In England’s west, Devon is a holiday popular destination with spectacular contrasts and a variety.
In the south are the secluded beaches that make up the English Riviera, the fossil-riddled rocks that make up the Jurassic Coast and long estuaries with stunning towns along the water.
In the wilderness are the old wilds Dartmoor and Exmoor are places of mythology and folklore where wild ponies roam and play freely.
There’s also the rough north coast, with rough headlands, sandy beaches, and rolling surf . No matter where you go, it’s impossible to leave without indulgence by scones and tea, and Devon’s luscious clotted cream.
1. Dartmoor
The biggest and most uninhabited area of open land in south England, Dartmoor is as intriguing as it is visually amazing.
The wilderness is filled with stories of headless horses as well as ghostly beasts and pixies and has inspired writers and artists for centuries. The most notable example is Arthur Conan Doyle when he wrote the Hound of the Baskervilles.
The landscape’s unique beauty is the granite that bursts out of the ground at the top of Dartmoor’s Tors (hills) The most awe-inspiring points within Southern England.
Granite has been formed into numerous monuments in Dartmoor dating way back into the Neolithic as well as the Bronze Age, all standing the test of time to prove the strength of the stone.
2. Exeter
Names of the magnificent university town hints at its long-standing history. Exeter was in reality the southernmost Roman fortification built on the British Isles.
Do not waste time in going to the gothic cathedral, which is regarded as the most beautiful in England. You can simply sit in the nave and be amazed by the longest continuous vaulted ceiling in any building in the United States.
Check out the 14th-century Guildhall which is the oldest building in Exeter which is still serving its civic duty Explore the city’s rich trading past on the quayside, which is a historic landmark.
There’s a lot beyond, such as the subterranean tunnels dating back to the Middle Ages, and the stunning Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
3. Plymouth
So There are few places that can be able to claim a maritime history like Plymouth’s that will be forever associated with names such as Sir Francis Drake and the Mayflower sailing towards America from the port of this city.
Take a look at the seascape in Plymouth Sound from Plymouth Hoe like Sir Francis Drake is claimed to have played over bowls before embarking on his battleship Revenge to confront the Spanish Armada during the battle of Gravelines in 1588. It is believed that the Barbican is the oldest part of Plymouth and is a waterside area consisting of cobblestone streets with tight cobblestone sands as well as old inns that are now galleries and studios for artists.
4. Torquay
The mild climate of Devon is a safer holiday destination than nearly any other in England and the most popular destination is Torquay.
There are nine beaches with sand at the seafront of this charming coastal town Three of them have earned the Blue Flag for the quality of the water and the services to visitors. And these gorgeous beaches are perfect for some really good family day trips.
The site of Kents Cavern there’s 700,000 years of human history, which means there’s an exciting anthropological aspect to the journey through this amazing natural structure.
And, of course, Babbacombe, a cliff-top district that has a stunning miniature village as well as it is home to the Living Coasts Zoo and the exquisite Cockington Country House and park.
5. Dartmouth
It’s hard for a prettier beach town within England as Dartmouth.
The western bank of the Dart Estuary, the harbour has been a maritime hub for generations.
Knights left Dartmouth during Crusades and departed from Dartmouth as well as privateers who were located in the town before the time of the medieval. Many lanes and alleyways such as Smith Street and Duke Street are reminiscent of what they did during Tudor times. They are filled with inns from the past and merchants’ homes.
Visit the listed Grade I Butterwalk which is a lovely row of houses with corbels that are supported by columns of stone.
For those who love mystery films, go to Greenway which is the holiday home that was the creation of Agatha Christie.
6. Exmoor
It is located in the counties of Somerset, Exmoor is the second of Devon’s two national parks. growing towards the north coast within the county.
It’s a vast wilderness of uncultivated Sandstone moors that can be accessed via more than 1,000 miles of bridleways and footpaths traversing rivers, snaking through green valleys, and climbing up mountains like the 520-metre high Dunkery Hill.
From the middle age up to the 20th century, The local economy supported through trading in wool. In the ruins are fascinating and stunning traces of this business, such as market for yarn and water mills.
Exmoor Ponies can be seen running free in the park. They’re not really a breed, but an animal species, closely connected to wild horses.
7. Woolacombe
The North Devon Coast, the beach at Woolacombe is frequently referred to as one of the best beaches in Europe is large, sandy, and surrounded by greenery and with waves that are more than surfable.
It’s families as well as sun-lovers, yet there’s plenty of room to accommodate both on the three miles. To catch the best waves, surfers should just a couple of miles further down the coast to Coryde.
The beach in the area can be described as being the best beaches in the world under the right conditions. an A-frame barrel that is perfectly formed best to be ridden in winter due to of the winds that blow inshore and the healthy Atlantic swell.
8. Totnes
The town is located on the River Dart in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Totnes is a town that is a bit different from the norm.
This is the result of the alternative community that is encouraging musicians and artists, and resulting in two-weekly markets that sell fair-trade and organic items. For the casual visitor, one of the great things about Totnes the city’s independent spirit is the abundance of locally owned establishments and restaurants which is a refreshing change of pace compared to the typical English high-street.
For a taste of culture and history Discover the ruins of Totnes Castle, be transported into the 14th century in the stunning Dartington Hall and track the background of the famous Pomeroy as well as the Seymour Families at Tudor Berry Pomeroy Castle.
9. Sidmouth
Like many of the towns we have covered, Sidmouth was just a small fishing community until the rich Georgians and Victorians were able to take advantage of the ocean air and water on its shingle beach.
The rapid growth that occurred within a couple of years brought the town numerous streets that were stuccoed, painted and decorated with houses and hotels along with a magnificent promenade that runs behind the beach.
It is located in Landward. Sidmouth lies bounded on both sides by the East Devon Area of Natural Beauty and along the coast lie the iconic red cliffs from the Triassic period.
To experience authentic local culture, visit during the first week of August to enjoy Sidmouth Folk Festival. Sidmouth Folk Festival, with 700 events taking place in the town’s venues.
10. Jurassic Coast
The west and east in Sidmouth lies Devon’s section along the Jurassic Coast, which is protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 185 millions of years in geological time have been exposed by coastal erosion.
At different times in the distant past, this region of the globe has seen various types of environment such as marsh or sea, and even desert and rising from the cliffs and rocks are the remains of the huge range of plants and animals living here.
It’s no surprise that If you’re a hunter of fossils, The East Devon coast will be an idyllic destination following the steps of Mary Anning, whose amazing fossil discoveries of the 1800s revolutionized the way people think about the prehistoric world.
