Nestled inside the Southwest of England, and simply shy of gorgeous Cornwall, Devon is a very gorgeous space to go to. Actually, there’s a heap of one of the best locations in Devon that you may’t miss on a visit to this a part of England, particularly on its shoreline and inside its nationwide parks.
We’ve visited Devon fairly a couple of occasions through the years and at all times beloved it!
From the gorgeous North Devon shoreline, stopping in locations like Ilfracombe and trying to find dinosaur fossils on the Jurassic Coast, it’s a area that’s too numerous and delightful to overlook.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time when visiting Devon, I needed to share some absolute gems that we love. Perched all throughout Devon, these spots are good waypoints and pit stops that I hope you’ll love as a lot as me.
Have a look, under, at one of the best locations in Devon to go to. Have a tremendous time!
1.) Dartmoor Nationwide Park
One among England’s nationwide parks, Dartmoor is completely lovely to go to (as you’d anticipate from a nationwide park), proper?
Effectively, the opposite factor that makes Dartmoor so particular is how little folks dwell right here. It’s the least densely populated and largest open house in all of southern England. This all means it’s among the finest locations in Devon to go to if you wish to discover the good outdoor and get away from all of it.
Through the years, there’s been a heap of native folklore that has been handed down over centuries, too. With tales of headless horsemen, Devonshire fairies and otherworldly beasts, it’s a area that’s steeped in legend! Actually, Dartmoor is what impressed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s third Sherlock Holmes novel, The Hounds of the Baskervilles.
Anyway, legends apart, when you arrive remember to trek as much as Dartmoor’s tors, the best factors in Southern England. There’s so many dotted all throughout the park and sometimes on prime of upper factors (the best being High Willhays Tor). Most of those have stood for the reason that Bronze Age and it’s good for a ramble.
Afterwards, head over to the western fringes of Dartmoor and discover go to St Michael’s Church in Brentor. It dates all the way in which again to the twelfth century and stands proudly overlooking the park.
Lastly, simply in case you haven’t seen sufficient of Dartmoor, pop throughout to Lustleigh and go to the tiniest little hamlet that stuffed with thatched cottages. Plus, you possibly can simply associate this with a go to to Becky Falls which can be round 70ft excessive.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in North Devon
2.) Jurassic Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Jurassic Coast will not be solely among the finest locations in Devon to go to, it’s some of the magnificent coastlines in all of England.
Named the Jurassic Coast as a result of its 185 million years of historical past (or so), the sedimentary layers of rock have been revealed by sea erosion ever since.
This has led to it being among the finest locations to seek for fossils and with each new little bit of tidal erosion, new fossils are launched. We spent a couple of hours on the seaside searching for them… we ended up discovering 5 of them!
Afterwards, head throughout to discover Durdle Door and see the huge sea stacks of Previous Harry Rocks. Each completely gorgeous and beautiful to go to.
Lastly, don’t overlook to cease off at Corfe Fortress, a settlement and city that’s been inhabited for round 8,000 years!
Learn extra: Learn how to discover fossils on the Jurassic Coast
3.) Ilfracombe
Located proper on the coast of North Devon, Ilfracombe is a historic fishing city that’s completely pretty to anchor your self for a couple of days away.
You see, not solely is there a heap of epic issues to do in Ilfracombe however there’s additionally a great deal of stuff to do within the wider area across the city itself.
After arriving, remember to head to the harbour space and take a look at Verity, the colossal artwork set up that was imagined by Damien Hirst.
From right here, you possibly can then pop into the Chapel of St Nicholas and stroll the cliffs round Tunnels Seaside for a stunning stroll.
Oh, and don’t overlook to go over to the Valley of Rocks that’s round 25-minutes east of Ilfracombe. Right here, you’ll get to observe the South-West Coast Path and spot the wild goats and prehistoric geologic that makes this such a novel a part of Devon.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Ilfracombe
4.) Paignton
Simply west of Torquay, Paignton is a good little place to go to if you need a seaside vacation in Devon. With Paignton Seaside and Broadsands Seaside close by, the world’s an ideal spot to catch some waves!
Afterwards, make a journey to Greenway Home, the vacation residence of Dame Agatha Christie! Greenway Home is a should seen for followers of her books, particularly as you could find first editions of her works inside.
Additionally, don’t overlook to take a little bit journey to Berry Pomeroy Castle that’s simply exterior Paignton, too – the Elizabethan Home is wonderful to see and date again centuries.
5.) Hartland Peninsula
No journey to Devon is full with out a while within the countryside!
We completely beloved staying across the Hartland Peninsula because it was fully chilled and full countryside. We determined to remain a couple of nights at Loveland Farm who satisfaction themselves on sustainability.
Their pod was so wonderful, we didn’t need to go away.
Additionally, don’t overlook to take a look at Speke’s Mill, a whopping 50+ metre excessive waterfall that’s proper by the South-West Coast Path.
