Lime Kilns

Industrial archaeology doesn't get much more atmospheric than these crumbling limestone kilns scattered across the Devon countryside near Newton Abbot. Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, these stone towers once burned limestone to produce quicklime for agriculture and construction - vital work that shaped the local economy for generations.

What strikes you first is how the landscape has reclaimed these structures. Ivy creeps up weathered stone walls while wildflowers push through cracks in the masonry. The kilns themselves are surprisingly substantial - some standing two storeys high with intact arched openings where coal fires once roared.

History enthusiasts will appreciate how these ruins tell the story of Devon's industrial past, while photographers find the contrast between crumbling stonework and rolling countryside properly compelling. Families with older children who enjoy exploring will get a kick out of scrambling around the ruins, though keep little ones close as some areas can be uneven underfoot.

Allow about an hour to explore properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're keen on industrial heritage. The site appears to be freely accessible, making it a worthwhile detour when staying at nearby parks like Dornafield Dartmoor or Hidden Hill Devon. Best combined with a walk across the surrounding countryside - the kilns make a cracking focal point for a ramble through this corner of Devon between Dartmoor and the coast.