An A-Z of Devon

13th July 2018

Categories: Visitor News

An A-Z of Devon

A is for… All Aboard!
When you’re in Devon, you’ll find plenty of boat and train trips, including steam train trips, for you to enjoy. Hop aboard a boat at one of the many docks and head to some of the smaller islands, take the sea tractor from Bigbury on Sea or if you’re in Torquay, you can grab a train ride to Dawlish or Teignmouth and take a look at the coast from the train!

B is for… Beaches!
There are beaches galore in Devon! Devon has two coastlines which vary hugely in landscape, but all of them guarantee you beautiful views. Regardless of where you are in the region, you will find long stretches of sand, sheltered clean waters, great nearby facilities and there are even beaches perfect for those into watersports, those into relaxing and those into dog walking – this region has it all!

C is for… Cream Tea
We don’t care what anyone says, Devon is the home of the Cream Tea and you are never too far away from a traditional cream tea. Make sure you visit on National Cream Tea Day and create the perfect afternoon, just don’t forget to assemble your scones, cream and jam in the right order!

D is for… Dog Friendly
Devon is one of the most dog friendly holiday destinations in the UK, with miles of moorland, beaches, dog friendly accommodation and more! Make sure to take a look at our dedicated page to find out all the best places for your furry friends!

E is for… Eating
Who goes on holiday and doesn’t enjoy all the food on offer? Being a coastal town, Devon is well known for its beautiful, fresh sea food. Don’t miss out on the region’s special crab sandwiches, lobster and fish. Using fresh, local produce is important to the eateries of Devon so you’re never too far away from a delicious meal.

F is for… Festivals
Glasonbury who? It is all about Glas-Denbury down this way! There are hundreds of festivals taking place all year in Devon, from music, to food, to literature and even the celebration of Dads where you will find the best examples of Dad dancing ever. You’re never too far away from a fun festival while visiting Devon!

G is for… Golf
For those of you looking for a luxury break, look no further, there are golf courses a plenty in Devon and spa hotels with their own courses for you to enjoy.

H is for… History
Devon has a rich and wonderful history. History buffs will find museums and relics relating to the Romans, the Vikings and more! There are battle sites from the English Civil War, over 1,000 years of mining and farming history, the fascinating origins of Exeter Cathedral, plus the seafaring history, visit and find out more about Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake!

I is for… Islands
Not content with the mainland? Well, you’re in luck, Devon also has lots of stunning islands just visible from the coast. Be sure to visit Burgh Island from Bigbury Beach, you can either access on foot if the tide is right, or hop on board the sea tractor!

J is for… Jurassic Coast
While most of the Jurassic Coast is over the border in Dorset, you can catch glimpses of it from Devon. From Exmouth to just west of Lyme Regis lies South Devon’s part of the Jurassic Coast. It is a truly breathtaking part of the coastline and its no surprise it is a World Heritage Site.

K is for…. Kids
Want somewhere you can take the children? Head to Devon! Aside from the beaches and natural playgrounds of the moors and woods, there are hundreds of family friendly activities and attractions from farms to theme parks!

L is for… Literature
Aside from the obvious reference with Tarka the Otter and the Tarka Trail, Devon is a great place for literature lovers. There are loads of literature festivals taking place, but it was also the birth place and home of Agatha Christie, her former home, Greenway is managed by the National Trust and is open for visits. You’ll also find a commemorative bust dedicated to her in Torquay’s harbour. The poet Keats also lived in nearby Teignmouth where you can find his house marked with a plaque and that’s just for starters!

M is for… Marine Life
You’ll find plenty of fish, crabs and other tiny marine animals in the rock pools across the beaches in Devon, but there is also the National Marine Aquarium, not only will you get a chance to find out about local sea life, but will also get to meet marine animals from all over the world.

N is for… Navy
Plymouth is known for its long naval history and anyone interested in the navy and Plymouth’s role in the world wars, should take a visit. Many of the active naval bases aren’t accessible to the general public, but there are heritage centres and museums nearby for you to explore.

O is for…. Outdoors
Enjoying the great outdoors is easy in Devon, there are walking trails, cycling trails, farms, climbing walls, watersports and much more for you to try out!

P is for… Pier
If you’re a fan of arcades and piers, you’re in the right place! There are loads of them in Devon, why not head to Teignmouth Pier or Paignton Pier and take on the traditional arcade games?

Q is for… Quiet
If you want to escape city life and spend a few days getting back to nature, Devon is the perfect place. There are many rural towns and villages with wonderful accommodation that will give you the peace you crave.

R is for… Restaurants
You might not know this but Devon is the home of several celebrity chefs and their restaurants, if you want the chance to sample menus from some of the greatest names in the culinary world, you’re in luck!

S is for… Shopping
Whether you’re looking for small, quirky independents or large high street stores, Devon has it all. You can head to Exeter for the Princesshay Shopping Mall, or Bideford for the outlet shopping village or the well-known Trago Mills shopping and leisure park. Alternatively, go to Totnes or Torquay for smaller, quirky places or Barnstaple and take in the Pannier market.

T is for… Theatres
Culture and theatre is every where in Devon. The Totnes and Dartington areas are rife with creativity and performers and Exeter regularly gets big name stars and touring shows for your entertainment.

U is for… Unique Wedding Venues.
Ok, I’m stretching it a bit now, but it isn’t a lie that Devon has some amazing and unique venues for your special day – whether you want a hotel wedding, to say your vows in a stately home or out in the open, Devon has it all!

V is for… Views
There is no denying that Devon is a beautiful county, from the moorland to the woodland, to the beaches to the cliffs there is plenty to catch your eye.

W is for… Watersports
Whether you are into surfing, boating, kayaking or just plain swimming, you’ll find it all in Devon. The beaches at Croyde and Saunton are perfect for surfing and there are plenty of opportunities for boat rides on the rivers and coastlines.

X is for… X marks the spot
You might be thinking that neighbouring Cornwall was the hive of pirate activity, but Devon was one of the of the targets for the Barbary Pirates for three centuries. Be sure to head to Appledore to visit the Pirate museum and find out about the famous pirates born in Devon.

Y is for… Yum
Not into seafood or other meat items? Don’t worry, Devon is happy to cater for Vegetarians, Vegans and other dietry requirements, many places have dedicated cafes and restaurants whereas others are happy to alter menus, as the majority of the food served in Devon is local, fresh produce, it is usually prepared fresh making it easy to adapt!

Z is for… Zoos
Devon is home to a number of zoos, aquariums, small holdings and other animal sanctuaries. You can marvel at the animals at Paignton Zoo or Exmoor Zoo. The Dartmoor Zoological Park is also in the region as is Quince Honey Farm, the Big Sheep, the Donkey Sanctuary, Pennywell Farm and more!