Where in Devon should I visit?

Something I get asked all the time is where should I go if it’s my first visit to Devon. It’s a fair question, with Devon covering so much area, there are endless things to see and do. Here I’ll aim to break down the key areas for you so you can see which might be right for you.

North Devon

What are the first words that come to mind when I think of North Devon? Rugged, adventure, surf! This area is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and out of anywhere in Devon, this is where you'll find a surf culture. You won't have to look far to find surf boards for hire or tuition along the North Devon coast, and there are competitions each summer in Croyde and Woolacombe. The beaches here range from the infamous long and wide, golden sandy beaches of Saunton Sands and Woolacombe, to the darker shingle bays of Lee Bay and Hartland.

It really does feel like a playground for the whole family in North Devon. There are plenty of places for rock pooling or swimming, tidal pools like Tunnels Beach and Woody Bay, the Tarka Trail which is a 180 mile path with 32 miles of off road cycling, waterfalls and quaint towns and villages to explore like Clovelly and Ilfracombe.

South Devon

My home, so I'm going to be a little biased here, but it's naturally my favourite part of Devon. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else! You are surrounded by water in the South Hams, we have four stunning estuaries and rivers, the Erme, the River Avon, Kingsbridge Estuary and the River Dart. You're also surrounded by THE most beautiful beaches and coves, with golden sand and crystal clear waters. It's calmer in the south, so it's the ideal place to get out for a boat trip or on the SUP/kayak.

As well as all the beautiful coastline, we have so much idyllic countryside to explore on foot, rolling hills and woodlands. Picture perfect towns such as Salcombe, Dartmouth and Totnes provide history as well as a range of independent shops and restaurants to enjoy exploring.

Dartmoor National Park

Ah Dartmoor, my happy place! The magic of Dartmoor National Park is how truly wild it feels, and still is. Covering 368 square miles, it is the largest area of open country in the South of England. Rivers, tors, endless views, lush woodland, Dartmoor ponies and Highland cows, the magic of Dartmoor is not to be underestimated.

This is the place to come if you want to lose yourself in nature. To feel like you're going off grid, to just walk and walk if that's what your heart desires and see where you end up. There are numerous little towns and villages throughout Dartmoor, from Tavistock, Moretonhampstead, Chagford, Princetown and Widecombe in the Moor for example, so you will never be too far away from a cosy country pub and a good meal.

Dartmoor provides something special in every season. It is important to note that Dartmoor often feels like it has its own special climate, you can experience glorious sunshine, rain, wind and even snow all on the same day sometimes, so do come prepared. However, the summer does bring glorious hot days perfect for splashing around in the many rivers, autumn brings a wealth of vibrant colours particularly in the north, in winter Dartmoor will get the snow which just transforms the park in to the most stunning landscape you've ever seen, and spring brings lambs, bluebell woods and a feeling of hope.

East Devon

This part of Devon is where I was born so will always be special to me. East Devon feels very diverse and borders the Jurassic Coast so the scenery here is beautiful, from heathland, woodlands, river valleys and a variety of beaches, there is something for everyone.

Let's start with the beaches; you have the golden sands of Exmouth and Dawlish Warren, the pebble beaches of Beer and Budleigh Salterton, or the red sands of Teignmouth and Shaldon. I'll be honest, in my opinion, these are not the most beautiful beaches in Devon, the North or the South Devon coast will always win that title for me, but the East Devon beaches are plentiful and bring so much joy to so many people.

The East Devon way is also a real draw for visiting this part of the county. A 40 mile path taking you from Exmouth to Lyme Regis can be enjoyed by hiking, biking, on horseback, whichever you prefer, there is so much to be explored here. If you need to be connected to a city and transport options, then East Devon is a great choice. Exeter is an ideal base if you prefer staying in a city, with great train transport links out to Topsham, Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torquay to name a few.

The English Riviera

This area has been an award winning family holiday destination since the Victorian times, and in some ways does feel like you're stepping back in time with the architecture and signs of old traditions. That being said, the towns of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and the smaller surrounding villages are making strides to modernise and now offer some of the coolest places to eat and drink in Devon.

When it comes to natural beauty, The English Riviera offers plenty, with many gorgeous coves offering the perfect place to relax or explore the turquoise waters by SUP or kayak. Wildlife is booming in this area as well, and dolphins are a regular sighting in the bays. There are some great companies who offer boat trips and wildlife excursions such as Torquay Watersports or Funfish.

Mid Devon

If you don't want to focus on one area in particular, if you want access to all coastlines, both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, as well as a city then Mid Devon is the right option for you. The towns of Tiverton, Crediton and Cullompton (as well as the surrounding villages) will offer an idyllic base for all your adventures.

Bear in mind that you will need to spend more time in the car if you choose to visit here as all of the previously mentioned areas will be between an hour and an hour and a half away (Devon is big!) but if you just want a countryside break then you can also enjoy plenty of beautiful walks through the rolling hills and river valleys of Mid Devon.