Devon is a large county spanning southern coastal resorts and the cities of Plymouth and Exeter, quiet East Devon hideaways like Sidmouth, quiet North Devon and two of England’s smallest national parks:
Lifeboat crew ask for people to keep dogs away from cliffs (they often have to rescue pooches). Many beaches are not dog-friendly year-round so check (some disappear at high tide). Read more on how to stay safe with dogs by the sea.
Plymouth is Devon’s maritime city, a beacon of naval history. Royal William Yard is now a vibrant hub of culture and history with stunning Georgian architecture, and the Mayflower Steps serve as a poignant reminder of the countless voyages and explorations undertaken from Plymouth’s shores.
The other Devon city is Exeter, steeped in history and with ancient architecture and a wealth of green havens. Belmont Park is the place to sit under a canopy of old trees or catch a glimpse of a rainbow over the city skyline.
Or step back in time at St Thomas Pleasure Gardens, or stroll along the Quay waterside. The Secret Garden is hidden within the grounds of Rougemont Castle, a peaceful escape in the city. Exeter Cathedral is an architectural gem, built hundreds of years ago in the Gothic style.
Home to Many of England’s Resident Seals
Always leave seals alone (pups cannot survive if spooked back into the sea, as their blubber is not thick enough to prevent freezing/drowning). Keep dogs away from seals, as seals often hide their pups in sand dunes (especially during breeding season). Read how to help our grey & harbour seals.
Two of England’s Smallest National Parks
Exmoor is a tapestry of misty moors and wooded valleys. It’s home to a network of trails that suit every hiker. You might spot the famous Exmoor ponies, wild yet gentle creatures that roam freely. And if you’re quiet enough, you might even catch sight of a red deer grazing at dawn – a true gift for wildlife enthusiasts.
Dartmoor is a place of legends and granite tors that stand like sentinels. Each tor has its own story, some filled with myths of yore. It’s also a land rich in cultural history. From Bronze Age stone circles to medieval ruins, Dartmoor is where the past whispers in the wind, urging you to explore more.
Wild ponies should be left alone – they have plenty of natural food and could bite or kick if disturbed. Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep dogs, barnyard friends and wildlife safe. And
Quirky Finds That are Unique to Devon
Lynton & Lynmouth is a pretty resort on the North Devon coast, home to one of England’s remaining cliff railways, which runs on water power. Built in Victorian times, enjoy beautiful views of the harbour, Exmoor national park and the Bristol channel, from the lovingly restored carriages, as you can ascend the 862 foot high cliff.
Inland is Totnes, home to the world’s first transition town (people shop local, use local currencies, and put community solar panels on school roofs, so nobody suffers when oil prices go up).
Buckfast Abbey is run by Benedictine monks, known for making high-caffeine wine that sells well on Glasgow housing estates. It’s known locally as ‘rock the hoose juice’ or a bottle of ‘what are ye looking at?!’
Devon is a Sustainable Sailor’s Paradise
Salcombe is one of England’s richest areas, an affluent sailing resort where property prices are akin to London or Sandbanks in Dorset. However, this (like places in Cornwall) means that many homes remain empty most of the year, pricing local people out of the market to buy their own homes. The town is not just known for its yachts and sandy beaches, but also a tragic lifeboat incident over 100 years ago, when most of the heroes died in a storm. Today the Start Point Lighthouse can emit an alert in fog, every 60 seconds.
Salcombe has a tiny population in winter, which swells from under 2000 to tens of thousands in summer, when tourists descend on the area of south Devon to soak up the sunshine and go boating and paddleboarding. It also looks after its wildlife, from local whales that are occasionally spotted to seahorse nurseries in rare eelgrass beds.
Also in Salcombe is Salcombe Gin, a sustainable brand that is plastic-free and sold nationwide in good shops. Founded by local sailors who treasure the oceans, a portion of proceeds from each bottle helps ocean conservation charities.
