Next to Cornwall, both geographically and in my heart, is Devon. Although different in many respects Devon has a wealth of attractions, both natural and not.
As with Cornwall, Devon has two coasts meaning twice the potential for great beaches. On the north coast are some great, sandy family beaches such as Woolacombe and Croyde. Facing into the Atlantic Ocean these beaches also get some great surf throughout the year - Croyde is rated as perhaps the best surf beach in the UK. North Devon is farming country and this can be seen in the region’s main towns such as Barnstaple and Holsworthy. One of my personal highlights of this area is the village of Clovelly which clings to the hillside with its cobbled main street leading down to a tiny harbour below.
The south coast is much gentler affair and ranges from the rural idylls of the South Hams to the naval port and city of Plymouth. The gently undulating landscape soon gives way to the stark beauty of Dartmoor which sits on a plateau occupying much of the middle of western Devon. Dartmoor contains some of the remotest areas in England and its windswept majesty dotted with broken and weathered granite make it a haven for walkers. Devon’s other moor, Exmoor is somewhat tamer and shared with neighbouring Somerset.
Exmoor borders the north coast making for some dramatic scenery around Lynmouth and Lynton where the River Lyn makes its sometimes dramatic descent down to the ocean. Lynmouth is perhaps best known for its unfeasibly steep water operated funicular railway which is well worth a go on.
As the name suggests, the River Exe rises on Exmoor and flows through the county town of Exeter before entering the sea on the south coast via the estuary at Exmouth. Exeter is a small city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It has an attractive Norman cathedral and the ruins of the Norman Rougemont Castle. The other points of interest are mostly centred around the river and include the Quayside with its 17th century Custom house.
Devon’s other city is Plymouth. Once a beautiful and affluent city Plymouth was decimated by bombing during World War II. If this wasn’t bad enough the avant-garde planners of the early 1960s finished off what the Luftwaffe had started! Whilst I quite like some of Plymouth’s city centre buildings, many historic buildings were demolished to make way for some of the developments.
The city’s redeeming features are the waterside Barbican and Hoe both of which retain a number of historic features including Elizabethan houses and a 1920s Lido.
The best known of all Devons holiday resorts has to be Torbay, also known as the English Riviera. Comprising the three seaside towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay each with its own distinctive feel. Brixham is quite the olde fishing harbour complete with replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind. Paignton on the other hand is full on bucket and spade, get your jollies on the pier territory. Torquay, at least the harbour, is more upmarket with yachts and motor-cruisers galore.
Where ever you choose to stay in Devon there are plenty of things to do and see.