Devon England: what to see in the county

Go in DevonianIn Englandis like stepping back in time. It's the perfect place for lovers of the great outdoors, with around 120 sandy beaches, perfect for a day at the beach. But Devon is so much more, with fishing villages and towns like Exeterfamous for its university and cathedral, its parks and the places so beloved by Agatha Christie. Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip to Devon.

Where is Devon?

Devon is located in the southwest of England, bordered to the west by Cornwall, to the north by the Bristol Channel, to the east by Somerset and Dorset and to the south by the English Channel. The main towns in Devon are Outside, which is the capital, and Plymouth. Devon is known for its picturesque coastline, two national parks Dartmoor And Exmoorand villages. Devon is also home to some superb Jurassic Coastvery popular with the little ones.

To the east, Devon is known for its coastal towns and stunning cliffs, perfect for sailing and fishing, while the coast of North Devon It is a surfer's paradise. Finally, to the south is the splendid English Riviera.

Dartmoor landscape Dartmoor landscape
The Dartmoor landscape (Photo Blackstone)

Devon Towns

With 77 towns and villages, Devon is the perfect place to spend a few days away from the noise of the big cities. Here are the places not to be missed.

Plymouth

Plymouth is a historic port city known for its rich maritime history and famous for being the departure point for pilgrims to the New World aboard the Mayflower in 1620. The city offers a unique combination of history, culture and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for visitors of all ages. The Barbican It is the oldest district of the city, with its narrow cobbled streets, independent shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Plymouth, the picturesque Barbican districtPlymouth, the picturesque Barbican district
In Plymouth, the picturesque Barbican district (Devon Visit)

Lynton and Lynmouth

Nestled on the coast of North Devonboth villages offer visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, charm and history. Connected by the famous Cliff RailwayThese twin villages offer unique landscapes and one of the oldest and steepest river railways in the world.

LynmouthLynmouth
View of Lynmouth (Devon Tour)

Clovelly

Clovelly It is a picturesque village with steep cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, artisan shops and stunning views.

    Clovelly Road     Clovelly Road
A street in Clovelly (Devon Tour)

Croyde

Located along the coast of North Devon, Croyde It is a village renowned for its beaches and surfing. Along the narrow streets are traditional thatched cottages, quaint pubs and surf shops.

CroydeCroyde
The spectacular nature of Croyde (Devon Tour)

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe has long been a popular destination for tourists and artists. Visitors can explore the town's historic landmarks or stroll along the scenic coastal paths. https://www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/

Ilfracombe portIlfracombe port
Ilfracombe Port (Devon Tour)

Exeter, capital of Devon

Small, but with great potential, Exeter It is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities. Today a popular student city thanks to the university, it has a very lively cultural scene. The main attraction is the cathedralbuilt in the Gothic style, which dates back to the 13th century and features some truly unique architectural details, including the longest continuous vault in England.

Exter StreetExter Street
A street in Exeter (Visit Exeter)

Another major attraction is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallerywhich features splendid permanent and traveling exhibitions. For something different, you can explore, through guided tours, the city's underground by taking a tour of the underground passagesa network of tunnels that runs under the city center.

Exeter Cathedral Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral (Exeter Tour)

The edge of the River Exeter, known as The dock, It is a perfect place for a relaxing walk. Not to be missed Parliament Streetone of the narrowest streets in the world, measuring just 64 centimetres at its narrowest point.

Exeter River BanksExeter River Banks
Exeter Riverside (Visit Exeter)

Devon what to see

Dartmoor National Park

Famous for its wild and unspoiled landscapes, its rich history and its abundant biodiversity, Dartmoor It is characterized by vast moors, hills, granite towers and dense forests. The park has inspired many writers and artists, including Arthur Conan Doylewho placed his famous novel here The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Dartmoor ParkDartmoor Park
The naturalist enchantment of Dartmoor Park (Photo Blackstone)

Exmoor National Park

THE Exmoor National Park It is an oasis of peace and tranquility, with its heather-clad moors, wild deer and iconic ponies, as well as being the first Dark Sky Reserve from Europe.

Exmoor National Park Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park (Shaun Davey\Exmoor Commons)

The English Riviera

A trip to Devon is not complete without a trip south English Rivieracomposed of the cities of Brixham, Torquay And Paigntonand smaller areas of Babbacombe And Cockington.

Brixham

Brixhamwith its colourful houses surrounding the harbour, is famous for its excellent fish. There are also other attractions such as the life-size pirate ship museum, the Golden deerlocated in the middle of the port, and the outer seawater beach, Stone bottom pool. Don't miss the walk on the breakwater which protects the city from strong winds and big waves, and which extends to the lighthouse.

Brixham Port Brixham Port
Brixham Harbour (English Civiera)

Torquay

During Totnes And Dartmouth are ideal places to buy original items, you take a trip to Torquay follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christieborn here in 1890. Agatha lived in Devon for most of her life and in 1938 bought a holiday home, Green Way Houseclose Brixham.

HAS Grand Hotel TorquayInstead, Agatha Christie and her first husband Archibald Christie spent the first night of their honeymoon there, after their wedding in 1914, on Christmas Eve. The hotel now has a suite named after the legendary author.

Grand Hotel Torquay Grand Hotel Torquay
The Grand Hotel Torquay (English Civiera)

Torquay It is particularly famous for its beaches. The horseshoe-shaped bay is perfect for water sports, from sailing competitions to a simple relaxing swim.

Burgh Island

Burgh Island It is a tidal island (i.e. it remains periodically isolated thanks to the high tide) off the coast of South Devon. She became famous thanks to the writer Agatha Christie and welcomes theHotel on Burgh Islandan art deco gem from the 1930s. Since its creation (in the late 1920s by American film director and socialite Archibald Nettlefold), the hotel has hosted many famous people, including Edward VIII, Winston Churchill and the Beatles. The most famous anecdote is that Agatha Christie stayed on the island to write Crime under the sun And Ten Little Indians.

Burgh Island Burgh Island
Burgh Island (Alex Graeme)

The Jurassic Coast

There Jurassic Coast It stretches for approximately 155 kilometres along the south coast of England, from the town of Exmouth In the Devonian until Studland Bay In the Dorset. Here, geology is the focus of attention and it is easy to find fossils on the beaches.

Exmouth Exmouth
The town of Exmouth (Devon Tour)

Devon and Cornwall

Devonian And Cornwall They are both two counties located southwest ofEnglandare very different from each other, although they are characterized by splendid landscapes and endless beaches. The first is known for Jurassic Coast and villages, the latter for its spectacular beaches, imposing cliffs and rural landscapes.

When to go to Devon

THE The best times to go to Devon are spring and summeralthough these are certainly the busiest months. Autumn is quieter, with still long days, ideal for walking.

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English Riviera English Riviera
A Glimpse of the English Riviera (English Riviera BID)

How to get to Devon

Devon is well served by trains from all over England, with some very scenic routes. The two main lines from They leave London Since Paddington And Waterloo.

How to get around Devon

One of the most convenient ways is to take public transport: train and bus.

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