Whether you are a resident of Devon or here on your holidays, there are beautiful towns and villages in abundance for you to explore.
Explore Devon
Devon: the county of adventure and discovery. With an abundance of natural beauty, culture and history spread out across intriguing towns, villages and moorland, this is the place for inspiring adventures and discoveries.
The coast is where adventure begins…
Did you know that Devon has two separate coastlines? Well, it does! This combined with plenty of diverse landscape, gives you plenty of opportunity to explore. Whether you want to take on the waves by joining a boat trip, surfing session or doing a spot of swimming or you want to stay on dry land and traverse the South West Coast Path, you’ll never experience the same thing twice.
To really explore the sea, you need to visit one of Devon’s many marine museums. Plymouth is a great place to start as it is still home to some of the largest naval bases in the world and the training there is second to none. Like much of the west country, Devon has a long history of piracy and you can find out more by visiting the Brixham Pirate Festival or the museum in Appledore! You could also take the ferry over to Lundy Island, which was once a haven for pirates but is now home to the south west’s largest puffin colony!
Running the entire length of both Devon's coastlines, The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest national trail, so no matter where you are in the county, you can easily access the path. Because there are a variety of different access points and routes, you can find a trail that suits your ability, so whether you’re up for a challenge, want something more gentle or are exploring the natural world with the kids and a dog in tow, you’ll be well catered for here.
More than just the sea…
It isn’t just the coastlines that Devon has to be proud of, it is also home to two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! That’s not even including the various nature reserves, Sites of Scientific Interest and of course, the bustling market towns and pretty villages! There are of course the two cities too – everywhere you look you’ll find ancient geology and fascinating history as well as inspiring art, beautiful food and drink and cutting edge entertainment. It’s such a diverse landscape, the only real question you need to ask yourself is where you want to explore first!
Explore Devon’s traditional events
Devon has an active social calendar and the wide range of annual events attract people all year around. You can explore Devon’s history with some of the region’s favourite events and festivals including Tar Barrell Rolling which takes place every Bon Fire Night in Ottery St Mary or the village’s annual Pixie Day. Alternatively, you could join in one one of the many Wassailing events that take place in January or an apple festival or two in the autumn.
There are a whole host of quirky, historic events that are unique to Devon going on all over the county.
You can also explore the world of science with the annual Science Festival which is held in Sidmouth, find out more about boating with one of the region’s regattas, explore a new fictional world with a literary festival – the one in Budleigh Salterton was founded by best selling author Hilary Mantel – and lots more!
If that wasn’t enough, many of Devon’s attractions are award winning and bring fun to visitors and residents alike, whatever your age, taste and budget. So whether you are into farm animals or fungus, are 2 or 92, are visiting with a group or on a romantic break, you’ll never run out of things to explore.
Visit Devon and you’ll find a whole world of discovery awaits you.
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Highlights
With long beaches of golden sands, rugged moors, bustling cities, rolling hills, pretty villages and pastel-coloured seaside towns, a Dark Skies Reserve, a Surf Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more, there is always something new to uncover.
While we think the photos of Devon speak for themselves (check out our Instagram!), you don’t have to take our word for it, you can see live feeds from all over the region with a host of webcams across the county.
Discover more Devon
Learn about Devon’s pirates in Brixham and Plymouth this month
- 3 minute read
This month is going to be a pirate extravaganza in Devon! Don’t worry though, you won’t find anyone attempting to overthrow your boat and walk the plank, though it is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Devon’s pirate history. Did you know that many of the famous pirates of yesteryear are…
Learn MoreA varied and crowd-pleasing line up planned for Rosemoor Live 2024
- 5 minute read
If you are looking for live entertainment this summer, be sure to check out RHS Garden Rosemoor’s annual ‘Live’ sessions which truly have something for everyone. The programme kicks off with two daytime literary events in the Garden Room - you can enjoy talks by authors with Q & A sessions and book…
Learn MoreGet ready to feast: Northernhay Gardens to host the first Exeter Street Food Festival this June!
- 5 minute read
Street Food Warehouse is thrilled to announce the first Exeter Street Food Festival is heading to Northernhay Gardens (EX4 3SA) this June. From Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June over 25 of the best local and national street food traders will be serving up cuisines from across the world in the heart of…
Learn MorePlymouth Street Food Festival is back and bigger than ever
- 4 minute read
Street Food Warehouse is thrilled to announce that Plymouth Street Food Festival will be making a triumphant return to Central Park (PL2 3DG) over the early May Bank Holiday. From Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May they will be bringing you four days of great food, entertainment and family fun! Up to 30…
Learn MoreRum & Reggae Festival Comes to The English Riviera!
- 3 minute read
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant sounds and flavours of the Caribbean in Torbay! Are you ready to dive into a world of tantalising rum concoctions, electrifying music and endless summer vibes? Then mark your calendars because on June 22nd, Lupton House is Brixham will be…
Learn MoreThings to do in Mid Devon this spring
- 4 minute read
Though we love Devon’s beaches, this time of year, there is nowhere better to be than the countryside. With an abundance of spring flowers, baby lambs and plenty of space for a gentle spring stroll, we can’t recommend a trip to the Mid Devon region enough. If you want to experience spring in the…
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