Sometimes considered to be England’s great all-rounder, Devon is a county with a seemingly endless list of things to see and do. There are two coastlines, north and south, offering beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular scenery, and fabulous walks along the clifftops. Both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park provide outstanding opportunities for lovers of the outdoors, and the remains of ancient civilisations can be witnessed first-hand. Historically fascinating cities and towns make for great bases from which to explore. Charming villages and an abundance of thatched cottages nestled amongst the rolling green hills and beautiful woodlands await the traveller around every corner. Variety is the spice of life in Devon!
One of the largest counties in England, there’s more than enough room for everyone in Devon. A vast network of over 6000 miles of roads means that it’s possible to venture deep into the soul of this wonderful county, and the 618 churches suggest just how many communities there are waiting to be discovered. The layers of history are fascinating, from the Bronze Age and Medieval periods on Dartmoor and in other locations, to the fishing traditions on the coasts, where many a famous explorer set sail from.
With exceptional links to literature, including Devon’s very own Agatha Christie, bountiful nature, beautiful gardens, and Devon’s most famous culinary delight, the Devonshire cream tea (jam on top please!), a lifetime isn’t long enough to discover all that’s on offer here.
With a broad array of long-established resorts and a thriving tourism industry, Devon is regarded around England and further beyond as not only a most agreeable place to live in, but a wonderful destination for a holiday.
Providing a fantastic combination of mile upon mile of varied coastline, including dozens of beaches, lush green hills and gorgeous winding rivers, there’s enough room for everyone in South Devon, no matter what their reason for being in this part of the World. Considered a favourite area for people looking to relocate down to the southwest of England, South Devon is also a perfect destination for holiday makers.
When Steven Spielberg, whilst filming Warhorse, praised Dartmoor National Park for “its abundance of natural beauty”, commenting that he was “stunned” by the landscape that lay before him, he was reflecting what both locals and visitors alike experience when they come to this special place. 368 square miles in size, it’s one of England’s great wildernesses, and an outdoor lover’s ultimate playground.
Famous for the fact that on Friday 19th July 1588, Sir Francis Drake was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe when he was told that the Spanish Armada was approaching (of course, he insisted that he finish his game before sailing off to intercept the enemy ships!), Plymouth’s history revolves largely around the sea. The largest city in Devon, it’s also where the Mayflower set sail from in 1620 when bound for America.
Steeped in over 2000 years of history, Exeter is a lively and thriving city with a majestic cathedral, many fine old buildings and a safe, welcoming atmosphere that makes it attractive to the visitor. A university city and Devon’s capital, Exeter is an active place to be throughout the year, with no shortage of live performance, exhibitions, and festivals taking place.
Quite different in character from other areas of Devon, East Devon has a timeless charm about it, and no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whilst the coast offers some of the more obvious appeal, inland you’ll find beautiful scenery, interesting market towns, charming villages with traditional thatched cottages, and plenty of room in not just one, but two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Offering a glorious stretch of coastline with breath-taking cliffs, powerful seas and long sandy beaches, combined with rolling hills and valleys further inland, plus Exmoor National Park, North Devon holds broad appeal to visitors looking for a great all-round experience. Parts of North Devon have a wild romanticism to them, and it’s easy to get off the beaten track when staying in this beautiful area.
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