To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Don't miss

You are here > Explore

Explore

Devon is a county of great beauty, history, culture and contrast, with a huge choice of intriguing places to explore and experience.

Devon has much to be proud of …

… it boasts two coastlines, two National Parks, five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It also has two cities, bustling market towns and numerous pretty villages; hundreds of beaches ranging from tiny secluded coves to long stretches of golden sand; ancient geology and fascinating histories as well as leading-edge art, technology and places of learning. It’s such a diverse landscape, we’ve highlighted some of the region’s most popular places to visit here.

Excellent events attract people all year round, and a whole world of Devon attractions exist simply to bring fun and interest to visitors and locals alike – whether you’re two or 92, and in to farm animals or foraging fungus, as part of an extended family group or on a romantic couple’s break. Devon is an incredibly dog friendly region, so your furry friends don’t have to miss out either!

Visit Devon and you’ll find that there is more to this spectacular and diverse county than you might have thought. In addition to beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, you’ll find rolling hills, historic buildings and ruins, extreme sports and the best in food and drink. You can even do all that with the confidence that you can limit your carbon footprint with our selection of eco-friendly stays. With plenty of places to stay in Devon, the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is where in this unique county you want to visit first.

Did you know ..?

Devon straddles a peninsula and so has two separate coastlines, around 65% of which is named as Heritage Coast
The South West Coast Path runs along the entire length of both
The area around Saunton and Croyde in the north often records among the highest temperatures in Britain
The south east coast from Salcombe to Exmouth is one of the sunniest parts of the UK
Devon’s botany is very diverse and includes some rare species not found elsewhere in the British Isles other than Cornwall
The administrative centre and capital of Devon is the city of Exeter, but its largest city is Plymouth
Devon is known for its mariners including Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh

In this section

Dartmoor
Visit Devon’s most famous moor and you’ll discover a world where wildlife, history and culture come together to create unforgettable Devon holidays.
The English Riviera
From stunning coastline and award-winning beaches to a wealth of visitor attractions and some great value accommodation, the English Riviera has all the ingredients for a fabulous holiday, any time of year.
East Devon and Jurassic Coast
Perhaps one of the most ecologically interesting places in the UK the Jurassic Coast and by extension, the East of Devon is a truly fascinating
North Devon
When asked what they love about North Devon, everyone's answer is different. One thing is constant though: it's the perfect playground for doing what you love.
South Devon
Offering the best of both coastline and countryside, South Devon gives you the chance to choose unspoilt countryside, beautiful beaches or hidden villages and some of the most secluded places to stay in Devon.
Exeter
You’ll find Exeter at the very heart of Devon - a beautiful Roman walled city that seamlessly mixes ancient and modern.
Plymouth
As far as maritime history goes, Plymouth is unrivalled. With its rich heritage, outstanding natural harbour and its status as the regional capital for culture, Plymouth is one of the most dynamic and fascinating places to visit in Devon.
Exmoor
Visit Exmoor National Park and you'll discover one of Britain's hidden treasures. Wherever you go in Exmoor there are new places to discover.
Mid Devon
Come and stay in Mid Devon – it’s the perfect location to explore all of Devon. In the heart of Devon, situated between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks and the dramatic North and picturesque South coastlines, it’s a perfect place to stay and explore Devon.