Special birthday outing in Devon/Eastern Cornwall - ideas?!

[Calmomiletea]

We are heading to Devon this week on our holidays - we'll actually be there for 3 weeks. It's my birthday while we are there and I would love some ideas for something to do to have a nice special day out while there. Most other things are centring around the children, but I do want to do something for myself on my birthday.
We'll be staying in Tavistock so I guess eastern Cornwall is also possible.

Any ideas? Things I'm interested in are: antique shops/independent shops, beautiful lush cove type beaches (yes, I'm a bit particular on those, ha!) rather than big stretches of sand; I like art/craft workshops but some I've seen seem to be off for the summer; are there any really special historical, super pretty towns/villages/NT properties?

My husband will be glad for any suggestions 😆😄
Thank you!!

Also, special farm shops.. anything like Devon's version of Petersham nurseries?

I don’t know how far you’re willing to travel but I love Greenway (Agatha Christie’s holiday home) and then Kingswear is a very pretty village, then you can get the ferry over to Dartmouth which another lovely place, then you’ve got Dartmouth castle and some gorgeous cove beaches to the south.

Cotehele National Trust property is in Cornwall but not that far away from where your staying

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele

Thank you! That sounds like a great day out! I've read the dart is lovely for a cruise, so we could maybe fit that in too.

If anyone has any other really pretty town suggestions please share!

I've read about this one. The reviews for it seem to be really good. Thank you for your input!

Bovey castle does a lovely afternoon tea.

Greendale farm shop or darts farm both near Exeter - not really a birthday day out, but worth popping in if in the area. Greendale has animals outside if you have small children. Darts farm has play area outside. Both handy as stop of places also if long drive to home

Another vote for Greenway. We did steam train from Paignton to Dartmouth then river cruise to Greenway last summer. Lovely day out.

Cotehele worth a visit too and it’s not far from Tavistock.

My father lived in looe so many wonderful holidays down there, I’m not sure of distance from Tavistock, but tintegel castle is nice, there’s a cove near there off the maps I can’t remember the way (would know if I was there 🙄) but dad knew the way there’s also a nice farm shop near there and then Jamaica inn on the way home for dinner ?

my favourite place is polperro I love going there, there’s an amazing leather shop wonderful belts and bags so birthday present ! I just love the little old paths and the seafront is so pretty, then just further down you have lantic bay which is a national trust property so wild and yet stunning

I must admit we went further down than you’re going but there’s the Eden project and the lost gardens of Helgan but that’s a distance from you.

Boscastle is pretty. You can walk up to the lookout.
There is a pretty walk nearby to St Nectan's Glen waterfall.
The views from Camelot castle are amazing- you can just buy a drink and sit outside.
There is a small pebbly beach at Crackington Haven will a small tea shop that serves warm scones.

Second Dartmouth cruise on River Dart plus breakfast at Alfrescoes. Boat to tiny Dittisham for Anchorstone seafood cafe (ring bell-for boat) Totnes fabulous medieval town of interesting creative independent shops. Bull Inn at top of high street for amazing food. Also Riverford Field Kitchen for homegrown organic veggie meals at sharing tables and incredible recipes. NT Greenway and Coleton Fishacre both small but fab with beautiful gardens. You can parkat Brownstone carpk NT and walk along stunning southwestcoastpath to Coleton for lunch. Stream fed garden and art decoish house. Also Killerton and Knightshayes near Tiverton E Devon NT both much bigger and lovely walks.

Dartington Estate near Totnes has some great crafty courses, live music, pub, cafe, stunning walks by river Dart, deer park, tiny cinema. Almond thief on industrial estate in Dartington nearby great for coffee and pastries, buy their sourdough.

Burgh Island where Agatha Christie set And then there were none is stunning and can swim at Bigbury Bay (beware rip tide), nearby Oyster Shack for incredible seafood v casual open air (canvas). Plus loads of South Hams beaches have gorgeous walks and coves. In Torbay Elberry Cove and Churston Cove turquoise waters for swimming, completely wild and unspoilt by buildings. Can bbq. Venus cafe at Broadsands is great and can hire kayaks etc, perfect for children to swim as gently shelves and sandy loos there too.

Have fab time.

I can recommend The Horn of Plenty country house hotel just outside Tavistock. If you are also looking for a room they have a promotion on at the moment, if you buy one night dinner, bed and breakfast you get the next night free on B& B - 100 nights on offer free in July and August. As well as Greenway, the gardens at Coleton Fishacre are nice. I’ve heard The Angel in Dartmouth is very good.

I can recommend Lansallos if you like cove beaches. Its NT and a 20 min walk down a wooded path to reach the cove.
Duchy nurseries in Lostwithiel is also worth a look. Basically, the public shop for the "Duchy of Cornwall' brand. Lots of Cornish homewares, plants and a great cafe.