Devon
If you were asked to think of one thing that sums up Devon, you wouldn’t be able to. It’s impossible, because Devon is such a diverse county, it has everything. This is why it's such a good choice for holidays in the UK. Okay, agreed, it’s a little short on big towns and cities but that just adds to the character, and after all, this is the West Country, we just don’t do big and cosmopolitan down here.
But come and explore and you’ll be amazed at how much Devon’s got. There are the beaches for a start; on the south coast, long stretches of sand, sparkling clear waters and secluded coves. You’ll find watersports and heaps of family friendly, proper job seaside places. Dawlish Warren, Slapton Sands, Sandy Bay, Teignmouth, Exmouth and Sidmouth are all popular, then there are the quieter coastal village beaches like Beer, Branscombe, Salcombe and Budleigh Salterton.
The north coast is well regarded for its fantastic surfing beaches; Croyde Bay, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands pull the dudes, whilst just as much fun for families can be found at Broad Sands, Barricane Beach, and Westward Ho! Venture off the beaten track and you’ll find some right corkers, tucked away among the cliffs, but be warned – the access may be tricky!
Between the two coasts are miles and miles of glorious, gorgeous Devon countryside, with two National Parks and several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty from the lush river valleys and heather-clad heaths of Exmoor to the rolling hills of the South Hams and the rufty-tufty moors of Dartmoor. Get out there, discover it for yourselves, on foot, on horseback, by bike or by boat.
If you like the buzz of the city you’ll enjoy getting to know Exeter, the county town of Devon. The shopping is good, with the more quirky shops down over the hill and the big names around the Princesshay centre. There’s a beautiful Gothic cathedral, medieval Underground Passages you can tour, and the brilliant RAM Museum where you can see an Egyptian mummy and meet Gerald the Giraffe. Down at the Quayside you can sit and watch the comings and goings, stroll out to the Double Locks Inn for lunch, go paddle boarding or kayaking on the River Exe estuary.
Plymouth is quite different, with its moniker of Britain’s Ocean City. There’s a huge maritime air and absolutely heaps to see and do. Explore the cobbled streets of the historic Barbican, go down to Plymouth Hoe where Drake played bowls as the Spanish Armada approached, take the kids to the National Marine Aquarium, book a boat trip for sight-seeing or fishing.
There are so many wonderful little towns and villages in Devon and picking out our favourites is no easy task. We like the charming and the picturesque, where sometimes it’s like a step back in time to some extent, so we recommend Brixham, Dartmouth, Ashburton, Clovelly and Totnes. Check them out; we think you’ll like them too.
Then of course there are countless places to visit in Devon, for families, for those who love history, gardens, animals, adventure – something for everyone in other words. Perhaps the biggest attraction is Crealy Theme Park & Resort, but we also love Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Paignton Zoo, Wildwood Escot, Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Buckfast Abbey, Becky Falls, Arlington Court, Canonteign Falls, Haldon Forest Park, Knightshayes, and so many more! Like we said, countless!
Devon is a delight, it’s delectable, delightful. We know you’ll love it! Come and see. ❤️
All information correct at the time of writing