Devon

England
Devon showing rocky coastline and general coastal views
From the backwoods of Dartmoorto the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devonis one of England’s most stunning and at times forgotten counties. Reachingfrom the Bristol Channel in the north to the English Channel in the south youwill discover that there is more to this county than you first imagined. Withbeautiful beaches, national parks and rural villages and towns with historicbuildings there is plenty to see and do on a visit to Devon.

With beach hotels andcountry manors to stay in, Devon has a variety ofaccommodation to suit all needs, or if you would prefer to try somethingdifferent there are charming hillside cottages, which may add to the wholeexperience of visiting Devon.

Packed with top qualitybars and restaurants, Devon is truly a great placeto eat and drink in, with producers ranging from dairies, coffee roaster,vineyards and blueberry farms, food is one of the main reasons people visit Devon.For the keen foodies among you, why not visit one of the many popular Michelinstarred restaurants in the area.

Devonhas five designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, with the most wellknow of these being DartmoorNational Park, with landscape as dramatic as its weather, comeprepared for all seasons. If you’re visiting Dartmoorto get away from the busy everyday city life you’ll have plenty of activitiesto enjoy. Walking and cycle trails are popular with visitors but for somethinga little more adventurous why not try your hand at as canoeing or horse riding.

Torquayoften referred to as the English Riviera, immersed in maritime history with sportingevents scheduled throughout the year is a popular tourist destination within Devon.If you are bringing the family, a visit to Babbacombe Model Village is wellworth a visit. Set in award winning gardens you will experience a miniatureworld with sound and animated effects. With picturesque scenes on displayincluding Stonehenge it makes for an interesting family day out.

Plymouthin Devon has a very unique personality. It’s anideal city to bring families on holiday with plenty to see and do, still withindistance of parks and of course the beach. With the NationalMarine Aquarium in Plymouth it is wellworth a day out with its Deep Ocean experience a highlight with Sharks, StingRays and Turtles swimming overhead providing an experience to remember.

For those who like a bitof culture and history when in holiday then the popular Devoncity of Exeterhas plenty to occupy you with, with areas of the city dating back to Romantimes with the city’s Roman wall serving as a reminder. Its cobbled high streetis popular with shoppers with its many independent boutique shops great for aspot of window shopping or treating yourself to something unique.

Devonis also home to many magical castles with Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe andDartmouth Castle on the cliffs of Dartmouthboth particularly impressive and well worth checking out.

Popular cities in Devon

Exeter Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Exeter
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Cathedrals
Medieval architecture, galleries, cultural centers, picturesque parks and a lively waterfront make this one of the most attractive cities in southwest England.

Reasons to visit

  • Exeter Cathedral
  • Powderham Castle
  • Exeter's Historic Quayside
Plymouth which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town
Plymouth
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Marinas
Appreciate the cultural transformation this waterfront city has undergone, with the World War II-damaged center now home to fashionable restaurants and maritime attractions.

Reasons to visit

  • Royal William Yard
  • National Marine Aquarium
  • Hoe Park
Torquay showing a marina, a coastal town and night scenes
Torquay
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Bars
This popular resort area is the heart of Devon’s English Riviera, known for its palm trees, limestone cliffs and clear blue waters.

Reasons to visit

  • Princess Theatre
  • Babbacombe Beach
  • Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens
Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge
Known for Small town, Countryside and Secluded

Reasons to visit

  • Burgh Island
  • Slapton Sands
  • Hope Cove Beach
Paignton
Paignton
Known for Beaches, Coffee and Zoo

Reasons to visit

  • Paignton Beach
  • Paignton Zoo
  • Goodrington Sands Beach