Best South Devon Prehistoric Sites, Torquay, South Devon
South Devon has one of the UK's most important prehistoric caves. Dartmoor's prehistory is internationally important. We list some of the best prehistoric sites below.
South Devon Prehistoric Sites
Kents Cavern. Whilst a tour of this cave is an unforgettable experience and the guide's account of the animals and humans that have lived here a mind-blowing story, Kents Cavern acts as a perfect introduction to a much larger and internationally important attraction called the English Riviera Geopark. So, visit the cave and use it as a starting point to discover the Geopark. Whilst discovering the Geopark, you'll see some of South Devon's finest views and visit some of its most historically interesting places. We provide information on Kents Cavern before providing other recommended attractions in the wider Geopark area.
Kents Cavern is a show cave situated near the centre of Torquay in the north east section of The English Riviera. We've positioned it on Google maps to help you find its location. There's parking by the building that houses the shop, restaurant and entrance to the cave. You need to book yourself on a tour and a guide takes you into the cave and unfurls its story. There is evidence of human activity in the area stretching back 500,000 years. Britain's oldest human bone was found in the cave dating back some 40,000 years. You'll also hear about the cave bears and hyenas that used to live here. If this is of interest, we'd suggest you also visit nearby Torquay Museum and Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM). Both have a wealth of information and exhibits relating to the area's deep past.
Kents Cavern is located in the world's first urban Geopark. A Geopark is an area of exceptional geological importance. It's this special geology that created, for example, the Kents Cavern show cave. If you can, walk the South West Coast Path from Babbacombe to Brixham's Berry Head.
Best Dartmoor Prehistoric Sites
Dartmoor Stone Circles
Scorhill Stone Circle. Very popular stone circle on the moor above Chagford. Head for Batworthy Corner and walk across.
White Moor Stone Circle. Remote stone circle on the high north moor. The setting is stunning but it takes effort to visit.
Nine Maidens Stone Circle. Impressive circle near Belstone village on the edge of the north moor.
Stall Moor The Dancers Stone Circle. Circle at the southern end of what is said to be the longest stone row in the world.
Langstone Moor Stone Circle. Another remote circle in a stunning setting in the western section of the National Park.
The Grey Wethers Stone Circles. Double stone circle on the edge of Fernworthy Forest.
Dartmoor Stone Rows
Merrivale Stone Rows. Very easily accessible. Just off the B3357 near Merrivale.
Down Tor Stone Row (Hingston Hill Stone Row). Some think that this is the most impressive stone row on Dartmoor. Highly recommended along with Stalldown Stone Row.
Cosdon (The Cemetery) Stone Row. One of a small number of triple stone rows on Dartmoor. Comes with super views of the northern and north eastern sections of the National Park.
Hurston Ridge/Chagford Common Stone Row. Beautiful stone row just off the Two Moors Way on Chagford Common.
Stalldown Stone Row. Amazing stone row in an amazing location on Dartmoor's south moor.
Stall Moor Stone Row. Said to be the longest stone row in the world. Located in the heart of Dartmoor's south moor, Stall Moor Stone Row occupies a very remote location.
Dartmoor Standing Stones
Drizzle Combe Standing Stones. Standing stones and stone rows. The complex includes the tallest standing stone on Dartmoor.
Merrivale Standing Stone. Part of the Merrivale complex of prehistoric sites.
The Longstone Standing Stone (Langstone Moor). Near Langstone Moor Stone Circle on the western side of the National Park.
Beardown Man Standing Stone. Remote location. Awesome setting.
Dartmoor Pounds
Grimspound (English Heritage). One of the most visited prehistoric sites on Dartmoor.
Other sites of interest in South Devon
Hope's Nose. Tor Bay is an arc of coastline on the South Devon coast. Hope's nose juts out into the sea at the north end of the bay. Awesome views.
Torre Abbey. Super visitor attraction in Torquay.
Goodrington Sands (Beach) and Roundham Head. Roundham Head pushes out into the water at the centre of Tor Bay. Goodrington Sands is the amazing red sand beach south of the headland.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve. At the south end of Tor Bay, Berry Head is situated high above the sea. Explore the fort and National Nature Reserve.
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