Devon’s Top Attractions Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Grand Finale!

Devon’s Top Attractions brought their year-long 40th anniversary celebrations to a proud close with their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 26th November, hosted by Crealy Theme Park & Resort. As the final major event marking this milestone year, the event united members and leading figures from across the tourism sector — including key industry leaders, partners, collaborators, and suppliers — to celebrate four decades of quality, innovation, and growth in Devon’s visitor economy.

This anniversary year has been filled with memorable highlights, including the flagship Forty For Tea celebration at River Dart Country Park in June. Members gathered with their mascots to form a spectacular giant “4-0” cream tea display, a picture-perfect moment that launched a summer of celebrations and Devon’s biggest ever family ticket giveaway. A total of 40 family tickets were offered in a major summer competition to thank visitors for their support over the past four decades.

Outgoing Chairman Rick Turner (The Big Sheep Farm & Theme Park) was thanked for his dedicated three years of service before formally handing over the chairship to Roger Sell (River Dart Country Park).Other former chairmen John Rous (Clovelly), Simon Fishwick (formerly Powderham Castle) and Dick Wood (formerly South Devon Railway) also joined the celebrations, cutting the anniversary cake and sharing memories from their time leading the organisation. The AGM also included insightful presentations from Robin Tjolle of Visit England and Martin Austin MBE of Nimbus Disability.

During the AGM, the winners of the 2025 DATA Awards were announced, recognising attractions that have excelled in quality, service, and innovation:

The Winners of the 2025 Awards were:

· Devon Loo of the Year – Jurassic Discovery

· Best Devon Attraction Retail Shop of the Year – House of Marbles

· Devon Dog Friendly Attraction of the Year – Canonteign Falls

· Best Devon Attraction Café of the Year – Quince Honey Farm

· Devon Sustainability Attraction of the Year – RHS Rosemoor

· Best Devon Attraction Talk/Show/Tour of the Year – Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Rick Turner commented: “This AGM was a fantastic celebration of everything our members have accomplished during our 40th anniversary year. Devon’s Top Attractions continues to lead the way in quality and innovation, and it has been a privilege to support that progress as Chairman. With strong partnerships, ambitious plans and Roger now taking the helm, the organisation is in great hands for the future.”

The event also offered valuable networking opportunities, strengthening partnerships between attractions, industry experts, and suppliers. As Devon’s Top Attractions looks ahead to the next 40 years, the organisation remains committed to championing quality, supporting local economies, and showcasing outstanding visitor experiences across the county.