Kelly Mine

The Kelly Mine near Newton Abbot is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. It's a working tin and copper mine that you can actually go down into - proper underground, helmet on, the lot. You're not just looking at displays in a visitor centre; you're descending into the real thing.

The tour takes you through genuine mine workings, and honestly, it's darker and damper than you'd expect. The guides know their stuff and explain the industrial history without making it feel like a school trip. The mineral formations are striking if you're into geology at all. Kids tend to find it genuinely exciting rather than educational-boring, which is rare.

Allow a couple of hours minimum - the tour itself runs maybe 45 minutes, but getting kitted up and exploring takes time. It's not wheelchair accessible, and the descent involves proper climbing, so anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia should think twice. Go mid-week if you can; weekends draw crowds into a tight space.

It works well as part of a broader Devon trip. If you're staying at Oakmoor Touring Park near Newton Abbot, this is practically on your doorstep - makes for a solid half-day activity before heading elsewhere in Dartmoor or south Devon. The surrounding countryside is pleasant enough for a walk afterwards, though you won't be stunned.