Learn extra: Our time staying at Loveland Farm
6.) Lynton and Lynmouth
Perched on the mouth of the West Lyn River, Lynton and Lynmouth are two cities which can be separated by the steep hill that goes proper by way of them.
Now, you possibly can stroll up the steep hills however there’s a way more enjoyable option to get to the highest. Head on the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway that goes commonly and nicely well worth the small price to experience it.
Each are beautiful little locations the place you possibly can whisk away a couple of hours of exploring.
Learn extra: Our time exploring Lynton and Lynmouth
7.) Woolacombe Seaside
The most effective seashores in England, Woolacombe is a favorite vacation spot amongst locals and guests, too. Good for households, surfers and anybody in between, Woolacombe Beach is a not-so-hidden gem that’s nicely value exploring.
With a white sandy shoreline, Woolacombe is the form of place you come for the day and simply chill. Simply remember to take a picnic with you (in any other case, you would possibly find yourself heading again to Ilfracombe for lunch).
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in England
8.) Exmoor Nationwide Park
One among Devon’s two nationwide parks, Exmoor is located in North Devon and is a deal with to discover.
As soon as right here, be sure to spend a while exploring the moors and stroll by way of the traditional forests that make this spot so particular. Plus, you’ll get to see the Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge that’s been round since Medieval occasions.
If you wish to make a day of it, head out on an Exmoor Safari. That is what we did and ended up recognizing a number of the native deer, horses and birds of prey inside the park.
Learn extra: Our safari in Exmoor Nationwide Park
8.) Lundy Island
Lundy Island, the largest island within the English Channel, is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Devon to go for an journey!
Now, the island has had an extended and turbulent historical past, internet hosting various completely different conflicts and invasions. Although there’s no want to fret about that anymore – these days, it’s completely serene and the one disturbance you’ll come throughout if from the wildlife.
Accessible by boat from Devon, Lundy Island has an enormous number of animal life together with the beautiful puffins that frequent the shores. It’s completely lovely and nicely value a go to in the event you love your wildlife.
Learn extra: Greatest islands in England
10.) Dartmouth
This charming historic city, aptly named based mostly on its place on the mouth of the River Dart, is without doubt one of the prettiest coastal cities in England.
Effectively, that and Kingswear that’s reverse.
With its bustling harbour and quaint vibrant riverfront homes, Dartmouth has an simple character that’s completely beautiful for a day journey.
Stroll on by way of the city’s cobbled streets and alleyways that seem nearly unchanged from how they’d have centuries in the past.
After spending a while inside the city, drive in the direction of the coast to identify Dartmouth Castle. Courting again over 500-years, this citadel is completely distinctive and so picturesque to see.
Learn extra: Greatest castles in England to go to
11.) Salcombe
Midway down the coast between Plymouth and Torquay, Salcombe is a wonderful little city that’s completely idyllic for a couple of days away.
Tucked on the estuary, Salcombe is the form of place you go to for chilled out strolls, pottering across the little boutiques and grabbing lengthy lunches with a tipple. It’s all so dreamy, particularly in summer time.
Make sure that to seize a neighborhood deal with from Salcombe Dairy – they make all their ice cream in-house and the flavours are completely scrumptious.
12.) Totnes
The distinctive little city of Totnes is a good little spot to go to, particularly in the event you’re based mostly round Dartmouth or Paignton.
Right here, you’ll get explore the natural and fair-trade market that pops up twice every week and go to the locally-owned eating places, pubs and outlets on Totnes’ excessive road.
Afterwards, take a stroll by way of and absorb the historical past at Totnes Fortress, Dartington Corridor, and seize a chunk on the Waterside Bistro. Their lamb tagines are so aromatic and flavourful!
13.) Exeter
Being the most important metropolis in Devon, Exeter has 1000’s of years of historical past and even dates again to Roman occasions.
Not solely that, it’s among the finest locations in Devon to go to for a metropolis break, with a heap of issues to see and do for a brief weekend cease.
As soon as right here, remember to discover the long-lasting Exeter Cathederal, head contained in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and tour the Underground Passages that date again over 500 years!
It’s such a terrific place.
14.) Dartmoor Jail Museum
Dartmoor Prison, positioned on the desolate plains of Dartmoor, operated throughout the 1800s and is the positioning of many ugly deaths. Though fairly macabre, it’s nicely value a go to in the event you’re within the historical past of the area (and its prisoners).
Method again, the jail was initially constructed to carry American prisoners of warfare. Over time, the jail grew to become riddled with all types of issues, from; overcrowding, illness, mutinies to executions!
These days, curious guests can pop into the Dartmoor Jail Museum to discover!
15.) The Treby Arms
Simply shy of Plymouth, and proper on the border of Devon, The Treby Arms is a good little foodie spot to go to on a street journey round Devon.
Serving up a yummy mixture of conventional pub grub and extra eclectic creations, The Treby Arms is the proper dinner spot to seize a chunk. Their do-it-yourself pies and are every little thing!
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Cornwall to go to
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