The glorious county of Devon in the South West is bordered by Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Devon is one of the largest counties in the UK, and the only one to have two coastlines. With spectacular sandy beaches, stunning countryside landscapes and two national parks, Devon is not only a popular holiday destination but a very special place to call home.
Devon houses the two cities of Exeter and Plymouth: both have a rich heritage and a wealth of things to do and see. South Devon is renowned for its coastal resorts such as Torbay, also known as the English Riviera, so-called because of its sub-tropical climate, award-winning beaches and stunning ocean views. The coastal town of Exmouth marks the western end of the Jurassic Coast, a section of southern coastline known for impressive landforms and discovery of fossils. Other seaside destinations include Westward Ho!, Croyde and Woolacombe, all of which can be found on the North Coast. Devon also boasts a number of rural market towns, from Barnstaple and Bideford to Okehampton and Tiverton, combining all of the amenities of modern urban life with a traditional rural lifestyle.
Getting around
Despite its location on the South West Peninsula, Devon is very easy to reach. The county is well-serviced by frequent trains to London Paddington, Manchester Piccadilly, Aberdeen and Penzance, and has a good road network, particularly A-roads and the M5 motorway from the Midlands. However, if you are seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of commuter life, this county’s rural villages and communities can also provide that tranquil, private lifestyle you have been craving. Exeter airport has flights regularly arriving from Newquay, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin to name a few.
Sports and Leisure
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s no better place to be than Devon. Whether you choose north or south, the South West Coast Path will be right on your doorstep offering an extensive selection of beautiful walks beside the sea. If you have an interest in sailing, fishing, golf or surfing, there is plenty to get involved with in Devon’s seaside communities. The county’s north coast boasts some of the best spots in the UK for catching waves, such as Woolacombe and Croyde, while Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe offer traditional seaside fun for all the family.
As you journey inland, Exmoor National Park offers outdoor activities such as horse-riding, cycling, and canoeing; it’s also home to Tarr Steps, the longest bridge in Britain to be made entirely from large stone slabs. The Tarka Trail, which starts at Barnstaple, offers walkers and cyclists up to 180 miles of Tarka Country – the land that inspired Henry Williamson’s novel, Tarka the Otter.
Down south, there is even more to explore, with popular attractions including Crealy and Woodlands theme parks, the Donkey Sanctuary, and Paignton Zoo. Torbay’s collection of the coastal resorts Torquay, Paignton and Brixham offers a snapshot of English seaside nostalgia, with activities like scuba-diving, rock-pooling, and crabbing. The rugged beauty and isolation of Dartmoor National Park is a huge draw for outdoor lovers, with its history and folklore inspiring Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles story. Here you can ramble over tors, cycle up challenging hills and enjoy staying active in the great outdoors.
Culture and arts
Devon is highly regarded for its fantastic fresh produce: from fruit and vegetables to meat and fish, the county showcases its culinary heritage in its local restaurants, markets and food festivals. It’s particularly famous for fish and chips, ice cream and fudge, as well as the Devonshire cream tea: a scone topped with clotted cream and homemade jam.
Exeter and Plymouth are both popular shopping destinations, with the Princesshay, Guildhall, Drake Circus and Armada centres home to big brands and independent stores alike. These cities offer a colourful nightlife and cafe culture vibe, with venues to suit any mood, as well as art galleries, restaurants and museums. Exeter has a spectacular 15th-century cathedral, as well as the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and historic Underground Passages, while Plymouth houses The Box, a unique cultural and arts centre, along with the National Marine Aquarium and range of pretty marinas. National Trust sites like Castle Drogo, Knightshayes and Killerton house and gardens make for great, easy days out when you make Devon your home.
Education
In Devon, you will find a wide range of education providers to choose from, including high performing schools and colleges like Blundells’ School in Tiverton, West Buckland School near Barnstaple, and Exeter College. Both Exeter and Plymouth Universities are within easy reach and attract a diverse student population to these areas.
Making the move
The relaxed pace of life is often a key motivator for people wanting to move to Devon. But it’s also home to vibrant urban hotspots of Plymouth and Exeter, providing a flexible and varied lifestyle for those who choose to make it their home. As residential property search agents, we specialise in helping people find their dream home in Somerset, Devon and Dorset, with in-depth local knowledge in this area. To find out how we can help, contact us today.