Devon's History and Heritage

Did you know Devon is home to the youngest castle in England? Castle Drogo, which is full of interesting architecture and surrounded by beautiful walks. Did you also know that some of the oldest settlements in England were found in Devon?

Devon has many historic houses and buildings to explore, including Buckfast Abbey, Powderham Castle and Exeter Cathedral. We’ve also an abundance of historic tors, which can be found scattered all around Dartmoor and Exmoor, as well as historic landmarks and attractions including Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth and the South Devon railway in Buckfastleigh.

Fascinating History and Heritage

There are many exciting trails you can follow to discover Devon’s heritage, such as the Exeter Woollen Trail around Exeter city centre, The Laira Heritage Trail along the Plym Estuary, The Blue Plaque heritage trail in the English Riviera and Sidmouth, Plym’s Old Lines Walk,  The Tarka Trail, the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail and a whole host of different coastal trails in North Devon.  

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No tricks and all treats in Devon this Halloween!

No tricks and all treats in Devon this Halloween!

  • 3 minute read

We’re biased when we say that Devon is a picturesque and stunning place to spend some time. It’s full of charming villages, plenty of activities and no end of incredible food and drink but like anywhere, it has a darker side and as Halloween is just around the corner, here are some of the most spine…

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people taking part in tar barrel rolling

4 things you might not know about Ottery St Mary

  • 2 minute read

Devon is full of quaint and beautiful little towns and villages, including the village of Ottery St Mary in East Devon. This delightful corner of Devon is located near the Jurassic Coast and easily reachable from towns like Sidmouth and Exmouth, making it a great place to spend a few hours. If…

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Brentor Church

Devon’s myths and legends

  • 3 minute read

As spooky season approaches, we thought we would lead you in gently by introducing you to some of Devon’s myths and legends. Like many places across the West Country, Devon is a haven for local folklore and supernatural stories that have been passed down through the generations. Read on to find out…

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Pirate on Brixham Beach with dog

Ahoy! Find out more about Devon’s pirate history!

  • 5 minute read

Arrgh me hearties, 19 th September is International Talk like a Pirate Day and as so many of the nation’s infamous pirates came from Devon, we thought we would introduce you to some of them! As you might expect from a coastal area, Devon has an incredibly long and fascinating maritime history.

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Explore Exeter’s history with the city’s Blue Plaques

Explore Exeter’s history with the city’s Blue Plaques

  • 11 minute read

One of the best ways to explore a city is by following a city walk or guided tour and Exeter is no exception. There are a host of fascinating guided walks around the city for you to enjoy, but if you want to set out on your own, why not plan a route around Exeter’s Blue Plaques where you can learn…

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castle ruins

Discover a new side to Devon this September

  • 3 minute read

Make the fun of the summer last longer by joining in with this year’s Heritage Open Days. The annual festival of heritage across Britain is back this September, starting on 8 th and running through to the 17 th . As the largest festival of history and culture in England, Heritage Open Days are a great…

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