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A round-up of all the very best and most lovely locations you have to go to in Devon – get these in your UK bucket checklist!
Whereas next-door Cornwall could be only a tiiiiny bit higher identified, the beautiful county of Devon is considered one of Southwest England’s high vacation hotspots.
There’s all the pieces you may need right here: energetic seaside cities, tranquil countryside, two gloriously wild nationwide parks, cute and quirky villages, numerous wildlife, an epic foodie scene, and a lot extra!
And with two coastlines – north and south – there’s loads of coastal motion, from watersports and rugged cliff walks to lovely seashores to go well with each style going.
Final 12 months, I co-wrote a printed guidebook all about Devon & Cornwall – which meant I acquired to spend a number of weeks exploring all the very best locations to go to in Devon. After all, rising up proper subsequent door in Dorset means I’d already been to most of them – so by now I actually am an skilled on the realm!
Under, you’ll discover my checklist of the absolute best locations to go to round Devon. It’s organised into three sections – north, south, and east – so use the contents menu to skip forward, or learn by the entire submit for some inspiration. There’s additionally a map and a brief model of the checklist on the finish of this submit. Take pleasure in…
Finest Locations to Go to in Devon
The beneath checklist is split into three sections: South Devon, East Devon, and North Devon – simply to make planning simpler.
In a rush? There’s a map and a brief model of the checklist on the backside of this web page! Use the contents menu above to skip forward if you have to.
Finest Locations to Go to in South Devon
There’s extra element – and some extra locations – coated in my full information to the very best locations to go to in South Devon. However for an outline of the highest locations, learn on…
1. Dartmouth
Unfold alongside the west financial institution of the large Dart Estuary, Dartmouth has lengthy been a major port on England’s south coast. There’s a prestigious naval school, a swanky yacht marina, and a historic harbour space to find.
As we speak, the city’s crooked streets and beautiful previous buildings home posh eating places, cosy bars, swish artwork galleries, and funky boutiques. Oh, and a whole lot of nautical clothes retailers – there’s no escaping the maritime vibes right here!
Probably the greatest issues about Dartmouth is exploring by river. Take the ferry downriver to go to Dartmouth Fortress, the oldest elements of which date from 1388. Subsequent, take a leisurely cruise upriver to identify the wildlife together with seals, kingfishers, wading birds and (typically) otters.
2. Plymouth
Devon’s largest metropolis, Plymouth has a wealthy maritime heritage, incomes it the nickname ‘Ocean Metropolis’. A few of historical past’s most well-known voyages set sail from the port right here: together with the Mayflower Pilgrims, Captain James Cook dinner and Francis Drake.
Extra not too long ago, Plymouth has been present process a dramatic transformation. The town was closely bombed throughout WWII resulting from its position as a key naval port, and the hasty rebuilding left behind a metropolis centre that tended to favour performance over type.
However that’s all altering – thanks to modern new waterfront developments round Sutton Harbour and Royal William Yard, plus an thrilling new Arts Quarter. Discover out extra in my information to the BEST issues to do in Plymouth.
3. Burgh Island
You may’t skip Burgh Island whenever you go to south Devon – this iconic landmark is probably the greatest locations for a mini journey! It’s a tidal island, linked to the mainland by a strip of seashore that fully disappears at excessive tide.
At low tide, you may stroll to Burgh Island from Bigbury-on-Sea. Or, at excessive tide, there’s the Sea Tractor. This distinctive, bizarre-looking contraption is operated by Burgh Island Resort: timetables are posted on the seashore carpark in Bigbury-on-Sea and on the entrance to the island.
There are solely a handful of buildings on Burgh Island, and no roads to talk of. This can be a place to get away from all of it: stroll the coast path, spot wildlife, and climb the hill for views of the coast. For meals, there’s the swanky artwork deco Burgh Island Resort or the 14th-century Pilchard Inn – considered one of England’s oldest taverns, mentioned to be haunted by a smuggler’s ghost.
4. Salcombe
Simply alongside the coast from Dartmouth, you’ll discover one other crusing mecca to discover. Sitting on the mouth of the serene Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is considered one of South Devon’s most upmarket locations.
This bougie little city – with its sheltered moorings, white sandy seashores, and fancy meals scene – attracts a little bit of a yachtie crowd. However there’s loads right here for everybody to take pleasure in.
Prepare for unimaginable seafood (don’t miss the Crab Shed), epic cliff walks, and lovely seashores. South Sands and North Sands are closest – or take the ferry to discover the idyllic seashores round East Portlemouth on the other financial institution. Try these enjoyable issues to do in Salcombe for extra inspiration.
