Reasons to love Devon

Here at Stay in Devon, we’re passionate about our home county and to celebrate our love for this diverse land we have produced a guide to why you should love Devon too.

Places of interest

We could almost write an endless list of places that you need to see during a holiday in Devon. From north to south, Devon has plenty of attractions and landmarks that all make fantastic days out. Here are our top five places to visit in Devon:

1. Jump aboard MS Oldenburg and sail to Lundy Island just off the north coast for a day exploring one of the wonders of the British Isles. If you’re lucky, you might spot a dolphin!
2. Be sure to visit Clovelly where donkeys are the only form of transport, and stroll down the famed cobbles to the picturesque harbour to see the fishermen bringing in their daily haul.
3. Explore Greenway, the inspiration behind the work of crime writer Agatha Christie. Wander among rooms where her novels and possessions are much as the author left them.
4. Pull on your walking boots and head to the Dartmoor National Park. This open wilderness where wild ponies roam free is as mysterious as it is visually breathtaking.
5. Admire the cascading waterfalls of Lydford Gorge, the deepest gorge in the south west of England. Filled with tales of faeries and surrounded by thick, lush woodland, this is an enchanting place.

Check out our Ultimate Devon Bucket List, for more incredible ways to experience the county.

Beaches

In Devon, you’ll find 77 beaches across the 330km of coastline, all uniquely beautiful in their own way. Even our four-legged friends get to enjoy the beauty of the beaches in Devon with 43 of them being dog-friendly. Make the most of the sun, sand and surf at one of these top Devon beaches:

1. Woolacombe was recently voted the best beach in the UK and is a must-visit location, renowned for its water quality and its 3-mile expanse of glistening, golden sands.
2. Bantham Beach is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as well as being a perfect bucket and spade destination, is also South Devon’s premier spot for surfing.
3. Saunton Sands is not only a hit with families, but its 3-mile stretch of shoreline is dog-friendly all year round and is backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve.
4. Bigbury-on-Sea draws in windsurfers, paddle-boarders and kite flyers with its vast sandy shores lapped by shallow water. At low tide, you can reach the iconic Burgh Island.
5. Blackpool Sands boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine sands, bordered by fragrant pine trees – it has a wonderful hint of the Mediterranean about it.

Take a look out our comprehensive Devon Beach Guide to find out more about some of the best beaches along the coast.

Favourite foods

Devon is renowned for its quality of food and there is plenty of local produce available in the cafés, restaurants, markets and food festivals across the county. Here are five of our favourite Devon specialities to try:

1. The most renowned delicacy is the cream tea, a fluffy scone topped with clotted cream and then jam - be sure to apply the toppings in the correct order!
2. Devon is also famous for its pasties which are crimped on top and oval shaped, differing from the Cornish counterparts, which are crimped on the side and take a semi-circle shape.
3. One of the alcoholic beverages most often associated with Devon is cider, known by locals as ‘scrumpy’. Made with ancient varieties of specialist cider apples, this refreshing drink is the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer’s day.
4. Devon ice cream is one of our favourite treats you should try. Not only is it rich and creamy, but there is a myriad of imaginative flavours ranging from caramel pecan crunch to rhubarb and ginger crumble and even strawberry and balsamic vinegar.
5. A lesser known dish that is also associated with the county is white pudding, a highly spiced pork sausage, with an oat variation called ‘Groats pudding’ often found in the traditional pubs on Dartmoor.

Read our Devon Food and Drink Guide to see some of the best places to enjoy local food.

Fun facts

• Devon is the only county in the UK with two national parks
• Devon is also the only county with two separate coastlines
• Every August, Appledore hosts the World Crabbing Championships
• The county is home to the oldest golf course in England, the Royal North Devon Golf Club
• The critically acclaimed movie War Horse was filmed on Dartmoor National Park
• Devon is the birthplace to several well-known figures and celebrities including Agatha Christie, Tom Daley, Sir Francis Drake, and Joss Stone

Fallen in love with Devon? We don't blame you! Why not check out our range of accommodation in the county to find your perfect home-from-home? We have a wonderful selection of Devon cottages offering something for everyone.