Explore

With an abundance of natural beauty, culture and history spread out across intriguing towns, villages and moorland, Devon is the county for adventures and discovery.

The coast is where adventure begins…

Did you know that Devon has two separate coastlines and plenty of diverse landscape, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore. Whether you want to take on the waves by joining a boat trip, surfing session or doing a spot of swimming or you want to stay on dry land and traverse the South West Coast Path, you’ll never experience the same thing twice.

To really explore the sea, you need to visit one of Devon’s many marine museums. Plymouth is a great place to start as it is still home to some of the largest naval bases in the world and the training there is second to none. Not only that, but a host of famous explorers have ventured to new worlds from Plymouth’s docks including Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, Ernest Shackleton and several famous pirates!
Speaking of pirates, Devon has a long history of piracy and you can find out more by visiting the Brixham Pirate Festival or the museum in Appledore! You could also take the ferry over to Lundy Island, which was once a haven for pirates but is now home to the south west’s largest puffin colony!

The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest national trail and it runs along the entire length of both Devon’s coastlines, so no matter where you are in the county, you can easily access the path. Because there are a variety of different access points and routes, you can find a trail that suits your ability, so whether you’re up for a challenge, want something more gentle or are exploring the natural world with the kids and a dog in tow, you’ll be well catered for here.

More than just the sea…

It isn’t just the coastlines that Devon has to be proud of, it is also home to two National Parks, five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! That’s not even including the various nature reserves, Sites of Scientific Interest and of course, the bustling market towns and pretty villages! There are of course the two cities too – everywhere you look you’ll find ancient geology and fascinating history as well as inspiring art, beautiful food and drink and cutting edge entertainment. It’s such a diverse landscape, the only real question you need to ask yourself is where you want to explore first!

Explore Devon’s traditional events

Devon has an active social calendar and the wide range of annual events attract people all year around. You can explore Devon’s history with some of the region’s favourite events and festivals including Tar Barrell Rolling which takes place every Bon Fire Night in Ottery St Mary or the village’s annual Pixie Day. Alternatively, you could join in one one of the many Wassailing events that take place in January or an apple festival or two in the autumn.

There are a whole host of quirky, historic events that are unique to Devon going on all over the county.

You can also explore the world of science with the annual Science Festival which is held in Sidmouth, find out more about boating with one of the region’s regattas, explore a new fictional world with a literary festival – the one in Budleigh Salterton was founded by best selling author Hilary Mantel – and lots more!

If that wasn’t enough, many of Devon’s attractions are award winning and bring fun to visitors and residents alike, whatever your age, taste and budget. So whether you are into farm animals or fungus, are 2 or 92, are visiting with a group or on a romantic break, you’ll never run out of things to explore.

Visit Devon and you’ll find a whole world of discovery awaits you.

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