5. Torquay & The English Riviera
The three cities clustered across the enormous and delightful Tor Bay earned themselves the nickname of ‘The English Riviera’ across the time of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). With the French Riviera off limits, rich Georgians turned to the calm, sheltered waters of Tor Bay as a substitute.
Torquay and Paignton are the 2 largest cities. Each have some beautiful seashores and a lot of nostalgic seaside vibes. In the event you’re searching for a basic English seaside expertise, that is the place to come back!
Torquay is a bit more upscale, with a lot of grand Victorian villas and parks. Paignton is a bit more “low-cost and cheerful” and feels a bit run down in spots. But it surely has some beautiful seashores (Goodrington and Broadsands specifically), plus a retro Victorian pier lined with funfair rides and arcades.
6. Brixham
Brixham can also be on the English Riviera, however this cute fishing village has a really totally different vibe to Torquay and Paignton.
Right here, you’ll discover vibrant fishermen’s cottages clustered onto a hillside above a busy working harbour. This harbour is house to one of many largest fishing fleets within the UK, so the seafood scene in Brixham is unbeatable! Don’t miss Rockfish for a few of the finest sustainable seafood within the space!
7. Dartmoor Nationwide Park
It’s not all in regards to the south coast in Devon – there are many wonderful locations to go to within the county’s beautiful rural inside, too. And considered one of my private favourites is Dartmoor Nationwide Park.
It’s a huge wilderness space boasting heather-strewn moors and dramatic-looking tors: hilltop granite boulders. There are historic woodlands, dense pine forests, and deep gorges to discover – the proper setting for adventures like climbing, biking, horse driving, mountain climbing, and caving.
Don’t miss the impossibly cute village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, the traditional Bronze Age settlement at Grimspound, or the long-lasting Haytor Rocks – an excellent spot for a stroll. I additionally love the stroll alongside the previous Princetown Railway out to King’s Tor and the historic Foggintor Quarry.
8. Totnes
Totnes, within the coronary heart of rural south Devon, was the UK’s first Transition City and might be probably the most moral city in England! It was one of many very first cities in The Transition Community, a worldwide motion by which communities purpose to sort out world crises at an area degree.
The result’s a inventive, community-minded city with some of the impartial excessive streets you’ll discover. The veggie/vegan meals scene is STRONG right here. Don’t miss Riverford Subject Kitchen for a seasonal, farm-to-fork eating expertise.
There’s additionally a whole lot of historical past to find – significantly the traditional Totnes Fortress – in addition to the serene, wildlife-rich River Dart. Totnes sits on the head of the Dart Estuary; you may take ferry rides and boat excursions to Dartmouth, or hop on a kayak/SUP to discover.
Finest Locations to Go to in East Devon
9. Exeter
Devon’s capital, Exeter, is a lovely, riverside metropolis filled with fascinating historical past. It was based by the Romans, and you may nonetheless see traces of the unique Roman metropolis partitions across the city centre, alongside Norman, Medieval, and Tudor gabled structure.
Don’t miss the beautiful Exeter Cathedral. This eclectic piece of structure was first inbuilt 1114 and rebuilt all through the thirteenth and 14th centuries. The spotlight is the flowery medieval picture display screen on the cathedral’s facade, coated with carved figures.
Life within the capital has all the time centred across the River Exe, and nonetheless does. Whereas Exeter Quay was as soon as a busy commerce port, transport items down the river to the ocean at Exmouth, at the moment it’s a riverside leisure vacation spot with eating places, bars, and impartial retailers tucked into the previous warehouse cellars.
10. Exmouth
Simply downriver from Exeter is the cute and vibrant seaside city of Exmouth, the start line of the well-known Jurassic Coast (see beneath).
Exmouth is finest identified for its lengthy sandy seashore, swanky new marina, glorious watersports situations, and rugged shoreline. However the peaceable river valley additionally means beautiful countryside surroundings to discover – with loads of strolling and biking trails within the space.
Plus, the Exe Estuary is a haven for wildlife. Look out for gray seals, otters, and wading birds resembling oystercatchers lapwings and avocets.
11. Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of shoreline in Devon and Dorset identified for its distinctive geology and geography, wealthy with prehistoric rocks and fossils. East Devon’s pink sandstone cliffs have been shaped through the Triassic interval (252-200 million years in the past), so it’s the oldest part of the shoreline.
