Devon
Devon has such a diverse and beautiful natural environment combined with a mild climate that it's not hard to see why visitors return here year after year.
Two coastlines offer miles of sweeping golden beaches featuring some top surf spots and dramatic cliff-top walks, the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks provide perfect opportunities for getting active in wild, unspoilt open expanses and the quintessential rolling Devonshire countryside is an idyllic patchwork of fields, farms and overgrown hedgerows teeming with wildlife.
Charming towns, quaint old villages and busy fishing harbours are just the thing for sampling a traditional British seaside holiday. There are picturesque gardens, castles and stately homes to explore, and exciting cities mix great shopping with a fascinating past.
Take some inspiration from the ideas on this page, or for detailed information and booking online go to the official Visit Devon website.
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Top Areas to Visit
South Devon
South Devon has been attracting visitors for over 250 years - pretty river estuaries, rolling hills and top outdoor activities make this an amazing holiday destination.
Stay at one of the many characterful old towns tucked in along the coast - Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge or Salcombe - and enjoy exploring their steep streets and rich history.
The tors of Dartmoor
Climb these huge granite rock formations rising dramatically from the landscape for unparalleled views of this beautiful and rugged National Park.
Dartmoor is ideal for a countless number of outdoor pursuits and has rich and mysterious history and heritage. Discover wild ponies, spectacular scenery, rustic moorland pubs and remote ancient towns.
The English Riviera
Set along 22 miles of unspoilt coastline, the English Riviera has all the glamour and style of the Mediterranean high life.
Covering the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, its stunning scenery and coastline with international geopark status, friendly atmosphere and packed events diary offer irresistible attractions.
North Devon
North Devon has some of the finest sandy beaches in the British Isles, many of which are great for surfing. Woolacombe, a blue-flag beach, was recently voted one of the world's top ten.
Pretty harbours at Clovelly, Ilfracombe and Lynmouth make a delightful contrast to the spectacular coastline, notably the Hartland peninsula where the coastal path follows dramatic cliffs and tiny coves
Exeter & East Devon
Exeter is a thriving city, with a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years. It has a spectacular Cathedral, a wealth of visitor attractions and an array of shops, restaurants, and bars.
The nearby World Heritage Jurassic Coast reveals 185 million years of Earth's history. Towering red cliffs and undulating sand dunes, sheltered coves, sparkling sea and quaint seaside towns make this area a must see.
Hidden Gems
Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company
All aboard for a truly unique day out!
Catch a magnificent steam train from Paignton along the spectacular Torbay coast and through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear.
Spend some time exploring Dartmouth's cafes, galleries and castle before taking the ferry up the beautiful river Dart to Totnes. Complete the circle with a marvellous open top bus ride back to Paignton. The scenery is superb.
Clovelly
This picture-postcard fishing village clings to a steep hillside on the North Devon coast. Colourful, flower bedecked cottages line the steep cobbled streets (where traffic is banned!) and lead down to the ancient harbour below.
Lundy Island
Lundy - a unique and unspoilt island, undisturbed by cars, and home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery: deer, seals, ponies, dolphins and rare birds.
There is a small village with an Inn and Victorian church, and nearby the 13th Century Marisco Castle. The surrounding seas have been designated England's first Marine Nature Reserve and there are great opportunities for diving.
Kents Cavern
Recognised as the most important stone age cave in Britain, Kents Cavern in the English Riviera has revealed more about palaeolithic Britain than anywhere else.
Highly commended tours take you through these 2 million-year-old caves to discover a unique history uncovered by Victorian archaeological explorers.
Lynton and Lynmouth
These twin-towns nestled on the North Devon coast are where ‘Exmoor meets the sea'. With one town on the seafront and one atop the cliff, a fabulous working Victorian cliff railway connects the two!
About a mile from the centre of Lynton is the famed Valley of Rocks - spectacular rock formations plunging into the sea below.
Wild Camping on Dartmoor
Star gaze on clear nights and awake to spectacular views in the morning. Dartmoor is one of the few locations in the country where it is legal to wild camp as long as you choose your spot sensibly.
Trek in, pitch up and spend the night under the stars with only the wild ponies for company.