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Devon, England
Devon
Why we love Devon
Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and lovers of food and drink. With around 120 picturesque sandy beaches, it offers the perfect place to pitch a picnic stocked with locally sourced foods. Its crystal waters offer decent surf, while its towering cliff-side walks hark back to the fossilised Jurassic south.
From medieval towns to cute seaside villages, there’s a slice of paradise waiting for you. Whether you’re a walker, a cyclist or a wheelchair user, fancy a dip, a flop or even a trek with a lama, washed up with a fat menu of local treats and sleep under the stars, Devon has it all.
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Mysterious Burgh island by sea tractor
Take a sea tractor to a small tidal island that inspired Agatha Christie. Explore its grand Art Deco hotel, and have a pint at its pub, before waiting for the sea to come in around you and a sea tractor to take you back to the mainland, Bigbury-on-Sea.
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Explore beneath Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is a must with its, but have you ever stopped to think about what lurks beneath the city? Explore the medieval subterranean tunnels which labyrinth under this city.
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Devon
The skies come alive
Enjoy one of the country’s most spectacular air shows, set in one of the most beautiful coastlines. Join the 200,000 people who flock to Paignton, South Devon to see the English Riviera Airshow every year. As spitfires fly overhead, you can enjoy stalls, food and drink and a fairground on Paignton Green.
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Hone your mindfull skills
Relax at the Sharpham House mindfulness centre, set in beautiful gardens designed by Capability Brown, high on the banks of the River Dart. Its year-round retreats include tailor-made itineraries exploring gratitude, meditation, mindful walking, and much more – all led by expert practitioners.
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Devon, England
Seaside history
Clinging to the cliffside, the beautiful village of Clovelly in North Devon, is an unforgettable place to visit. The privately-owned village with its famous cobbled street tumbling down to the sea has no cars, just donkeys. Visitors must pay to enter the historic village, which has two hotels, museums, gardens and lots of eateries and shops.
Things to do in Devon
Featured things to do
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National Marine Aquarium
Explore the Great Barrier Reef in Plymouth. Discover the colossal tanks of the National Marine Aquarium, Britain’s biggest aquarium.
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Quince Honey Farm
Get a buzz out of exploring a working honey farm. Take an amble around Quince Honey Farm’s Nectar Gardens or extensive meadows rammed with sweet-smelling flowers. See millions of bees up close, visit the Honey Factory and take a peek behind the scenes at how the honey is produced.
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Amble through Dartmoor
Fancy an early autumnal walk? Explore the beautiful surroundings of Dartmoor National Park. For an accessible experience look to the Miles Without Stiles route.
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Visit Plymouth Gin distillery
England’s oldest working distillery. Where better to learn about (and taste) the heritage of gin. All housed within a medieval building dating from 1431.
Places to stay in Devon
Brixham
A cute harbour-side town in South Devon, where you can feast on freshly caught fish every day. It offers waterfront walks, a scenic beach and an outdoor Art Deco lido, Shoalstone Pool.
Croyde
With its picture-perfect beach is perfect for surfers and those looking to learn or just soak up the vibe, complete with on-shore winds and Atlantic swells.
Totnes
A pretty little bohemian enclave set on the River Dart, where artists, musicians and lovers of all things organic and lots of independent shops and fair-trade cafés.
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Getting to Devon
There are flights from many UK and international airports to Exeter International Airport. Devon is well served by trains from all over the country, and many of the routes are very picturesque, making it a great way to travel. The two main lines from London are from Paddington and Waterloo. You can also hire a car and drive, and coaches run from Exeter, Tiverton and Plymouth.
Getting around
One of the best ways to get around is using the public transport network, from coach, train and bus. There’re taxis too.
By train
Great Western Railway (GWR) operate a number of journeys across Devon from over 270 destinations by train.
By bike
Devon has a host of wonderful cycle routes, many of which are connected to the main cycle network and range in length and difficulty.
By bus
The bus service is extensive across Devon with plenty of chances to link to smaller routes.
Want to know more?
Check out Visit Devon for the top inside tips and travel inspirations.