A Geoneedle at Orcombe Level marks the official begin of the shoreline, which runs from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset. Devon’s stretch of the shoreline ends at Lyme Regis – highlights between there and Exmouth embrace:
- Ladram Bay – a sheltered bay crammed with a number of tall, rust-coloured rock stacks, ignored by an infinite cliff referred to as Excessive Peak.
- Straight Level – a small headland identified the place quite a few seabirds nest, together with an unlimited colony of kittiwakes.
- Beer Quarry Caves – excursions can be found of this 2,000-year-old quarry, which was based by the Romans and remained energetic proper up till the Twenties. You may see decide axe marks on virtually each floor as a result of the massive quarry was lower virtually completely by hand.
12. Seaton and Beer
The small seaside city of Seaton boasts a beautiful, lengthy pebble seashore, some lovely historic buildings, and the wildlife-filled Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve.
However what makes this probably the greatest locations to go to in Devon is the historic Seaton Tramway: a fleet of restored electrical trams (courting from the Nineteen Forties-Sixties). These run alongside the previous Seaton department line which as soon as introduced Victorian vacationers to the seaside. Sit on the highest deck of the tiny trams for fabulous views of the Wetlands on the brief trip to Colyton.
Proper subsequent door, the quaint, hillside village of Beer has one other fairly pebble seashore backed by excessive white cliffs. Well-known for the Quarry Caves talked about above, Beer additionally has a wealthy fishing heritage. Purchase recent fish and Beer crab from native fishermen, or take a fishing journey to catch your individual!
13. Sidmouth
Sidmouth is one other historic seaside resort crammed with Regency and Victorian-era structure. Take the Blue Plaque Path to find over 60 heritage buildings – together with the long-lasting Royal York Resort (constructed 1807) and the castle-esque clock tower in Connaught Gardens.
The most effective seashore round right here is Jacob’s Ladder, named for the historic wood staircase main right down to the seashore from the highest of the cliff.
Finest Locations to Go to in North Devon
14. Exmoor Nationwide Park
Certainly one of England’s smallest nationwide parks, Exmoor is way much less identified than the likes of Dartmoor – and a little bit of a hidden gem! There’s rather a lot packed into the park’s 267sq miles: dramatically rugged shoreline, windswept moors, picturesque countryside, and woodland-filled river valleys.
There are adventures aplenty right here. Mountain biking, climbing, horse driving, wild swimming, stargazing… the checklist goes on! For the very best likelihood to see Exmoor’s wildlife, I extremely advocate a jeep tour with Exmoor Wildlife Safaris. It’s a improbable expertise and a good way to discover the park with an area information.
Don’t miss Tarr Steps, a easy, stone “clapper bridge” which is the longest of its form in Britain. There’s a beautiful, signposted stroll alongside the encircling nature reserve.
15. Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is the most important seaside city on North Devon’s coast and makes an excellent base for exploring the realm. The city was based round a sheltered pure harbour and nonetheless has a thriving fishing scene at the moment. In consequence, there are some actually improbable seafood eating places on the town!
Take a ship tour to identify seals and seabirds – and study a little bit extra in regards to the space’s shoreline. I cherished the fast-paced RIB trip with Ilfracombe Sea Safari, whereas the intense yellow Ilfracombe Princess is a calmer choice with improbable views from the highest deck.
Don’t miss the distinctive Tunnels Seashores. These small coves – house to some Victorian bathing swimming pools – are accessed by strolling by a stone tunnel by the cliffs which was hand-carved in 1823. You may nonetheless see pickaxe marks on the partitions!
16. Lundy Island
Lundy Island is a distant, windswept little island within the Bristol Channel with a thriving colony of Atlantic gray seals. There are only a few buildings, lower than 30 full-time residents, and heaps of wildlife. Spot seals on the seashores, puffins and different seabirds on the cliffs, and stout Lundy ponies and feral goats on the clifftop paths.
You may go to Lundy for a day journey, or keep just a few nights for an adventurous, get-away-from-it-all getaway! There’s a campsite and some self-catering properties, all run by the Landmark Belief.
To get there, take the MS Oldenburg; a Fifties ferry which runs from March to November. Timetables range relying on the tide – as does the departure level, which may be Ilfracombe or Bideford. So test the timetable right here earlier than planning. The crossing takes round 2 hours and may be VERY uneven – they typically give out sick luggage as you board! But it surely’s value it, I promise!
