Devon
Why we love Devon
With around 120 picturesque sandy beaches, Devon offers the perfect place to pitch a picnic stocked with locally sourced foods. Its crystal waters offer decent surf, while its towering cliff-side walks hark back to the fossilised Jurassic south.
From medieval towns to cute seaside villages, there’s a slice of paradise waiting for you. Whether you’re a walker, a cyclist or a wheelchair user, fancy a dip, a flop or even a trek with a llama, Devon has it all. Wash it down with a menu of local treats and sleep under the stars.
Mysterious Burgh island by sea tractor
Take a sea tractor to the small tidal location of Burgh Island that inspired Agatha Christie. Explore its grand Art Deco hotel, and have a pint at its pub, while waiting for the sea to come in around you. That’s your sign to take the tractor back to the mainland, Bigbury-on-Sea.
Explore beneath Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is a must with its Gothic architecture and the longest continuous medieval stone vault in the world. But have you ever stopped to think about what lurks beneath? Explore the medieval subterranean tunnels which labyrinth under the city.
The skies come alive
Enjoy one of the country’s most spectacular air shows, set in one of the most beautiful coastlines. Join the 200,000 people who flock to Paignton, South Devon to see the English Riviera Airshow every year. As spitfires fly overhead, you can enjoy stalls, food and drink and a fairground on Paignton Green.
Hone your mindfull skills
Relax at the Sharpham House mindfulness centre, set in beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown, high on the banks of the River Dart. Its year-round retreats include tailor-made itineraries exploring gratitude, meditation, mindful walking, and much more – all led by expert practitioners.
Seaside history
Clinging to the cliffside, the beautiful village of Clovelly in North Devon, is an unforgettable place to visit. The privately-owned village with its famous cobbled street tumbling down to the sea has no cars, just donkeys. Visitors must pay to enter the historic village, which has two hotels, museums, gardens and lots of eateries and shops.
Devon
Hugging the south-west of England, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and food lovers, and includes the rugged beauty of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.
Go fossil hunting on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, head to Croyde Bay for paddle-boarding and surf or get a taste for England’s Seafood Coast.
Explore culture at Plymouth’s award-winning museum, The Box, or medieval history on a tour of Exeter Cathedral.
Delve into the literary life of Agatha Christie in Torquay, or cross to Burgh Island to admire its Art Deco hotel.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Devon is home to Britain’s only 16-sided house at A La Ronde – built in the 18th century and overlooking the Exe Estuary, the property is overflowing with unique design.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Plymouth is home to the oldest working gin distillery in England – Black Friars Distillery has been crafting Plymouth Gin since 1793.
The magnificent Exeter Cathedral has the longest continuous stone vaulted ceiling in the world, which dates back to the 14th century.
The UK’s largest aquarium can be found in Plymouth, with the National Maritime Aquarium home to more than 4,000 sea creatures.
The world’s longest prehistoric stone row is on Dartmoor, with more rich history to be discovered in the National Park’s Visitor Centres.
- Ice age remains of a woolly mammoth were discovered by archaeologists in a Devon cave, with a life-size replica now on display at The Box in Plymouth.
Things to do in Devon
Featured things to do
National Marine Aquarium
Explore the Great Barrier Reef in Plymouth. Discover the colossal tanks of the National Marine Aquarium, Britain’s biggest aquarium.
Quince Honey Farm
Get a buzz out of exploring a working honey farm. Take an amble around Quince Honey Farm’s Nectar Gardens or extensive meadows rammed with sweet-smelling flowers. See millions of bees up close, visit the Honey Factory and take a peek behind the scenes at how the honey is produced.
Amble through Dartmoor
Fancy an early autumnal walk? Explore the beautiful surroundings of Dartmoor National Park. For an accessible experience look to the Miles Without Stiles route.
Find walking routes in Dartmoor National Park
Visit Plymouth Gin distillery
England’s oldest working distillery. Where better to learn about (and taste) the heritage of gin. All housed within a medieval building dating from 1431.
Places to stay in Devon
Brixham
A cute harbour-side town in South Devon, where you can feast on freshly caught fish every day. It offers waterfront walks, a scenic beach and an outdoor Art Deco lido, Shoalstone Pool.
Croyde
With its picture-perfect beach is perfect for surfers and those looking to learn or just soak up the vibe, complete with on-shore winds and Atlantic swells.
Totnes
A pretty little bohemian enclave set on the River Dart, where artists, musicians and lovers of all things organic and lots of independent shops and fair-trade cafés.
Explore nearby
Getting to Devon
There are flights from many UK and international airports to Exeter International Airport. Devon is well served by trains from all over the country, and many of the routes are very picturesque, making it a great way to travel. The two main lines from London are from Paddington and Waterloo. You can also hire a car and drive, and coaches run from Exeter, Tiverton and Plymouth.
Getting around
One of the best ways to get around is using the public transport network, from coach, train and bus. There’re taxis too.
By train
Great Western Railway (GWR) operate a number of journeys across Devon from over 270 destinations by train.
By bike
There is a host of wonderful cycling routes in Devon, many of which are connected to the main cycle network and range in length and difficulty.
By bus
The Devon bus service is extensive across the region, with plenty of links to smaller routes.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in Devon?
Planning a business event in Devon?
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