Autumn is a fabulous time to visit Devon; the hurly-burly of the summer months has subsided, but often the weather remains warm long into October. With the trees turning a thousand shades of red and gold, this is one of our favourite times to get out and explore the stunning countryside close to Bickley Mill. We have selected a variety of places that are perfect to visit at this time of year.
Agatha Christie Literary Trail
Agatha Christie was born on the 15th of September 1890 in Torquay. On the Agatha Christie Trail, you can visit many of the places that inspired several of her novels. You discover how Dartmouth became Drymouth and Torquay become Hollowquay. The sea facing terrace at the at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay was the inspiration for Majestic Hotel in Peril at End House and The Body in the Library. In The Man in the Brown Suit, Hempsley Cavern was based on the labyrinth-like Kents Cavern. Which is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric Stone Age caves and a simply unmissable archaeological site. There are twelve sights to visit on the Agatha Christie Mile and many more if you are willing to venture further afield.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Designed by architect John Hayward, the magnificent Victorian building housing the museum has diverse collections of both local and international importance. The 16 galleries of displays take visitors on a voyage of discovery from Exeter all around the world from pre-history to the present day. The experience draws on the city’s collection including glassware, Westcountry silver, clocks and watches, local history and archaeology. Exotic animals, birds and butterflies are a delight and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.
Three special exhibition spaces, with changing programmes, mean there is likely to be something different to see every visit, from national touring shows to community displays and fine art from the city’s collection.
Free entry gives everyone the freedom to visit many times and to stay for any length of time.
Powderham Castle
The Manor of Powderham was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Today, Powderham Castle is set alongside a stunning deer park and woodland, and is open to the public all year round. As well as the castle you can also explore formal and informal gardens, pleasure grounds and kitchen gardens, including 19th-century formal terraced gardens of one hectare.
If you have time, visit the farm shop which has plenty of choice from fresh meat, fruit and veg, a bakery, gifts and more.
Brixham
Life in Brixham has always centred around the harbour. Brixham has a history filled with pirates and smugglers. Enjoy a cruise on a heritage trawler across the bay, taking in the stunning coastline (and perhaps spotting some of our local dolphins). Brixham was once two separate communities Cowtown was the area on top of the hill where the farmers lived, while a mile away in the harbour was Fishtown where the seamen lived.
Tours of the fish market are also available until the middle of October. Much of the fish served at Bickley Mill is landed in Brixham harbour, so you could tour the fish market in the day and then sample the produce in the evening!
Book your stay
To start your autumn break in Devon, take a look at our rooms or get in touch!