17. Hartland Peninsula
Extra seal colonies and rugged cliff paths may be discovered on the Hartland Peninsula – the westerly endpoint of North Devon’s shoreline.
This small peninsula, dotted with picturesque villages and small woodlands, typically goes ignored. But it surely’s house to a few of the finest coast walks in Devon – and a few of the hardest elements of the South West Coast Path. Spot seals on the seashores round Hartland Level – convey binoculars to view them from the cliff paths.
18. Clovelly
Clovelly Historic Village may simply be the prettiest village in Devon – if not all of Southwest England! This small, hillside village of white-washed cottages above a sheltered harbour is breathtakingly lovely.
The entire village is one thing of a vacationer attraction. It’s a must to pay to go to, however ticket costs embrace parking, entry to the 2 museums, and the close by Court docket Gardens.
Steep, cobbled roads meander downhill, lined with cute cottages and small craft retailers. They’re too slender and steep for automobiles, so this can be a pedestrian-only village – which makes it all of the extra peaceable.
19. Croyde
Croyde is North Devon’s browsing hub. The bay right here is understood for its glorious browsing situations, and there are a number of surf faculties and rental retailers within the village. Close by Saunton Sands, Woolacombe Seaside, Putsborough, and Barricane Seaside are additionally fashionable surf spots.
It’s not JUST about browsing, although. Clovelly is a beautiful seaside village with some of the lovely seashores in Devon – a small, crescent-shaped bay with golden sand backed by grassy dunes. The impartial meals scene is powerful right here, too, with a lot of meals vans and pop-ups across the seashore in summer time.
20. Lynton and Lynmouth
The twinned villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, on the coast of Exmoor Nationwide Park, are linked through a Victorian-era Cliff Railway. Apparently, it’s the world’s highest and steepest absolutely water-powered funicular. The trip is surprisingly quick and affords spectacular coastal views.
Lynton sits on the high of the cliff – full of impartial retailers, galleries, and a number of other museums. On the foot of the gorge some 500ft beneath, Lynmouth has a cute harbour, some fab seafood eating places, and Britain’s first tidal present turbine at Glen Lyn Gorge.
21. Taw-Torridge Estuary
On the coast between Saunton Sands and the favored seaside resort of Westward Ho!, lies a large estuary the place the River Taw and River Torridge meet earlier than emptying into the ocean. This can be a lovely, nature-rich space and a little bit of a hidden gem in North Devon, so don’t miss it.
There are two enormous techniques of sand dunes on both facet of the estuary: Braunton Burrows and Northam Burrows. Each are prime birdwatching places and crammed with native wildlife, together with orchids, butterflies, and shiny inexperienced sand lizards.
There are some nice river walks within the space, in addition to the beginning of the 180-mile Tarka Path for a beautiful, traffic-free cycle route. Don’t miss the colorful fishing village of Appledore for Instagram-tastic streets lined with pastel-painted cottages.
Map of the Finest Locations to Go to in Devon
Fast Listing: Finest Locations to Go to in Devon
- Dartmouth – upscale crusing city
- Plymouth – maritime historical past in Devon’s greatest metropolis
- Burgh Island – stroll to a tidal island
- Salcombe – bougie seaside crusing city.
- Torquay and the English Riviera – retro seaside resorts on a tranquil bay
- Brixham – fishing village with a fab seafood scene
- Dartmoor Nationwide Park – adventure-filled wilderness
- Totnes – sustainability-focused Transition City with quirky tradition
- Exeter – historic structure, impartial purchasing, and river walks in Devon’s capital.
- Exmouth – seashore city with nice watersports situations
- Jurassic Coast – fossils, cliff walks, and distinctive rock formations
- Seaton and Beer – two cute seaside villages with seashores and classic tram rides
- Sidmouth – basic seaside resort with heritage structure
- Exmoor Nationwide Park – wealthy wildlife and a various mixture of landscapes
- Ilfracombe – seaside city with a energetic harbour
- Lundy Island – distant island wilderness with a thriving seal inhabitants
- Hartland Peninsula – heritage shoreline with cute villages and spectacular views
- Clovelly – in all probability the prettiest village in Devon
- Croyde – seashore city identified for sand dunes and browsing
- Lynton and Lynmouth – twinned coastal cities with an iconic cliff railway
- Taw-Torridge Estuary – sand dunes, vibrant villages, and river walks
Learn Extra
Finest Locations to Go to in South Devon
50 Distinctive Issues to do in Dorset
Are there any extra nice locations to go to in Devon that I’ve missed? Let me know within the feedback!
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