Devon

Devon - who could want more?

North Devon Coasst near Clovelly
Photograph © Philip Halling

A stunning coastline. The rugged north coast, the English Riviera on the south coast, tranquil farmland, rolling green hills, charming little villages, interesting old towns, lively towns, deep wooded lanes, wild moorland, trails for walking, cycling, horseriding, zoo's, boating, fishing, the county has it all. Wherever you look is a shutterbug's delight.

The region of delicious cream teas, of cider and Dartmoor ponies.

This delighful county is the most southwesterly area of Wessex. It's southern border is the English Channel, it's westerly border – Cornwall. Somerset is to the northeast and Dorset to the southwest.

The English Riviera is cosmopolitan. Beaches for sunbathing, paddling, and making sandcastles. Aquatic pleasures of swimming, fishing and sailing. A lively nightlife to complete an absorbing day.

The county has two moors, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Mystic, wild and wonderful. Footpaths wind all over, but care should be taken and the weather noted before embarking on a long walk. Make sure someone knows where you are going and your estimated time of arrival.

Ancient standing stones are scattered all over the mystic moorland, sentinels to a prehistoric past.

Grimspound, a Bronze Age village in the ancient, mystic landscape of Dartmoor
Photograph © L Temple

Grimspound is a Bronze Age village. There are 24 hut circles surrounded by a low wall set in magnificent moorland. For those that delight in history there are hillforts, castles, museums and ancient places.

Ruby country between the moors with Cookworthy Forest and all its footpaths for walking, cycling and horseriding

All over the county - Picnics by a quiet river. Rambles through lanes and footpaths, discover an old picturesque pub for a tasty meal and a pint.

No wonder Devon is a tourist's heaven

Devon's Villages, Town's and Cities

Exeter and Plymouth are the two major cities in the county. Exeter is the capital and Plymouth has the largest population. Exeter is among the most profitable locations for business in the country and has a high quality lifestyle.

Plymouth Hoe
Photograph © Copyright L Temple

Plymouth is Devon's cultural capital. Both cities make ideal starting points for holidays in the county.

Towns on the English Riviera coast include Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Torquay is reckoned to have the best climate in Britain, has fantastic Blue Flag beaches and a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Paignton too has beautiful beaches and a wonderful climate. Brixham has been a fishing port for centuries, but it too makes a delightful seaside holiday area. A replica of Francis Drake's “Golden Hind” is moored there.

Dartmoor has it's share of interesting but smaller towns. All make attractive holiday spots.

Okehampton is the ideal central location for Dartmoor activities. Walking and cycle trails either start from there or are not far away. Even if you are not the active type there is plenty to charm and interest the visitor.

Ivybridge not far away from Okehampton has a unique ambience all it's own. Ancient but embracing the future as it has for centuries. This town too is a jumping off point for walking and cycling trails. The southern gateway to Dartmoor.

Lydford was once one of the most important places in England. Nowadays it just does not seem possible. It is a peaceful, quiet and attractive moorland village. Has an interesting gorge that is well worth stopping off for. The Granite Way, a cycling and walking trail starts here.

Sticklepath  the start of the Tarka Trail.

Belstone, Sticklepath's sister village, lies just to the south above Belstone Cleave and the young River Taw. A most charming village - a centre for touring and walking as well as a very pleasant place to live.

Walking Trails

Tarka Trail Country
Attributed and copyright The Alternative Rice

The Tarka Trail starts in Sticklepath and follows the sites of “Tarka the Otter”. Transport to the village is fairly easy, bus and train from Exeter and bus from Plymouth.

There are many walking trails in Devon for all levels of ability from the short two or three mile stroll to the serious hike. The stunning South West Coastal Path, route of the old coastguards in their hunt for smugglers, moorland walks, walks through river valleys and over the hills and those through little ancient country villages. Take your pick, there is one for you in Devon.

Cycling

Cycling in Devon is incredibly popular and no wonder. Trails from north to south and east to west. Cycle through Cookworthy Forest and Ruby country. Or cycle over the moors past standing stones seemingly as old as time itself. Try the rugged north or the pleasant south. Wherever you go you will likely go back again and again!

Other pages that may be of interest

Events in Devon

Family History in South West England

Dorset

Hampshire

Isle of Wight

Somerset

Wiltshire

Wessex

Famous People of Wessex

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