Cities, Towns & Villages in Devon
Did you know that Devon has 77 different towns and villages? Each one has an abundance of unique reasons to visit, so no two trips to Devon are the same! Devon’s unique golden coast includes many picturesque towns and villages and a few hidden gems. Whether you are a resident of Devon or here on your holidays, there are beautiful towns and villages in abundance for you to explore. With two historic cities, vibrant market towns and enchanting villages full of culture, history and charm.
Towns and villages in North Devon
Towards the north of the county, you’ll find market towns such as Barnstaple and Bideford and beautiful coastal towns like Ilfracombe, as well as places of historical importance, like South Molton, one of North Devon’s oldest towns. There are some beautiful fishing villages to explore as well as quant market villages and larger towns offering an expanse of shopping, food and drink and history and heritage too. You can enjoy chocolate box cottages, breath-taking views, stunning churches and a raft of waterways.
Towns and villages in East Devon
For the Jurassic Coast and the incredible sites of the east Devon Natural Landscape (AONB), base yourself in coastal towns like Beer, Seaton, Sidmouth, Exmouth or Budleigh Salterton, while towns like Axminster offer great markets and Ottery St Mary is the home of Devon traditions, like Tar Barrell Rolling and the annual Pixie Day.
Towns and Villages in Mid Devon
Mid Devon is full of fascinating places, like the historic Bovey Tracy and the Tiverton Canal. Tavistock, Crediton and Honiton all have a wealth of accommodation options, as well as great attractions and food and drink choices and can be found in this region. Many of the towns and villages here are gateways to Dartmoor, so base yourself in Ashburton or Okehampton to have access to the national park.
Visit the English Riviera
No trip to Devon is complete without heading south into the English Riviera. You’ll find some of the best sea food in the country in Brixham, while Totnes and Dartmouth are great spots for shopping for quirky items. Take a trip to Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torquay to follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie and visit Paignton for the famous zoo or its neighbour, Newton Abbot.
Visit South Devon
Kingsbridge is a delightful little town with plenty of charm whereas Moretonhampston brings the history and Salcombe has great coastal walks.
Geography of Devon
There are 7 rivers that run through Devon and many of our beautiful villages sit close to these rivers. The history and heritage that can be found in all of Devon’s towns and villages will leave you spellbound and wanting to explore even more.
Devon’s towns and villages are always filled with colourful characters and most of the businesses will be able to tell you a tale or two about the amazing things to see and do while visiting. There are a huge amount of events that take place across this picturesque county and you can enjoy the community spirit, local camaraderie and Devon’s experience the wonderful food and drink, much of which will have been produced in Devon.
Our highlights...
Discover more Devon
Open the Buckland Book and learn about life in a Tudor monastery this summer
- 2 minute read
A unique 600-year-old book once used by Buckland Abbey’s monks will be returning to the abbey this summer for the first time in nearly five centuries. The book, on loan from the British Library, records the daily customs of the Buckland monks and even some of the music they performed at the abbey.
Learn MoreDive into myth and imagination with a Swim from The Wild Shore
- 4 minute read
An unforgettable blend of wild swimming and immersive theatre is taking place on the North Devon coast. Take to the waves with award-winning theatre-makers Burn the Curtain for Swim from The Wild Shore: a daring and dreamlike fusion of wild swimming and storytelling, where myth, magic, and…
Learn MoreFORTY FOR-TEA: Devon’s Top Attractions Serve Up Smiles, Scones, and 40 Years of Tourism Triumph
- 3 minute read
Sunshine, scones, and spectacular scenery! Devon’s Top Attractions marked a major milestone on Wednesday 18th June as they gathered on the grand lawn of Holne Park House at River Dart Country Park for a glorious celebration of four decades of excellence — and they did it in the most Devon way…
Learn More100kg of Rubbish Cleared in Hours as Coastal Recycling Unites Exeter for ‘Clean the Quay’ Campaign
- 2 minute read
Exeter’s historic quayside got a whole lot cleaner last Friday, 20th June, as Coastal Recycling brought together 60 volunteers from 15 local businesses for its first-ever ‘Clean the Quay’ event, collecting an impressive 100kg of rubbish in just a couple of hours. Held in celebration of Employee…
Learn MoreA magical, coastal theatre & wild swim experience in North Devon this summer
- 3 minute read
A wave of entertainment will break over North Devon this summer! The Wild Shore promises to soak audiences in excitement, intrigue, song and swims - all within the North Devon Coast National Landscape. Tickets are on sale now for The Wild Shore - a magical, marine, multi-event participatory…
Learn MoreTotnes Rolls Out New CatBikes: A Greener Way to Explore the Town
- 2 minute read
Totnes is about to get even more pedal-powered! This June, CatBikes, a fleet of brand-new electric bikes, are arriving as part of South Hams District Council’s drive to promote greener travel. The initiative is rooted in a broader mission: to tackle climate change and support vibrant, connected…
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