We might be biased, but we think everyone should come to Devon at least once in their lives. With the wide range of coastal views, the two National Parks, beautiful places to stay, hundreds of top attractions suitable for the whole family and adventures for everyone to enjoy.
There are so many things to see and do in Devon, that it was hard narrowing it down to just ten, but if these ten things don’t convince you to book a stay in Devon this year, then you are seriously missing out!
Clovelly
Seaside villages
Devon is full of beautiful seaside villages that are picture perfect and transport you back to another time. You’ll find cobbled streets, thatched roofs and pretty seaside homes right on the sea front.
Shaldon
The coastlines
Devon is lucky enough to have more than one coastline and each of them are gloriously different, with their own charms and. In the south, you’ll find the coast is lined with palm trees and green cliffs. In the East, you’ll find the Jurassic Coast with imposing cliff faces and in the north, big waves and golden sand. All of Devon’s beaches are beautiful, so it doesn’t matter which part of Devon you visit, you’ll love the coastal areas.
The art scene
You might not think it, but Devon is an incredibly creative place. The music scene in places like Plymouth is huge, while the arts and crafts of places like Totnes are what makes the town so special. Locally made crafts and goods can be found all over and with groups like the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and the various organisations that host workshops for painting, glass blowing and more make it a great place to visit if you love your art.
Image by Visit Plymouth
Fireworks
Yes, you read that right. Every August, the British Firework Championships come to Devon and for two days, celebrate fireworks. It’s free to attend and locals, as well as visitors, camp out around Plymouth with refreshments to watch the skies light up.
The traditions
Devon is full of fun traditions that seem to have been forgotten by the rest of the west country. Wassailling, an annual event where local people celebrate apple trees in the hope of a good cider harvest, takes place around Devon. Not only that but in Ottery St Mary, bon fire night is much more than a firework display, instead people carry flaming tar barrels around a route in the town centre while everyone watches. It has a real festival atmosphere and is well worth the visit.
The Walking tours
For anyone who loves being outside, Devon is a great destination. There are cliff walks, countryside walks, coastal walks, forest walks… Just about everywhere has walking routes for you to follow, some organised and some self guided. These tours will take you along the coast on the South West Coast Path, the places that famous author Agatha Christie would have visited and around the tors and stone circles of Dartmoor among others.
A Tale of Two Cities
Devon has two cities within its borders and both offer a completely different experience. Exeter has the famous cathedral, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities and bars and restaurants to take your fancy, while Plymouth is more historic and shows off its maritime heritage proudly. Both cities have an active night life and cultural scene, but the venues and sights are vastly different.
Amazing food
Devon is full of locally produced food and drink, from the gin distilleries in Salcombe and Plymouth to the fresh sea food of Brixham and the south coast and the beef and lamb of the countryside, wherever you go you’ll find sustainable, local food gracing the menus of hotels, restaurants, cafes and b and bs.
The areas of outstanding natural beauty
As well as having two national parks, Devon is full of areas that have been designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’re never too far from one of these areas, so make sure you have a camera ready to snap up the sights of these beautiful regions and the wildlife that inhabit them.
And finally…
Devon loves dogs
If you want somewhere to get away for a few days but you want your furry, four legged friend to join you, look no further than Devon. You’ll find plenty of Devon’s accommodation options, top attractions and places to visit are dog friendly and will welcome your pets with their own treats, pamper sessions and everything!
