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About Devon
Devon is a diverse county, offering beautiful beaches and countryside, in addition to some of the most historic towns, villages and local customs in the UK. A popular holiday destination for those sticking in England for holidays, Devon’s home to dozens of popular coastal towns, in addition to historic cities like Exeter.
Climate
The climate of Devon is similar to the rest of the UK. There is a lot of rainfall throughout the year, although the summer months of July and August are pleasantly warm.
Language
The official language of Devon is English.
Getting to Devon
Although it’s a rural retreat, Devon is incredibly easy to get to. Exeter St Davids station is the main railway hub in the area, with trains interlinking it with many capitals throughout the UK, including London and Birmingham. Great Western Railway operates most of the key services to this station, with local operators offering connecting services to other key points of interest in the area, including Torquay and Dartmouth. National Express coach services and other discount bus providers also offer a convenient way to arrive into Devon.
How to Get Around Devon: Tips From VisitDevon.co.uk
"Visitors to Devon will find that it is an easy county to navigate with a whole range of options available from traditional steam trains to modern buses and coaches. With the amount of beautiful scenery, it seems a shame to miss it by concentrating on driving yourself around. Make sure to travel using the bus and train network – it is vast and well connected.
Both the train and the bus network will offer a wonderfully scenic way to travel around Devon.
The bus service will allow you to move between towns as well as to the surrounding counties; the train network links picturesque villages. Travel by train for uninterrupted views of the coastline and countryside."
Each main town and city has a reliable bus system, with many services offering connecting routes between multiple destinations. Visitors can also take advantage of train connections for longer trips, with the Riviera Line linking the likes of Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torbay. Those travelling to Devon, with the intention of seeing as much as the region as they can, would do well to hire a car to ensure they've free rein to explore on their own schedule.
Places to Visit
Woolacombe Beach
When visiting Devon, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions. No visit to this county would be complete without a visit to Woolacombe Beach though, one of the most popular stretches of sea and sand in North Devon as well as one of the most beautiful.
Arlington Court Estate
Looking to soak up a little history during your trip? Why not head to the Arlington Court estate and take a wander around the decadent interiors and sprawling gardens. Complete with a typically English tea room's and horse stables.
Beer Heights Light Railway
For a day out the whole family will remember, pencil in a visit to the Pecorama Beer Heights Light Railway, offering exhibitions, beautiful gardens and great games for little ones.
Activities
Surfing
The region of Devon is known for its great surfing and is the most popular water sport activity in the region. Visitors can take advantage of some of the best beaches in the UK and hire surf boards from many different companies usually located on or near the beach. All of these companies will also offer lessons, or just surfboard hire.
Cycling
The countryside in Devon has many different cycle trails to explore. From flat, quiet trails that go along the coast, to more difficult trips that explore the hilly countryside, there’s a perfect pathway for each adventurous visitor.
Hiking
As well as cycle routes there are also many hiking trails within the region. Some of the most popular are along the beaches, or along the hills by the coast.
Events
Food Festivals
Famed for its fresh produce and regional delicacies, you’ll find no shortage of food festivals in Devon. Make sure you schedule in some time for a visit to the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink if you’re in the region in April.
Dartmouth Regatta
If you’re visiting in August, be sure to check out the Dartmouth Regatta, showcasing a selection of rowing and sailing events along the River Dart.
Plymouth Pirate Weekend
For entertainments to keep the whole brood entertained, Plymouth Pirate Weekend is a must. Held annually every May, this pirate-themed celebration is held in The Barbican and Sutton Harbour.
8 Absolutely Lovely Things to do in Devon
Devon is seen as one of the most stereotypically English parts of the U.K. This is undoubtedly in no small part thanks to Agatha Christie, whose novels instilled the imagery of rolling green hills and thatched cottages on cobbled stone lanes into the minds of people around the globe. Take away the murders, and her stories could be classified as non-fiction.
The county hosts two national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a coast dubbed the English Riviera. The multitude of things to do in Devon and the places to visit in the county are no secret to locals, who have been flocking to its North and South coasts for years. Yet with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide on where to spend a day out in the Devon. With the insight of top English travel bloggers and Devon locals, we’ve gathered a list of places you simply cannot miss during your Devon escape.
Visit Torbay: The English Riviera
How to get there: Torbay is made up of three towns, Torquay, Brixham and Paignton, all of which can be reached by train and bus. With its 22 miles of beautiful coastline, there are no prizes for guessing why Torbay is often referred to as The English Riviera. The three towns of Torbay all have their own unique charm, with plenty of restaurants, sights and activities to do in each.
