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Devon

Wonwell beach, Devon © VisitBritain / Peter Anderson
Devon

Verdant meadows, sandy beaches and rugged moors make the county of Devon one of Britain’s most charming holiday destinations.

Devon at a glance

  • Sunny Devon is all about fresh crab sandwiches on the beach, surf-ready waves, wild camping and leisurely rambles along coastal trails.
     
  • Explore the rugged beauty of the county’s 2 national parks - Dartmoor and Exmoor – on foot, horseback, or by even by llama!
     
  • Refuel on award-winning local produce, which you’ll find at farmers’ markets, independent cafes and restaurants. And don’t forget to try a famous Devon cream tea.
     
  • Running from Exmouth, Devon to Swanage in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast’s 95 miles of stunning coastline and otherworldly rock formations has earned it a place on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
     
  • Whilst Devon’s picturesque countryside is perfect for reflection and relaxation, its bigger towns and cities offer something a little more lively. Check out Exeter or Plymouth, which are great for shopping, museums and nightlife.
     
  • Did you know? Devon’s coast enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else on the British mainland, inspiring the nickname the ‘English Riviera’.
     
  • Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, is on the south coast of Devon. Enjoy activities on the water, amazing local sea food and see the Mayflower Steps commemorating the Pilgrims departure in 1620.
     
  • Exeter is about 2 hours from London by train.
     
  • VisitDevon has the rundown of fun, free and adventurous things to do.
Hiking at sunset in Dartmoor National Park, Devon © VisitBritain
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Mixing heritage, history and nature, there’s plenty of exciting things to do in Devon for those on everything from family holidays to romantic escapes. The bustling market towns and hundreds of gorgeous beaches are complemented by two national parks, many areas of outstanding natural beauty and a host of Devon attractions to keep you busy, whether that’s wandering the county’s 205 miles of coastal paths, taking in the picturesque English Riviera, or discovering the highlights of the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast. Other places to visit in Devon include the award-winning sands of Woolacombe Beach, the majestic Exeter Cathedral and Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium. Experience sheep racing at The BIG Sheep, a horse-drawn barge ride with the Tiverton Canal Company or a journey on the Lynton and Lynmouth Funicular Railway. Visit Devon to experience all this and more.

Things to do in Devon

  • Devon and Cornwall tastes
  • I travel for...the outdoors
  • Towns and villages of the South West

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    Where is Devon?

    Located in the south west of England, Devon is served by numerous road, rail and air routes. Bristol Airport is circa 70 miles from Devon (just over an hour-and-a-half by car) and serves more than 70 global destinations. The nearest airport is at Exeter, based in the county, which serves numerous domestic and European destinations. 

    Getting around Devon

    Devon is very well connected with two main rail links from London, alongside a vast public transport and road network. Great Western Railway and South West Trains provide services from London Paddington and London Waterloo respectively to stations including Tiverton, Exeter St Davids, Newton Abbot and Plymouth. National Express services from all over the country provide routes to every corner of Devon, alongside regional bus services which provide a quick and convenient means of getting around the county.

    • Visit Devon has an array of tourist information centres across the county to assist with your Devon tourism needs
    • They also have an array of brochures and guides to help you plan your trip
    • Several companies offer cycle hire in Devon to explore the national parks, coastal trails and sandy beaches at your own pace

    BY FOOT

    Big sections of Devon are best explored on foot, from the striking surroundings of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks to more than 200 miles of the South West Coast Path.

    BY BUS

    Stagecoach operates a range of services across Devon and has an interactive map of all routes to help you plan your trip. Tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash and contactless payment options.