Two coastlines – one wild, one calm – two National Parks – one dramatic and vast, one tranquil and soft. Granite-topped peaks, turquoise bays and soft, sandy beaches. Dolphins and seals can be found around its shores while salmon and trout also swim in pristine rivers and butterflies float through wildflower meadows. This is Devon.
Sandwiched between Somerset and Cornwall, Devon has so much to offer whether you choose to move to the North or South, but the common element across the whole of Devon is the beautiful scenic views – with over a third of the county classed as a protected Area Of Natural Beauty, we’re here to share some of our favourite areas across the county if you’re thinking of making the move to the South West. In the choppy north shores, you’ll find Lee Bay, Ilfracombe – a secluded beach regarded by many as the ‘jewel in the crown of Lee.’ The picturesque village of Lee enjoys a maritime climate and offers some stunning local walks. During the flowering season many of the village hedgerows are ablaze with the scarlet flowers causing Lee to be locally referred to as ‘Fuchsia Valley.’ Surfing aficionados will enjoy being close to Saunton Sands and Croyde and slightly further south are the popular towns of Woolacombe and Barnstaple. If you move to the south of the county, you’ll find the cosmopolitan and historic University town of Exeter. A fantastic hub of culture, eateries, shops and architecture – a beautiful city to sit and watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere. St. Leonards is a particularly sought-after area of Exeter – close to the city centre, with its own community of independent shops, delis and cafés. Moving south to Exmouth, with two miles of golden sand and a South West facing shoreline. Exmouth Beach is the perfect place to try your hand at a variety of water sports. For a one-of-a-kind experience on the water, River Exe Café ticks all the boxes – it’s a floating café, so only accessible by boat or water taxi – a great experience!
Further south is the vibrant and quirky town of Totnes – a creative and bustling market town at the head of the River Dart, you’ll find plenty of surprises and delights as you wander the streets, markets and independent boutiques. Half an hour south of Totnes is Chillington – just 10 miles from the upmarket and beautiful sailing town of Salcombe, Chillington is a pretty village straddling the scenic route between Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. So depending on whether you prefer rolling countryside hills, surfing beaches, sailing estuaries, or city living, Devon offers something for everyone.
