Art Holiday Travel and Vacation information for Devon

Bordered by Somerset, Dorset and the Duchy County of Cornwall, Devon is England's third largest county with nearly 7,000 sq. kilometres of land. Devon contains the two natural parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, the coastal towns and seaside resorts of two coast lines, picturesque villages with their thatched cottages and charming inns, the industrial centres and a variety of ancient history. There is a lot to see and learn within the beautiful county of Devon.

Devon has a lot to please everyone, with a splendid range of places to stay in, and some very good food. There are lovely gardens, delightful thatched villages clustered around ancient church and equally ancient pub, glorious vistas of coast and moor, some decidedly unstuffy museums, all sorts of rustic pursuits, and vintage steam trains puffing through gorgeous river valleys.

The county is packed with so many enjoyable places to visit that we have divided it into three areas: Exeter and East Devon (classic family holiday country, with Exeter a charming small city); South Devon and Dartmoor (glorious scenery, the widest range of interesting places to visit - good all year); and North Devon and Exmoor (a quieter appeal than other parts, less touristy but plenty of interest). Devon is first-class for a summer holiday. For a shorter break spring, early summer or autumn is better: no hold-ups on the roads, even richer colours in the countryside, a real sense of space and peace. A particularly good point for families is that even "adult" places generally have a lot to entertain children too - Buckland Abbey in S Devon is a fine example. And vice versa - many family placed can keep adults smiling too, such as the Big Sheep nr Bideford or the Gnome Reserve nr Bradworthy (N Devon), with its unexpectedly appealing plantings. There are of course places geared more exclusively to children: Crealy Country at Clyst St Mary (E Devon) is a prime example of these day-out-treat places, with the Plymouth Dome, Paignton zoo and the Woodland leisure park at Blackawton all outstanding for families in S Devon. Devon also boasts the country's most enjoyable "attraction shop" - the one attached to Buckfast Abbey at Buckfastleigh. Some of the best views here are from trains; besides the steam lines, the standard railway Devon Rover is a good deal, with unlimited train journeys in the area at a reduced rate for either a week or any three days out of seven.

