From "that loftie place at Plimmouth call'd the Hoe", Francis Drake (1540-1596) is said to have observed the "invincible Spanish Armada" arriving one day in 1588. It is still an ideal point from which to view the maritime traffic on the Sound, the natural harbour at the mouth of the Tamar and Plym.

Dartmoor National Park covers over 945km² and is the largest of the five granite masses which form the core of southwest England. Its centre, covered with open moorland, home to wild ponies, sheep and cattle, is flanked by tors to the north and west. The two highest, High Willhays (621m) and Yes Tor (619m) are in a military training area. To the east and southeast, lie wooded valleys and cascading streams, which are home to wagtails and small villages. Don't miss the view from Brent Tor and the wooded valley of Lydford Gorge.

The fort was begun in 1481 by the merchants of Dartmouth to protect their homes and deep-water anchorage and modified in the 16 and 18C. It commands excellent views of the sea and the estuary. It was the first castle in England to have been designed for the use of guns as the main armament. The gun ports are splayed on the inside to allow a sweeping view without an enlarged opening.

When he discovered that he was descended from a Norman aristocrat, Dru or Drogo, who lived in the 12C, the rich grocer Julius Drewe had Edwin Lutyens create an extraordinary castle in his name. The castle was built 1911-1930 from granite taken from Drewe quarry. The exterior is inspired by romanesque and Tudor styles, and the interior is pure Lutyens (with some fine oak objects).