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Cottage Holidays in Devon
North Devon • East Devon • South Devon • West Devon
North Devon |
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North Devon is an area of great contrast. Baggy Point and Morte Point offer an excellent introduction to the area for those who like their coastal walks. Investigate Ilfracombe with its intriguing Tunnels Beach or continue east to Combe Martin, a former lead and silver mining village now largely turned over to tourism. Walk over Great Hangman as you head onto Exmoor. Notable spots here include Heddon's Mouth, beautiful Woody Bay and the Valley of the Rocks as you enter 'Lorna Doone' country near Lynton and Lymouth before heading into deepest Exmoor and the county of Somerset. Do all these wonderful spots come with a downside of hours spent stuck in traffic on narrow country lanes? The answer is no - Since the opening of the North Devon Link Road, the A361, along with other improvements such as the new bridges at Bideford and to the west of Barnstaple, traffic flow has been greatly improved and those resorts and beaches have never been easier to get to. |
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East Devon |
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Possibly once the forgotten corner, East Devon is now one of the most sought after areas in which to live and relax. The city of Exeter is growing rapidly and is arguably Devon's Premier centre of business. Transport links are excellent: with the M5 terminating just a few miles away, Great rail links, an active bus and coach network not to mention Exeter International Airport - small but perfectly formed. Once you arrive, there is just so much to do. The coastal resorts of Exmouth, Beer, Seaton and Sidmouth are well worth a visit, whilst the Exe Estuary and Topsham are very picturesque. Budleigh Salterton is famous as being the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, nearby Bicton Park is an excellent way to spend a few hours. Inland, the lace making town of Honiton has a charm all its own, whilst Ottery St. Mary, Axminster and Branscombe also deserve a visit. Further north lie Devon's former capital: Crediton and the former wool trading town of Tiverton. The wild moors of Dartmoor lie within a few miles and enable residents and visitors alike a chance to get away from it all without too much hassle. Come and find out for yourself! There is a vast range of accommodation of all types, to suit every budget and also tourist attractions and locations to suit every taste. |
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South Devon |
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South Devon is largely characterised by its curving coastline. Simplified to the extreme, the coast resembles a tick mark, running southeast from the outskirts of Plymouth to Prawle Point, the most southerly point in Devon, before arcing back to the northeast passing Slapton Sands, the beautiful estuary of the River Dart at Dartmouth and Kingswear, on to the ancient fishing port of Brixham, overlooked by Berry Head. Further along the coast lies Torbay, the 'English Riviera' with its palm trees and Mediterranean climate. There's nowhere better to spend the day if the Sun's out. Paignton, Torquay and Babbacombe are well worth a visit, whilst Kent's Cavern is a 'must see' if staying in the area. The seaside locations of Teignmouth and Dawlish complete the coastal section of South Devon where it joins East Devon at the Exe Estuary. There's just so much to do in South Devon: Experience Devon's history at the castles of Dartmouth, Compton, Berry Pomeroy and Powderham; Visit Paignton Zoo; Babbacombe Model Village; Buckfast Abbey and Slapton Ley - a huge freshwater lake hemmed in by Slapton Sands. Spend some time recharging your batteries at any of Devon's gardens such as Coleton Fishacre or Overbecks. Let the train take the strain and take a ride on the Dart Valley Railway. |
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West Devon |
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Encompassing an area that stetches from North Devon to Plymouth in the south and including the whole of Dartmoor, West Devon is possibly the most diverse of all the regions of Devon. Granite tors and heather covered moors characterise Dartmoor best. Ancient stone circles and round houses indicate that people have always wanted to come to the area. Nowadays the area offers something for all: From organised walking events like the Ten Tors, to less regimented strolls along the Two Moors Way or the Tarka trail. Marvel at the granite scenery and the remains of Devon's mines, speculate about the owners of the round houses at Merrivale and Grimspound. Chill out and lose yourself for a while in the stark moorland beauty that is Dartmoor. Highlights of the moor include High Willhays and Yes Tor, Fernworthy Forest, Fernworthy and Burrator Reservoirs, Princetown, Dartmeet and of course, Widecombe in the Moor. Other moorland villages include Drewsteignton, Lustleigh and Chagford whilst further east lie the towns of Asburton and Bovey Tracey. To the north and west, the land is largely given over to farming where some of the best livestock and tastiest produce in the country produced. The market towns of Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and Tavistock offer farmers a chance to buy and sell and for visitors to get a feel for the 'Real Devon'. Where Devon borders Cornwall along the Tamar Valley, the ruggedness of the moors give way to something far gentler in character. |
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