Devon: Top 10 Places to Visit

Beardown Man standing stone, Dartmoor National Park, Devonshire, England.
Beardown Man standing stone, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England.

Ah, Devon, a realm where nature dances with the wind, and history whispers through the ancient stones. In this corner of England, where the moors meet the sea, one can find a haven for the soul. Here are the top 10 places to explore, each a chapter in the story of Devon, as if written by the quill of fate itself.

  • Dartmoor National Park In the heart of Devon, the moors stretch like an endless sea of heather and granite. Dartmoor, with its mysterious tors and wild ponies, is a rugged expanse that beckons the adventurous spirit to roam free.
  • Exeter Cathedral Behold the celestial majesty of Exeter Cathedral, a testament to the devotion of craftsmen and the echoes of centuries past. The grandeur of its Gothic architecture rises to touch the heavens, an embodiment of both earthly grace and divine inspiration.
  • Buckland Abbey Nestled in the embrace of the Devon countryside, Buckland Abbey stands as a stoic witness to the passage of time. Once the refuge of Sir Francis Drake, its hallowed halls resonate with tales of exploration and the maritime spirit that courses through Devon’s veins.
  • Clovelly Village A journey back in time awaits in Clovelly, a village clinging to the cliffs like a tale suspended between the sea and the sky. Cobbled streets wind their way down to a harbor where fishing boats rock with the rhythm of the tides.
"Clovelly Harbour, Devon," by Alfred William Hunt.
“Clovelly Harbour, Devon,” by Alfred William Hunt.
  • Torquay’s Agatha Christie Mile Embark on a literary pilgrimage along Torquay’s Agatha Christie Mile. Follow the footsteps of the Queen of Crime and let the whispers of mystery guide you through the landscapes that inspired her timeless tales of intrigue.
  • Saltram House A Palladian masterpiece, Saltram House, with its elegant gardens and opulent interiors, is a glimpse into the aristocratic tapestry of the past. Amidst the rolling lawns, one can almost hear the echoes of laughter and the rustle of silk.
  • Plymouth Hoe Stand proud upon Plymouth Hoe, where the sea breeze carries tales of maritime glory. With the iconic Smeaton’s Tower as your sentinel, gaze upon the waters that once bore witness to the departure of the Pilgrims on their fateful voyage.
  • Teignmouth and Shaldon Twin jewels on the South Devon coast, Teignmouth, and Shaldon invite you to savor the simple pleasures of life. Stroll along the promenade, feel the sand between your toes, and let the timeless charm of seaside villages captivate your heart.
Teignmouth Harbour, Devonshire, England.
Teignmouth Harbour, Devon, England.
  • Burgh Island Venture forth to Burgh Island, a tidal island shrouded in Art Deco elegance. The Burgh Island Hotel, a haven for the elite in times past, echoes with the melodies of the Jazz Age, as the waves compose their eternal symphony just beyond its shores.
  • Lundy Island Far on the horizon, Lundy Island stands as a solitary sentinel in the Bristol Channel. A sanctuary for wildlife and a refuge for those seeking solitude, Lundy’s rocky cliffs and heather-covered hills beckon the intrepid wanderer to a remote corner of Devon’s untamed spirit.