Marcus Williams is the curator of the National Marine Aquarium who featured in the BBC TV series Secrets of the Aquarium reveals why both water and wine are close to his heart
Tell us briefly about yourself and what you do in the county.
I am the curator at the National Marine Aquarium, the largest public aquarium in the UK. I am also a part-time wine maker and vineyard manager, husband and parent to an ocean-loving nine-year-old.
Where in Devon do you live?
I live in the village of Bere Alston in the heart of the Tamar Valley, just a few miles from Tavistock.
How long have you been here and what brought you here?
I was born in Plymouth and grew up in Bere Alston. Bar a few years working and living abroad, I have spent my whole life in the village. I’ve had the opportunity many times to relocate to much warmer parts of the world but ultimately Devon always wins, not just because of family but also because you are hard pushed to find a more beautiful setting.
What’s the best thing about living in Devon?
The proximity to the ocean and the ability to be completely isolated with very little effort. The abundance of marine life in areas such as the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound make it an inspiring place to live and raise a family.
And the worst?
Well, it’s been known to rain a bit here and there!
Describe your ideal day out in Devon
I love to be in, on or around water so Devon, and Plymouth in particular, are great places to be. An ideal day out in Devon would have to include time spent around Plymouth Sound National Marine Park with my nine-year-old son. We love rockpooling at Mountbatten so a trip here is a must as the diversity of wildlife is great and it’s an awesome place for youngsters to learn to love and respect the ocean.
Beyond that, a perfect day would also include a visit to a Devon vineyard. The quality of local wine is getting better every year and a visit to a vineyard is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy something special at the same time!
What is your favourite Devon journey, by any mode of transport?
I love to kayak on the River Tamar, getting onto the water at Wier Quay and paddling up to Calstock. As long as I get the tides right, that is! It’s a beautiful part of the world and there is so much wildlife to see from birds of prey to seals and otters.
What is your favourite view in the county?
My family is very lucky in that it owns a vineyard on the banks of the River Tamar near to Bere Alston. The view from the top of the vineyard and across to Pentillee Castle is stunning, irrespective of the weather.
What is your favourite month to be in Devon?
April. Everything has started to wake up and you get the occasional warm day! There’s so much promise for the year to come and we get to delude ourselves that the weather will be amazing all summer!
What gift from Devon would you give to a friend?
It would obviously have to be a bottle of quality English wine made here on our doorstep!
What three words best describe Devon?
Beautiful. Unique. Home.
