Top Devon Historical Tours

Get acquainted with Ilfracombe’s supernatural side with this ghost tour of the harbor area. With a talented storyteller as your guide, you’ll discover a hidden side of the local history through tales of the spirits that haunt Ilfracombe’s streets and historic pubs. Even better: Numbers are capped at 15 per group for a more atmospheric, small-group experience. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Take a trip down memory lane in Torquay with this tour inspired by the 1970s British sitcom "Fawlty Towers." With a local guide, hear behind-the-scenes stories about Basil Fawlty's chaotic hotel and enjoy photo stops, fun facts about John Cleese and Connie Booth, and references to "riff-raff." As you explore, recreate some of the funniest moments from the show with the help of your guide.

Journey through Ilfracombe’s fascinating history on this immersive 45-minute self-guided walking tour. Starting at the High Street, you’ll journey through the town’s oldest areas, hear spine-tingling ghost stories, and delve into tales of wreckers, smugglers, and Victorian holidaymakers. Wander through Fore Street, where your final stop is the George & Dragon, a pub dating back to the 1300s. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of architectural styles spanning from the 1200s to the present, including Georgian, Regency, and Victorian buildings. Learn about the people who once occupied these historic structures, some of whom still haunt them. Along the way, learn about Titanic survivor Alice Francis Louisa Philips, Victorian policing, and myths surrounding local murders. From the Queens Hotel to Fore Street’s historic charm, this tour offers a deeper appreciation of Ilfracombe’s rich past, unique stories, and architectural heritage.

On one side of Exmouth Beach, the red sandstone cliffs ascend to Orcombe Point, the official start of the Jurassic Coast – the only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. On the other side, the vibrant Exe Estuary sits teeming with birdlife, a fairly flat cycle path connecting Exmouth with the quaint village of Lympstone, the historic port of Topsham and leading all the way up to Exeter. In the middle are countless stories of swashbuckling local pirates, smugglers offloading illicit contraband into East Devon, famous residents who found inspiration and solace in the beautiful ocean scenery and a bustling tourism industry, which was the first of its kind in the county and still prospers today. In my walking tours, I explore Exmouth’s past, present and future, detailing the most fascinating stories from the town’s history with plenty of local recommendations for things to see and do while you’re in town.

The vast outdoor landscape of Dartmoor is a place best explored by car, and if you want to access wild and remote sites with ease, then this Land Rover Discovery private driving tour is a great pick. Relax and enjoy the views as a driver takes you between ancient settlements, granite tors, and windswept moors. You can also enjoy the opportunity to walk near wild ponies and highland cattle—with binocular rental included in the package.

If you’re curious about the hauntings, history, and mysteries of the Ilfracombe seafront area, then this is the tour for you. Save hours doing your own independent research, as a guide reveals everything you need to know. As well as passing by key locations—such as The Landmark Theatre and St. Nicholas Chapel—you can hear stories about spooky events linked to these important buildings too.

Discover 185 million years of geological history on this private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Journey along the stunning cliffs and vibrant fishing villages of East Devon and West Dorset, observing unique rock formations from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Triassic periods. From the red desert sandstone to fossil-rich beaches, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's past while also visiting iconic seaside towns like Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. Enjoy the option to search for fossils on the beach, and experience the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired countless artists and writers. - Private guided tour ensuring personalized attention and flexibility - Explore the unique geology and stunning coastal scenery - Visit charming villages and classic Victorian seaside retreats - Opportunity for fossil hunting at famous sites like Lyme Regis and Charmouth - Lunch booking made if required in a country Inn

See parts of beautiful Brixham that you might miss otherwise when you join a walking tour with a local guide. Your guide will share stories that you won’t hear elsewhere, and will help you understand the town and its heritage better. See the sights while getting some gentle exercise, and without the risk of getting lost.