourful and unconventional, one thing you’d never call it is dull. Which is perhaps why this quirky museum and record shop is a perfect fit for the place. It’s not the biggest, but you will find several rooms packed with strange objects from wartime to pop culture, along with an eclectic range of curiosities and even a secret café. Meanwhile, the town itself is packed with quirky independent shops and eateries.