This is a large park, the north and south grassy areas separated by a vast expanse of tarmac road…read morethat cuts into the middle of the park, with the Royal Citadel and disabled parking at one end, and the other end leading to West Hoe Park. This tarmac expanse is often used for military parades, concerts and funfairs. Notable landmarks are the War Memorials, Sir Francis Drake statute and Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse, which is open to the public, and has it's own twitter account @smeatonstower

A lovely, small, lake, which was originally built to provide a water supply for Paignton, lying on…read morethe edge of the Dartmoor National Park. There's a footpath around the edge which makes an attractive walk as the views over the moorland are very fine. There is a toilet in the nearby car park.

When we arrived at Bicton Park, the staff member told my two year old and five year old that they…read morewere not allowed to bring in the dolly push chairs that they were pushing. My children were very upset. I asked the staff member what the purpose of that rule was and she said it was "on the sign". I asked her why it was on the sign and she said "insurance won't cover it" with no explanation of what it was that insurance wouldn't cover or how dolly push chairs could be deemed more dangerous than full-sized pushchairs. I then had to choose between forcing the children to leave the push chairs behind, upsetting them further, or leaving Bicton Park. We left and we will not be going back. This was my children's first experience of the small-minded enforcement of rules that serve no purpose. I hope they won't have to come across such a ridiculous situation again.

Agreed a really brilliant place to visit, and go on the train ,and survey the Motor museum.read more

Located on an industrial estate between a welders workshop and site for building materials, this…read moreperky lime green warehouse stands out a mile. Yummy mummies and their 4x4's stream in and out of the well guarded gates and high walls that lead to a sanitary paradise of indoor-outdoor adventure. Parc (Welsh for park) is marketed as an 'all weather playground' and it divvies up as two thirds indoors and one third out. The outdoor bit has a fantastic sandy 'beach' area, with large wooden boat complete with pirate flags. In-between the in and the outdoors there is a zip wire, water play area, two swings and a large slide. Inside there are two 'tube' slides, wooden adventure walkway with bridges and ropes and a toddlers area aimed at the 1-4's. The facilities include a cafe area, lots of seating throughout and toilets. I love the little touches such as the double-seater stripy deckchairs. In winter the heated cafe area, with clear views of the toddlers area, is the place to be. I have to admit it I've had my eye on this place from the outset. We live across the river from Parc and when I saw the sign go up wizzed over for a preview. I met the builders (our new, but temporary neighbours) and came back with a carboot full of wood offcuts for the burner. I thought - "a wooden playground on an industrial estate? I like!" ...And I still do, but as I mentioned earlier I do find this type of indoor 'gated' playground a little too sanitary for my taste and in many ways prefer taking my toddler to the beach or the park - But shock horror what if it rains?! A: I just let him get wet. Another small gripe, it seems that there is a small jump from toddler to confident child in terms of the equipment on offer. There could be more for the 3-6's here I feel. All in all well worth a visit, good place to hang out with your mummy mates. Bring your own picnic, sit down, chillax and have a natter...ok if you've got an under 5 that mayyy not happen! Opening hours: Weekdays 10am - 6:30pm last entry 5pm, weekends & school holidays 10am - 6pm last entry 4:30pm Cost: Adults £1.50 peak, £1 off peak. Children £5 peak, £3.50 off peak, reductions for more than 1 child. Note: Parties catered for - but pre-book. Also note: Visits are limited to 2.5 hours on very busy day (but that's about right anyway) Tip: As you can imagine it gets busy during school holidays and after school Tip: Free wifi Top tip: Walk , train it or cycle and get 50p off!

You'd think a place like this would be my idea of hell, but I have to admit I was really impressed…read morewith the facilities at Parc - it's too bad they didn't have play areas like this when I was a kid! I'd never be privy to playgrounds if it weren't for my beloved's two year daughter, who tires herself out by running endlessly from tunnel to slide and back again. I can't wait until she's a bit older so I can live vicariously through her as she tears through Parc on the zip wire... After chasing her around screaming for half an hour, I needed some sort of refreshment (I realised this is neither the time nor the place for a pint), but luckily, Parc has this covered as well, selling coffees and canned drinks, as well as hot dogs and even packs of Oreos (yes!). The best time to go is on a Sunday morning, where you'll pretty much have the place to yourself; otherwise get ready for an onslaught of families and hyperactive children, which isn't so bad, if you can be all Zen about it like the kind lady working the snack hut who simply says, "You don't even hear the screaming after a while - it's like white noise".

