Devon’s Top Attractions Earn Top Marks in Summer Inspections

Even as the summer season winds down and children return to school, Devon’s attractions have been scoring exceptionally well in this year’s inspections and mystery shops. All Devon’s Top Attractions are quality assured as they go through a rigorous inspection process bi-annually as well as visits from mystery shoppers giving their feedback on a day out at our attractions. This year’s reports show that the county’s tourism sector isn’t just staying open — it’s performing at a consistently high standard with some top marks. Some great quality events across the region were also boosting quality perception.

Operational Excellence Despite Challenges

The summer heatwaves created some operational hurdles, but inspections praised how well attractions adapted. Some of our attractions really benefitted from the hot summer such as Blackpool Sands with their Blue Flag beach, River Dart Country Park, Crealy Theme Park & Resort & Woodlands Family Theme Park with their family friendly campsites and natural attractions such as Haldon Forest Park, Canonteign Falls and Becky Falls who could offer shade and respite from the heat on their woodland trails. There were plenty of ice-creams sold too!

High Pass Mark for Top Attractions

Top Attraction reviewed their inspection process in 2023 and digitised the inspection visits using a checklist app. At the same time they raised the pass mark to 75% to ensure that all those who are part of the group reached these new high standards. Both the inspections and the mystery shops are carried out in the spring and early summer months where staff and facilities are stretched to see how they perform.

The ‘Echoes of Us’ exhibition at The Box

In 2026 we are delighted to say we had some fantastic results – there were 3 attractions who scored a whopping 100% including The Box Museum in Plymouth, the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth and Lundy Island. Plus 89% of attractions inspected scored over 90%.  Whilst this is great news, these inspections also highlight any areas where a site may need to carry out some improvements or make some changes and when the reports go out by the end of August it gives members time to carry out any additional work over the winter months. This means that no attraction ‘rests on its laurels’ but constantly strives to improve.

Visitor Engagement photoshoot 2023

This year’s mystery shoppers all thoroughly enjoyed their visits and we had some great feedback.

Mystery Shopper who had a day out at Jurassic Discovery, Seaton:

S U M M A R Y Our visit to Jurassic Discovery was outstanding from beginning to end and exceeded all of our expectations. It is a wonderful family attraction in the most beautiful location. The outside grounds are so clean, and the garden area is just stunning. Every aspect of the attraction was of an exceptionally high standard, from the warm, friendly welcome and knowledgeable staff to the impressive dinosaur exhibits and the amazing fossil room. The attraction offers families so much. It is educational, fun and just something very special. Jurassic Discover is a fantastic attraction in Devon. We enjoyed every second we were there and are counting the days until we get to come back.

Devon doesn’t shut down when summer ends — and it doesn’t drop in quality either. If anything, early autumn is one of the best times to enjoy attractions that have just proven their excellence through inspections and visitor feedback. Devon’s attractions are open, they’re performing well and they’re worth visiting even after the school term begins.