3 Best Sights in The West Country, England

Brixham

At the southern point of Tor Bay, Brixham has kept much of its original charm, partly because it still has an active fishing harbor. Much of the catch goes straight to restaurants as far away as London. Sample fish-and-chips on the quayside, where there's a (surprisingly petite) full-scale reproduction of the vessel on which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world from 1577–1580. There's also a statue of the Dutch William of Orange, who landed here with an army in 1688 to set in motion what became known as "The Glorious Revolution," eventually becoming King William III. The village is 10 miles southeast of Totnes via A385 and A3022.

South Devon Railway

Steam trains of this railway run through 7 miles of the wooded Dart Valley between Totnes and Buckfastleigh, on the edge of Dartmoor (30 minutes). Call about special trips scattered throughout the season and around Christmas.

Totnes Castle

You can climb up the hill in town to the ruins of this castle—a fine Norman motte and bailey design—for a wonderful view of Totnes and the River Dart.

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