During my stay in Devon and Cornwall, my most memorable visits were to several grand estates. This…read moreone was special because my family lives just down the road and it has some of the loveliest views of Plymouth across the River Tamar. You can visit the grounds (865 acres) for free, so my review is limited to that experience. For a fee you can visit the Mount Edgcumbe House and Earl's Garden. There is no garden like an English garden. This one was absolutely lovely since there were so many different and distinct areas as you rambled through the large estate. The manicured Italian and French Gardens led to the more rambling American Garden with a geyser in the middle. But really the most interesting for my son were the battery, with cannons, pointing out over the river. There is a Block House nearby that helps a child imagine defending the estate against all intruders.

One of the nicest places for a walk in the area with some great views. It's worth seeing the…read moreinteresting buildings within the park including the 18th century Folly, the Doric Thomson's Seat and the circular Milton's Temple. There are some lovely woodland trails to follow, many of which are suitable for everyone including wheelchair users. There are formal gardens too and the lovely Orangery and restaurant is well worth a visit.

Came here in the late afternoon for a quick visit. Since we're members entrance was free. Our…read moreEnglish Bulldog was welcome on the site as well. The site is very nice and green. Very quiet when we've visited with only a handful of visitors. Surprising. Because even though not the biggest, it is a very interesting and beautiful castle. The big 13th-century round tower was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. You can climb up to the top to enjoy the views of the beautiful valley. The castle also served as prison and was also used as the base for the Cornish Royalist defence of the county. A very pleasant visit. Nice history, great surroundings. A small souvenir shop at the entrance as well. We enjoyed it. We parked our car at the nearby Westgate Street Multi-Storey Car Park and Coach Park. Only a few steps away.

This is a is a Norman motte and bailey earthwork castle on a high mound overlooking the town. It…read morewas once the administrative headquarters for the Earls of Cornwall who owned many estates throughout the region. It is thought that a castle was on this spot as early as 1067. In the 12th century a stone keep was constructed and then in the 13th century Richard of Cornwall held the earldom and made many alterations to the castle. After his death his son moved the administration to Lostwithiel which resulted in the castle's gradual decline in importance. It later became a prison for a time. Worth a visit if you are in the area, especially to see the views from the top. There is a nearby castle shop as well for souvenirs.

This estate has it all: beautiful gardens with a variety of unusual flowers and plants, lovely…read moreviews of the sea, and an interesting art deco style house. As it is run by the National Trust, the entry fee is quite high, but the money does go towards the proper upkeep of the house and grounds. Wander around the gardens, and you will also see a range of different bird species, which are resident here. The house is interesting, with the most spectacular room being the green salon at the front of the house, and there are volunteers about, who will be happy to tell you about its history. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take your camera inside. There is also a reasonably priced café near the entrance, which serve good lunch and afternoon tea.

What a way to spend a day, it was wonderful. It was easy access for the wheel chair and my wife…read moreJulie pushed me around all the lakes. The sculptures were fantastic and we enjoyed seeing everyone. My camera was very busy and I took a lot of pics . We stopped by the lake and had lunch , it was so peaceful even with the nature around us. I would recommend this for anyone who is in the area and you wont regret it. You will enjoy it as we did . Allan reid

From the owner: Nestled in 26 acres of Dorset's glorious countryside lies Sculpture by the Lakes, an oasis for art…read morelovers and collectors alike created by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon. Simon's vision was to create an environment for enthusiasts that blends nature's beauty with inspiring works of art free from the constraints of enclosed spaces of a traditional gallery. The sculpture park has been carefully landscaped and curated to ensure each piece is positioned to enhance its aesthetic qualities as well as the visual surroundings. We are open from 11am until 5pm Monday to Saturday winter time, and Monday to Sunday summer time. *Please note no dogs or children under the age of 14 are allowed on the premises.*