Stay in Devon
The famous rolling countryside, the historic cities and market towns, the breathtaking coastlines and the majestic moorlands all make Devon an amazing place to visit. Devon offers two very different coastlines - the dramatic rugged headlands, surf washed sands and tree-clad combes are found on the north coast, whilst South Devon offers sandstone cliffs, white pebble beaches, golden sands and sheltered bays. Inland, Devon has Dartmoor to the south and Exmoor to the north, two outstanding examples of upland moorland, combined covering hundreds of square miles of rugged terrain.
Devon has many popular holiday resorts, quaint fishing villages and a spectacular coastal path on the north and the south coasts, to complete the picture. The green rolling hills, coloured patchworks of fields, high sided lanes leading to small towns and villages, make up the tranquility that is the Devon countryside. In stark contrast, the wilds of Dartmoor and Exmoor offer majestic views, tumbling streams and a touch of mystery and legend.
East Devon includes much of The Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which to the south meets parts of the Jurassic Coast, well known for fossil hunters but also home to holiday resorts like Beer, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
The region to the south of Devon is known as South Hams, where popular family holiday resorts like Salcombe provide beaches and plenty of walking, along side many unspoilt traditional fishing villages like Hope Cove and holiday spots like Dartmouth, ideal for sailing holidays.
The English Riviera is also popular, with Torquay, Paignton and Teignmouth all offering traditional seaside holidays in Devon.
North Devon is increasingly popular for surfing, with beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde offering waves straight off the North Atlantic, to easily rival the north Cornwall coast.
Devon is rich in heritage with a selection of stone circles, ancient medieval routes and historic market towns. The Roman city of Exeter is the County Town of Devon, and the city of Plymouth is well known for its maritime and Naval connections. There is a great range of accommodation across Devon, from self catering cottages to friendly farmhouse bed and breakfasts or luxury hotels and spas.
Exeter
The city of Exeter is the County Town of Devon, and historically was the most south westerly Roman settlement in Britain. Evidence of the Romans can still be found in Exeter, including parts of the old Roman city walls still being visible. Exeter is one of the main gateways to the South West, with its airport, two rail links to London and motorway access to the UK motorway network. Exeter Cathedral dominates the city, having been a site of worship since the 12th century, but the history is balance by the presence of the prestigious Exeter University, an established seat of learning bringing thousands of young people into the city each year.
Plymouth
Plymouth is right on the edge of Devon, bordered to the west by the River Tamar, the border between Devon and Cornwall. From Plymouth you can cross the Tamar into Cornwall via the Tamar Bridge or Torpoint Ferry. The famous rail bridge adjacent to the Tamar Bridge, The Albert Bridge, was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1859 by Prince Albert himself – the same year the Brunel died. Plymouth is most notable for its maritime heritage, over the years being home to much of the Royal Navy, merchant shipping, dock yards and ship building.
Plymouth Hoe was famously the venue of Sir Francis Drakes game of bowls, which needed completing before he went off to battle the Spanish Armada in 1588, as well as the departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620.
For your stay in Devon, you may want a hotel, guest house, bed and breakfast, hostel, camp site, spa resort, self catering cottage or a holiday park – simply select your chosen accommodation to view more details.
There are many exciting events happening in Devon through the year and Devon offers several world class visitor attractions not to be missed.