Devon UK’s third biggest county is home to attractions ranging from opportunities to see wild, exotic and endangered creatures in their natural habitats to visiting quaint villages with thatched roof cottages. Devon is also the birthplace of Sir Frances Drake and the renowned mystery author, Dame Agatha Christie.

At Bygones, visitors have a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in the days of Queen Victoria. Here one can wander a brick street lined with old fashioned food shops or stand beside statues depicting clothing styles worn by men, women and children. There is a tea room where one can sample tea and special homemade cakes. The Jubilee Gift Shop is just the place to find something to remember your visit by.

Paignton Zoo is perhaps a misnomer since there are no cages but rather the chance to see creatures in their natural habitats. Visitors can get a close look at animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, gorillas and view a crocodile swamp.

Devon is home to Torre Abbey which is unique in the fact that a barn originally used to store grain was home to 400 sailors captured during the Spanish Armada. The abbey was built in 1196. Another fascinating home in Devon is Powerham Castle which served as the residence for the Earl of Devon for 600 years. This stately structure features hallways with secret doors and rooms where passageways are hidden behind cupboards and walls.

For children as well as adults, a special opportunity to experience the life of a bee is made possible at Quince Honey Farm. Not only can visitors watch how honey is made and bottled and view other items made from beeswax such as candles, but they can actually take look inside bee hives without the danger of stings since the hives are glass enclosed.

For visitors who enjoy walking tours the Walking Tour of Torquay allows one to visit many of the buildings and landscape areas enjoyed by Agatha Christie during her lifetime. Her home, Greenway House, is currently being fitted to be a museum in her honor.