Devon Travel Guide | Devon Attractions & Tourist Information

The Devon Travel Guide highlights leading local attractions and places of interest for visitors along with providing useful tourist information for travellers. The county is located in the South West of England, a long term favourite holiday destination in the UK. Devon has a reputation as a great place to go when looking for a break, it is well connected by road to the rest of the south of the UK making it possible for many short breaks and long weekend breaks to be enjoyed here. Its reputation as a rather relaxed place with a gentle pace of life attracts many visitors looking for rest and relaxation.


Devon Guide

Overview and Attractions
Devon Hotels
Devon Map
Devon Local Search
Devon Weather
Low Fare Flights



Overview and Attractions

Devon is a county known for its relaxed pace of life however visitors can take part in many activities, such as cycling, golf and water sports for those that like to live life in the fast lane. Devon offers an intriguing mix of seaside resorts, countryside walks, and bustling town. The one major centre in the area is Exeter that is both the administrative centre of the county and home to Exeter Cathedral. There is also the Guildhall that dates back to the 11th century, it is at present the oldest municipal building in England still in use. Close to Exeter is Powderham Castle, a fine stately home.

The other major city in the region is Plymouth that has been a maritime centre for many years. From Plymouth Sir Francis Drake embarked on his round the world voyage in 1577. The city is synonymous with Sir Francis Drake and the best views over Plymouth Sound can be viewed from the Plymouth Hoe, where there is a statue of Drake.

The Torbay coast is also known as the English Riviera made up of three lovely villages/towns in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. They offer visitors a huge range of options when visiting, Torquay is the quintessential Devon seaside town and the best known of the three. Paignton located right next to Torquay is known as a fun place for the whole family. Brixham is a charming fishing village with a laid back, relaxed feel to it that visitors find so appealing. Whilst those wanting to relax and get away from it all can try Salcombe, a great secluded escape on Devon's famous coast. The English Riviera is a fun place and extremely popular in the summer months where visitors flock from around the UK and beyond to the mild climate, wonderful beaches and great rural countryside.

Exeter Cathedral located in the town of Exeter is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter. Most of the cathedral we see today is the result of rebuilding between 1275-1375. It is thought that Bishop Bronescombe was suitably impressed with the new cathedral at Salisbury that he decided to his own church at Exeter in the new Gothic style. Whilst the Norman towers were retained from that first church, there is little else. Indeed the Lady Chapel and retro choir were added, these were followed by the presbytery and the choir. The cathedral vaulting extends for an amazing 300 feet, this makes it currently the longest uninterrupted stone vault in the UK. There are great carvings to admire in the Minstrel's gallery.

Dartmouth Castle was built with as the first English castle built with artillery in mind. Work on Dartmouth Castle began back in 1388 but it was not until about 1403 that it has actually completed. There is only one round tower that survives today, with a section of wall and a deep moat. There are exhibitions on the site that take visitors through the long history of the castle. The castle is now under the guardianship of English Heritage and can be reached by a pedestrian-only ferry from the town between Easter and the end of October. It is popular as a picnic spot for visitors in pleasant surroundings. Given the visiting months outlined it is best check forehand to ensure the ferry trip is in operation when visiting the area.

Powderham Castle is a historic castle located in a scenic setting. The best known attraction here is the castle and visitors can take a guided tour with the knowledgeable guides giving more information on the long history with plenty of interesting stories. The Secret Garden is currently home to the pets at Powderham these include sheep, chickens, goats and pot-bellied pigs among others. The Birds of Prey displays offers a chance to see the various birds up close overseen by experts, the birds include owls and falcons. The Deer Park Safari offers visitors the opportunity to ride on a tractor trailer in to the deer park to see the deer in the park along with lots of other wildlife up close. With an array of attractions a visit to Powderham offers something for the whole family.