Devon is a fascinating mixture of high moorland, wooded valleys, rugged cliffs, traditional seaside resorts and picturesque towns and villages. In the east, Exeter lost many of its historic buildings during Second World War bombing raids but its imposing 11th century cathedral has survived intact along with the castle and the fine 15th century Guildhall. Another attraction is the extensive Maritime Museum which displays all types of boats across the ages. To the south west lies the Dartmoor National Park, an area of high moorland, granite tors, rivers, woods and marshland and noted for its rugged scenery and 'wild' ponies. The main resorts in south Devon are on the eastern coast with Torquay, Brixham and Paignton leading the field along with Salcombe, on the Kingsbridge Estuary, a popular sailing area. The old maritime city of Plymouth stands on the River Tamar which forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. Plymouth's history is extensive with The Hoe recalling Sir Francis Drake's famous game of bowls as the Spanish Armada approached and the Mayflower Steps commemorate the Pilgrim Fathers setting sail for America in 1620. North Devon has its fair share of resorts such as the Victorian Lynton and Lynmouth, overlooked by the 1000ft Countisbury Hill, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe with its extensive beaches, and Clovelly, one of the prettiest coastal villages in Britain with its steep cobbled streets where motor vehicles are replaced by donkeys. To the North east, Exmoor extends into Somerset. This area has also been designated as a National Park and contains gentler scenery than Dartmoor but is just as picturesque with a number of beautiful valleys and viewpoints.
From ancient geology to the remains of forgotten industry, history is all around us in North Devon and Exmoor. But it isn't all in ruins!
Here you can experience history reborn through the passion of local people: like the Kathleen and May, a magnificently restored three masted schooner. On board you'll see how life must have been on one of the last tall ships to ply her trade in the waters of the region.
With such a rich maritime past, seafaring stories abound. Hear the tales of wreckers, smugglers and heroic rescues at museums and attractions all over North Devon and Exmoor: Clovelly and its visitor centre, the Maritime Museum at Appledore, the Hartland Quay Museum, Barnstaple Museum and the curiosity filled museum at Ilfracombe.
The myths of North Devon and Exmoor are ever present too - Tarr Steps, a famous 'clapper bridge' on Exmoor, is believed to be over 3000
years old. Legend has it that it was built by the devil himself after a bet with a local giant! And with tales of witches, scandals and smugglers wherever you go there's always a new story to uncover.
In England's oldest borough, Barnstaple, a visit to the pannier market can evoke visions of another age. It remains an unchanging part of local life, where you can still buy local produce grown by local farmers and smallholders.
For book lovers there are plenty of 'literary connections.' Discover how little Tarka Country has changed since Williamson's novel; stand at the altar in Oare church on Exmoor where Lorna Doone was shot; sit at Charles Kingsley's desk in Clovelly or visit Westward Ho! where Rudyard Kipling spent his school
years. In Lynton you can stay in the hotel where Shelley spent his honeymoon.
A visit to 'Torrington 1646' in the 'Cavalier Town' of Torrington will reveal important events of the Civil War, whilst a day exploring Hartland Abbey will reveal the part the owners played in history - as far back as the twelfth century! At Arlington Court you can see the private collection of a remarkable eccentric, Miss Rosalie Chichester, who filled this magnificent Regency House with treasures from around the world. Like much of North Devon and Exmoor it remains unchanged - so that you're free to enjoy it.
A holiday in North Devon is full of contrast - from some of the most stunning coastlines and beaches in Britain to the wilds of remote Exmoor and the traditional rolling hills of Tarka Country.
Throughout the year these diverse landscapes change and adapt to the seasons - the climate in the South West is the mildest in Britain, prompting the early arrival of snowdrops, primroses and wild daffodils in the Spring, creating hedgerows of fuschias in the summer and forming the rich golden russets of Autumn.
North Devon's diversity is also reflected in the towns and villages that make up this unique area. The area caters for every type of visitor, whether you prefer sleepy hamlets hidden amongst the rolling hills, traditional market towns or vibrant coastal resorts offering a wide range of amenities, North Devon will not disappoint!
From ancient geology to the remains of forgotten industry, history is all around us in North Devon and Exmoor. But it isn't all in ruins!
Here you can experience history reborn through the passion of local people: like the Kathleen and May, a magnificently restored three masted schooner. On board you'll see how life must have been on one of the last tall ships to ply her trade in the waters of the region.
With such a rich maritime past, seafaring stories abound. Hear the tales of wreckers, smugglers and heroic rescues at museums and attractions all over North Devon and Exmoor: Clovelly and its visitor centre, the Maritime Museum at Appledore, the Hartland Quay Museum, Barnstaple Museum and the curiosity filled museum at Ilfracombe.
The myths of North Devon and Exmoor are ever present too - Tarr Steps, a famous 'clapper bridge' on Exmoor, is believed to be over 3000 years old. Legend has it that it was built by the devil himself after a bet with a local giant! And with tales of witches, scandals and smugglers wherever you go there's always a new story to uncover.
In England's oldest borough, Barnstaple, a visit to the pannier market can evoke visions of another age. It remains an unchanging part of local life, where you can still buy local produce grown by local farmers and smallholders.
For book lovers there are plenty of 'literary connections.' Discover how little Tarka Country has changed since Williamson's novel; stand at the altar in Oare church on Exmoor where Lorna Doone was shot; sit at Charles Kingsley's desk in Clovelly or visit Westward Ho! where Rudyard Kipling spent his school
years. In Lynton you can stay in the hotel where Shelley spent his honeymoon.
A visit to 'Torrington 1646' in the 'Cavalier Town' of Torrington will reveal important events of the Civil War, whilst a day exploring Hartland Abbey will reveal the part the owners played in history - as far back as the twelfth century! At Arlington Court you can see the private collection of a remarkable eccentric, Miss Rosalie Chichester, who filled this magnificent Regency House with treasures from around the world. Like much of North Devon and Exmoor it remains unchanged - so that you're free to enjoy it.