Devon
Information - Attractions
The county of Devon is a wonderful playground. With a glorious coastline on two sides of the county, and beautiful unspoilt countryside, it has natural beauty in abundance. The two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are unique open spaces to explore, of interest to walkers, cyclists and riders as well as naturalists. There are long sandy beaches or unspoilt pebble beaches linked by the wonderful South West Coast Path with views along the coast and out to sea. Our great countryside offers many holiday experiences including surfing, golf, walking, sailing, cycling and horse-riding.
Whether you need a short break to recharge your batteries or are looking for a family holiday, you will find what you need on a farm in Devon. There are quaint fishing villages and ancient market towns to visit and many stately homes and National Trust houses and gardens with events throughout the year, such as Food Festivals, Vintage Car Rallies, and open gardens. Devon is known for producing wonderful food, it's a result of our long growing season and mild climate, so come and sample some of it during your stay and take some home with you. Whatever the season, a Devon farm is a great place to stay.
Heart of Devon
Staying in the Heart of Devon enables you to enjoy real Devon hospitality in an area of gently sloping hills, patchwork fields and pretty villages. All corners of the county can easily be explored and there is a huge variety of things to see and do right here on your doorstep.
The city of Exeter has a fascinating history. Visit the 850 year old cathedral, one of England's finest medieval buildings, or walk down one of the worlds narrowest streets. Hire a canoe and explore England's oldest canal The recently redeveloped quay has a variety of craft and antique shops. Boats and bikes can be hired to enable you to explore further along the canal.
Tiverton, on the River Exe, and winner of a Best Market Town award has a fascinating museum of local history. Take a trip on the Grand Western Canal, your barge will be pulled by one of a team of friendly horses through the country park.
A short drive away from Tiverton is Bickleigh on the river Exe, where you can visit the award winning Yearlstone vineyard, Bickleigh Mill and the railway center.
Bampton is in the North of the district, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. A pretty little town, famous for its success in Britain in Bloom, visit its flower filled streets and shop for local foods and gifts. If you visit in late October you can enjoy four days of celebrations during Bampton's charter fair.
Crediton has some good specialist shops and the ancient church of St Boniface. Many of the towns in the Heart of Devon have regular farmer's markets where you can sample local produce for which the region is rightly famous.
South Devon
The coast of South Devon is one of contrasts. At the east end are the traditional seaside resorts of Torquay and Paignton, providing everything necessary to give you the perfect traditional seaside holiday, while further west is Dartmouth, famous for its August Regatta and links with naval history. On from there are the beautiful beaches of Slapton, Thurlestone, Bantham and Bigbury and the unspoilt natural beauty of the high cliffs and hidden coves of Kingsbridge, Avon, Erme and Yealm estuaries. The yachting havens and marinas of Salcombe, Noss Mayo/Newton Ferrers and the amazing Plymouth Sound are a must to see.
Finally Plymouth is reached, where maritime associations abound. From here Sir Frances Drake set off in the Golden Hind to sail round the world, and the Pilgrim Fathers began their epic voyage on the Mayflower. A special attraction is the National Marine Aquarium, unique in its approach of charting aquatic life from small streams through to the ocean deeps. Inland are the rolling hills and fertile valleys of the South Hams, with the characteristic fertile red Devon soil showing up vividly wherever land is being prepared for planting. The indigenous South Devon breed of cattle still feature widely on many farms. A major attraction is the many small villages nestling between the hills.
Dartmoor National Park dominates the views to the north and is easily accessible to visitors staying in South Devon - providing a stark contrast with its heather-covered moors and exposed tors.
North Devon
North Devon is most definitely a part of the county worth visiting and not just in the summer months. The region has such a variety of rolling hills, hidden woodlands, spectacular rivers, rocky coves, beautiful beaches and magnificent countryside scenes.
No matter the kind of holiday you require North Devon offers it, whether you want to visit the many family attractions and sandy beaches with your children, seek outdoor adventure, walking, fishing, golf, cycling along the Tarka Trail, horse riding, water sports or just relax in the peaceful countryside, it can all be found in North Devon.
You may wish to tour the major towns in North Devon such Barnstaple an ancient port and trading centre, now known for its mix of modern and traditional shops, South Molton known as the Gateway to Exmoor with its many antique shops, craft and local produce including Honey and Chocolate. Alternatively there is the historic port and market town of Bideford where you can catch a boat to the wildlife haven of Lundy Island.
Torrington is another north Devon town steeped in history there is the 1646 Civil War heritage centre, a unique new indoor/outdoor family attraction located at the heart of Great Torrington, you can also visit the Dartington Crystal glass factory. Hatherleigh is a true market town which also has its own pottery and art gallery on Market Street featuring the work of many local producers. See seven churches from the Folly at Moor Head or find the monument to Col William Morris who led the Charge of the Light Brigade. Finally the coastal town of Ilfracombe thought to be the Victorians favourite holiday destination, now known for the Landmark Theatre and harbour where you can take a fishing trip or just take a tour of the coastline.
East Devon
East Devon is well known for its beautiful coast and countryside. It is a place which is home to a strong agricultural community and many rural businesses. It has retained its unspoilt charm and remains a quiet retreat, sometimes overlooked by many heading for the more familiar and crowded routes to the furthest reaches of the West Country.
The whole of the East Devon coastline is now designated a World Heritage Site. More commonly known as the "Jurassic Coast", this area is famous for its fossil hunting heritage and still today fossils are regularly found particularly in the area around Lyme Regis. Charmouth beach is home to the Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre.
Much of in-land East Devon has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Mother Nature has created the most terrific place for walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts in general. The countryside is dotted with a necklace of unspoilt traditional Devon villages, and we think we have one of the country's finest seaside towns in regency Sidmouth.
