Devon

Information and Tourism



Devon flagDevon is a hugely popular holiday destination, which means that come August, its roads start to fill at a rapid pace, as do its seaside hotels. An out-of-season visit can make this English county seem like an entirely different place. So too can a trip inland, where locals and tourists alike get to enjoy life at a more relaxed pace.

Devon is a county of two halves. In fact, it is the only one in England to have both a north and a south coast. North Devon looks to the Bristol Channel and the Celtic Sea. Its most popular seaside attractions include the old-fashioned town of Ilfracombe and the resort of Woolacombe, while its rugged coastline attracts walkers and nature lovers alike.

South Devon is an altogether livelier place. This is real English bucket-and-spade territory. Visitors to these southerly beaches get to dip their toes into the English Channel and enjoy some of the best sandcastle-friendly sand on offer in England. You can also sample the delights of such long-established seaside resorts as Torquay and Paignton.

Away from the beaches, Devon offers dramatic displays of wild and remote beauty. The county is home to two national parks - Exmoor and Dartmoor. Dartmoor is the largest open space in England and can challenge even the most experienced of walkers. The Ten Tors event organised by the British Army takes place here every year. Dartmoor can seem bleak at the best of times and that really is part of its charm, with its strangely shaped rock formations and wind-battered trees. The fact that a prison sits in the middle of Dartmoor - near its highest town, Princetown - doesn't come as a surprise at all.

No visitor to Devon can come away without having visited the county town and cathedral city of Exeter. And it would be a shame not to have also sampled one of Devon's famous cream teas, traditionally served with lashings of jam and clotted cream.


Devon Information and Fast Facts




WORLD GUIDES TO DEVON
World Guide to Exeter, England
A handsome university city lying within close proximity to South Devon, Exeter is filled with history and dominated by its soaring cathedral towers. Exeter's quayside offers a trendy vibe, with its warehouse eateries and waterfront bars.
World Guide to Lynton and Lynmouth, England
The adjacent towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are to be found on the northern coastline of Devon, standing close to Minehead and the Exmoor National Park. Dating back to 1890, a ride on the historic Cliff Railway is a real must.
World Guide to Plymouth, England
Offering a rich maritime history and known for its association with Sir Francis Drake, Plymouth is Devon's largest city and resides in the south-westerly region of England. The Plymouth Hoe and the historic Barbican area are particular highlights.
World Guide to Torbay, England
Torbay is based around a large natural harbour and comprises the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. Beaches, seafront promenades, zoos and a steam railway are accompanied by an intriguing Agatha Christie legacy.

Map of Devon


Devon Map