Torquay was, of course, the birthplace of world-famous murder mystery writer Agatha Christie and as you’d expect, visitors can visit many places inspirational to her along the ‘Agatha Christie Mile’. Meanwhile, you’ll find few places better to dip your toes than on any of Paignton’s coveted Blue Flag accredited beaches, while Brixham’s legacy includes a history of fishing, pirates and smuggling, with Pirate Days at the Old Fish Market throughout the spring and summer.
Explore the beauty of Dartmoor National Park
How to get there: The closest train stations to Dartmoor National Park are Exeter, Plymouth, Ivybridge, Newton Abbot and Totnes. Sitting in 954 km² of forest, green hills, wetland, rivers, medieval rock formations, trails through the valleys and so much more, visitors to Devon’s famous national park could easily spend days there without getting bored.
While hiking and even wild swimming sit atop many agendas, there’s much more to Dartmoor than that. Visitors can take a break from sporty activities and immerse themselves into England’s Middle Age history, learning about Medieval times from the 5th Century with the remains of the Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village. Meanwhile, Clio from http://www.diaryofadevonmum.co.uk has another top tip for visitors to the park.
Iconic Beauty in Teignmouth
How to get there: Teignmouth can be reached by train and bus from all over Devon.
Teignmouth’s beaches are iconic, with unmissable red sand cliffs running along the coastline of the town. It’s long been an ideal seaside getaway resort town, and the crescent of Georgian houses, promenade and lovely beach make it easy to see why.
The red sand cliffs are truly stunning and can quite feasibly be doubled up with a day on the beach, where visitors can partake in some traditional South Devon crabbing. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix of water sports, with local companies offering everything from kayak rentals to sailing lessons and jet ski hire. After spending the day on the water (or searching for crabs!), visitors can round off the day by sampling some delicious sustainably-sourced local seafood.
Visit Totnes
How to get there: Totnes is half an hour by train from Exeter and Plymouth, and can be reached by train and bus from all over the county.
Devon is covered in small villages and towns which offer the perfect escape from bustling cities of Plymouth and Exeter. Our pick is Totnes, a lovely market town full of great English heritage, a Norman castle and – as Sam from http://www.overthedune.com describes – something of a hip movement.
Explore North Devon
How to get there: The transport in the north of Devon is a little less extensive than in the south, but the main transport hub of Barnstaple is accessible by train and bus and acts as the perfect base for exploring North Devon.
Just wandering around Barnstaple and its many independent shops, cafes and restaurants is a great way to get acquainted with North Devon. Visitors in October will have the chance to sample all the best foods, drinks and more from the North Devon Food Festival, which takes place in the town’s historic Pannier Market.
Those seeking countryside should consider a side trip to Okehampton, which is the perfect gateway to the famous Dartmoor National Park and offers everything from wine tastings to cycling trails. Those on a romantic getaway will love the beautiful winding cobbled streets of Clovelly, with stunning coastal views and lovely local foods to ensure a memorable time for couples young and old.
Go Longboard Surfing
How to get there: The popular North Devon surf beaches in Croyde and Saunton can be reached by taking a train to Barnstaple and taking a bus onwards from there.
If you are going to Devon for a real adventure then be sure to try your hand at surfing! Devon has some of the best waves in the U.K., with surf pro Taz Knight even naming Devon as his favourite place to surf in the country. Not only can you find awesome waves here, but you can also chow down on a hearty shepherd’s pie.
Tackle the Jurassic Cliffs
How to get there: Take the train to Exeter and catch the Jurassic Coaster bus from there.
Last but certainly not least, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Cliffs. Running along the south coast of Devon, these imposing cliffs really do have to be seen to be believed.
Be sure to round off the day in Exmouth, and take the Puffin Water Taxi to the floating River Exe Cafe for a dining experience with a view. The local mussels come highly recommended!
Visit the Oldest Sweet Shop in Devon
How to get there: the town has train connections from all over the UK.
For all those with a sweet-tooth this little old sweet shop will for sure be a highlight of your trip. Journey back to your childhood and beyond and discover all the glorious sweets from the past. But don’t think that Cranch’s is stuck in the past either, as the shop caters to all dietary needs with up to date ranges of gluten-free, vegetarian, all natural colours and sugar-free candy too.The beauty of Devon really does go without saying. With everything from sprawling sandy beaches to breathtaking cliffs and mouthwatering local food, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a more idyllic and easily-accessible place for a U.K. break.
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