There are also two national parks that lie in Devon these are Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Both national parks present a great opportunity for nature lovers as well as those seeking thrills with activities and those interested in country walks in the countryside to indulge in their passions. Exmoor National Park is located in two counties namely Somerset and Devon and boasts some of the UK's finest and most varied scenery,

Dartmoor National Park boasts an extraordinary landscape, namely the tall granite 'tors' stand out atop two high plateaus that are split by the valley of the River Dart. It is on these plateaus the Dartmoor ponies graze. Dartmoor has some prehistoric remains, with standing stones and hill forts seen on the landscape of the moor. Remains of tin mining are still visible in certain places, Dartmoor is a favourite walking centre among walking enthusiasts and there are a number of paths both on the High Moor and in the valleys. When visiting Dartmoor it is worth seeing Bellever Wood, a conifer plantation with two nature trails. Castle Drogo, there are walks close to the river and along parkland here. Grimspound is a bronze age settlement with other prehistoric monuments nearby. There are plenty of activities visitors can enjoy, walking, cycling, canoeing, camping, horse riding as just some of the many activities to be enjoyed here and the park really is a haven for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Kents Cavern has plenty of history in it, it is among the oldest recognisable human dwelling in Britain. It boasts some spectacular geological formations and significant prehistoric finds, some of these are thought to be over 700,000 years old. Visitors can learn more about the Palaeolithic period and history associated with these caves. Kents Cavern is located in the heart of Torquay on the wonderful south coast of Devon. The caves make for a great attraction for visitors and with so much history there is much to see and do here.

Babbacombe Model Village is well known for its beauty, tranquillity and humorous originality. Tom Dobbins has created a place to mirror everyday life & experience. In the village you can see the English way of life & culture in a unique compact form. The village initially started as a representation of the quintessential English countryside at its best, over the years with the project growing it has incorporated a wide range of buildings and styles, along with streams, waterfalls and lakes. In fact there are new features being added all the time, making for a fascinating visit.

Devon boasts a number of gardens for visitors to explore these include Docton Mills Wild Flower Gardens located in North Devon in a stunning valley. The Garden began in the 1930’s but by the 1970’s were somewhat neglected. The mill and garden has since been renovated and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders, large numbers of trees were planted. Further developments have seen a new Magnolia Garden with large herbaceous borders, a Woodland Garden and a Greenhouse. The Wild Flower Gardens aim is to make everything as natural as possible. There are many displays to enjoy here, in summer the garden is full of roses, and there is a rose bank of Felicia and Pax. There are some 25 varieties of magnolia to see too, the garden offers something in all seasons.

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Devon catering for different tastes, for those that enjoy Mediterranean tastes, Capers Restaurant is worth considering. Capers is a Mediterranean style bistro restaurant located in Torquay, the house specialises in seafood and steaks. It is one of the chic eating establishments in the area. Inside the restaurant visitors are greeted with a smart interior and a relaxed ambience in which to enjoy their meal. The menu offers dishes using local ingredients and specialities. There is also a great wine list that compliments the meals on offer. This is a popular place and it is wise to make a reservation first to avoid disappointment. Address: 7 Lisburne Square, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2PT and Telephone: +44 (0) 1803 291177.

The Forest Inn is a friendly country inn located in the Dartmoor Forest. The relaxed atmosphere greets visitors that include those out taking part in the many activities Dartmoor offers. There is also accommodation available at the Inn. The menu has a large range of local Devon beers and cider to try, you can enjoy the bar or sit in the lounge area with its log fire for winter evenings. The Inn retains its character of a welcoming country inn and also serves food with local produce used where possible.

Perhaps Torquay is not widely known as having a vibrant nightlife, however it certainly does. There is plenty going on in this thriving town and for those that enjoy clubbing, Torquay is a great choice to enjoy a night out. The Venue Nightclub is among Torquay's best known nightclubs and has been running some of the best known nights in the southwest for over a decade. There are themed nights that play the best in different genres of music including chart, dance and r'n'b.


Devon Hotels

Accommodation in Devon is available to suit all budgets from value for money hotels offering cheap rates to five star luxury. One thing to remember is to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, the travelling time each day to and from your hotel can take up valuable time. It is wise to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and offers the faculties you require. There are many fine budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in Devon, for further information please see: Devon Hotels


Devon has long been one of the favourite holiday destinations in the UK. Helped by its mild climate, wonderful landscapes and surroundings it has all the ingredients many people are looking for in a place to go on holiday. The lack of large major cities gives it a warm, rural feel in addition to the relaxed atmosphere. The English Riviera is sometimes underrated and has much to offer visitors, some charming villages by the coast steeped in history with attractions to explore make it a great place where the whole family can enjoy themselves. The region is assessable by road, rail and air via Exeter Airport. With the wide range of attractions on offer and things to do for visitors, it is likely Devon will remain a firm favourite among visitors for a long time to come.


Resources:

Devon Map
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Devon Local Search

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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.