I’m on holiday this week, so here’s a special edition with a 6-pack of ideas for interesting and unusual days out this summer.

I know these are popular (they get the most clicks of the Devon Curiosities series).

Have fun!

Yours in Devon,

P.S. Don’t miss our joint competition with our friends at Visit South Devon to win a Dawlish holiday and beer bundle. See below.

Beauty meets function at one of the most dramatic river crossings on Dartmoor.

You'll need good balance and a sense of adventure, particularly if the water is running high. Beware, the stones can be slippery.

The granite blocks sweep across a majestic sweep of water where the River Swincombe meets the West Dart, not far from Two Bridges.

It's a good spot for paddling and swimming if the river is not running too strongly, and a picnic under the Sherberton fir trees is a must.

Please be aware of the dangers of water including cold water shock.

View on map

WHERE: Park on the B3357 (nearest location)

PLACES TO EAT: The Two Bridges Hotel, Two Bridges | Fox Tor Cafe | The Old Police Station, both in Princetown

As regular readers know, we like to deliver the rare and unusual in the Devon Curiosities section, but it's not often that the curiosity is up for sale.

If you fancy it, Tawstock Castle near Barnstaple, with its 18th century roots and Grade 2 listed, could be yours for £1.35m. Check it out on Rightmove

You get 8.4 acres, a 360 degree view of North Devon and a sumptuously refurbished interior including a King Arthur round table. See inside (video)

BACKGROUND: For most of its history, the castle was regarded as a folly, "built in form of look-out tower" according to Wikipedia. In the 1980s it was extended with more towers and a great hall, creating something closer to a castle.

Tawstock was recently available as a holiday let with prices starting at £1,057 per week.

The property could be a bargain for someone: it's been on the market since August 2024. Worth a drive by if you are near Barnstaple.

PLACES TO EAT: Nellies Coffee Bar | The Feel Good Larder (gluten-free). Both in Barnstaple

The Leechwell is a historic holy well in Totnes, formed by three springs, supposedly with healing properties.

Named Toad, Long Crippler (a local name for a slow worm) and Snake, the springs fill 3 rectangular stone basins that are part of an intriguing grotto tucked away in a back street.

HISTORY: Records show they were in use in 1444 and, according to legend, attracted lepers from a hospital outside the town.

In 2003 building work uncovered a hidden triangular immersion pool behind the springs, supplied by their waters.

There are plans for a public garden incorporating the pool. The spot is well worth a short detour if you are in the town. Here's the location

PLACES TO EAT: The Hairy Barista | King William IV, both in Totnes

If you're looking for a true experience of atmospheric Dartmoor this is your place.

A 45 minute sometimes boggy walk from the nearest road means there probably won't be anyone there when you arrive - unlike the easier to reach Merrivale and Scorhill stone rows.

Down Tor Stone Row and Circle is on Hingston Hill near Burrator Reservoir. Archaeologists say it is one of the most striking Bronze Age ceremonial sites on the moor.

HISTORY: What the 11 metre circle and line of 157 granite uprights were actually used for or represent is not known.

The best guess is that some sort of ceremony or procession took place there, linked to the movement of the sun or the moon.

GETTING THERE: Park at Norsworthy Bridge car park (PL20 6NP) and bring your best navigational skills. Ascend Down Tor and proceed roughly east across open moorland. Handy map here

PLACES TO EAT: Burrator Inn, Dousland | Scarlett’s Kitchen, Yelverton

When a bypass was built through Exeter in 1961 everything in its path had to be demolished, but there was a problem.

A valuable Tudor merchant’s house was inconveniently in the way. After a preservation campaign and an incredible feat of engineering it was lifted and moved on rails to its present spot.

The details are fascinating. Weighing 21 tons, it had to be balanced on the rails, turned 90 degrees and then winched uphill with air compressors, while workers made sure it remained upright.

The House That Moved was built between 1420 and 1460 and is one of the oldest private dwellings in Devon, currently used as a wedding dress shop.

Each floor sticks out more than the floor below and the first floor overhangs by nearly 2ft. Back in the day houses were taxed according to their footprint.

Watch the move happen (video)

Location, between Western Way and Fore Street

PLACES TO EAT: Sacred Grounds (plant-based) | The Ridge Coffee Shop

A magical beach emerges at the foot of a steep-sided valley among some of England's highest cliffs.

The 2.3 mile walk to Heddon's Mouth is easy, with a mainly level path through woodland along the Heddon Valley, where you just might see otters and rare high brown fritillary butterflies.

At the end descend to a viewpoint overlooking the beach. There’s a rocky path down to the beach where you can see a restored lime kiln.

The walk is accessible for rugged buggies and off-road mobility vehicles. Allow 2 hours for the out-and-back.

Watch a video of the walk here.

LOCATION: Halfway along the A39 between Combe Martin and Lynmouth turn off for Hunter's Inn. EX31 4PY

PLACE TO EAT NEARBY: The “Swiss style” Hunters Inn is your best option

FEATURED: 🍻 A week-long stay for 4 including a dog at Hazelwood Holiday Park, Dawlish Warren, with £80 of food and drink vouchers, plus a Bays Brewery beer bundle (25th Aug)

🏁 1 of 3 Porsche driving experiences (15th Aug)

NEW! 🫖 Afternoon tea for 2 worth £55 overlooking the river at Lympstone Manor, Exmouth (20th Aug)

🌳 A 2-night September holiday at the Waterside Coastal & Countryside Park, Paignton (20th Aug)

♨ A 2-night spa break in a wellness room at Boringdon Hall including a complimentary breakfast and 60-minute treatment per person (21st Aug)

NEW! ♨ A spa day by the sea including hot stone massage, facial, pool, sauna and steam room at Shaldon, South Devon. EX and TQ postcodes only. (31st Aug)

NEW! 🍓 A bumper cream tea and BBQ chutney bundle (31st Aug)

🐮 A weekend North Devon farm stay for 6 people and 2 dogs at Collaton Farm, Kings Nympton, worth £850 (9th Sep)

🫒 A 2-night stay for 2 with dinner at the award-winning Millbrook Inn, Kingsbridge, plus a foodie hamper (13th Sep)

🌊 A luxury coastal break for up to 8 people at Braddick’s Holiday Park, Westward Ho! (19th Dec)

🏨 A 2-night stay for 2 at The Mercure, Paignton (no closing date given).

🌊 An escape for 2 to Soar Mill Cove, Salcombe (no closing date given)

Did you win something? Let me know

🌼 Live at the Ampitheatre

🌺 Private Devon Gardens open in August

🚢 Rock the Torridge

🦇 Brutus, Bandamonium and Bats

That’s all for this week. Thanks for being a member.

NEXT ISSUE Then There Were None

Andy, Esme and Lara