Devon is part of South West England, bounded by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the northeast, and Dorset to the east. The City of Exeter is the county town; seven other districts of East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon are under the jurisdiction of Devon County Council; Plymouth and Torbay are each a part of Devon but administered as unitary authorities. Combined as a ceremonial county, Devon's area is 6,707 km2 (2,590 square miles) and its population is about 1.1 million.
Devon derives its name from Dumnonia, which, during the British Iron Age, Roman Britain, and Early Medieval was the homeland of the Dumnonii Brittonic Celts. The Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain resulted in the partial assimilation of Dumnonia into the Kingdom of Wessex during the eighth and ninth centuries. The western boundary with Cornwall was set at the River Tamar by King Æthelstan in 936. Devon was constituted as a shire of the Kingdom of England thereafter.
The north and south coasts of Devon each have both cliffs and sandy shores, and the county's bays contain seaside resorts, fishing towns, and ports. The inland terrain is rural, generally hilly, and has a low population density in comparison to many other parts of England. Dartmoor is the largest open space in southern England at 954 km2 (368 square miles), its moorland extending across a large expanse of granite bedrock. To the north of Dartmoor are the Culm Measures and Exmoor. In the valleys and lowlands of south and east Devon the soil is more fertile, drained by rivers including the Exe, the Culm, the Teign, the Dart, and the Otter.
As well as agriculture, much of the economy of Devon is linked with tourism. The comparatively mild climate, coastline and landscape give rise to Devon as a destination for recreation and leisure in England, with visitors particularly attracted to the Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks; its coasts, including the resort towns along the south coast known collectively as the English Riviera, the Jurassic Coast, and North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; and the countryside including the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
Visit Devon and you’ll find that there is more to this spectacular and diverse county than you might have thought. In addition to beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, you’ll find National Parks, rustic villages and towns, historic buildings and ruins, extreme sports and the best in food and drink. With plenty of places to stay in Devon, the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is where in this unique area of the UK you want to visit first. For more information visit ... http://www.visitdevon.co.uk/areas-to-visit/
If you're planning a trip to Devon, you'll want to find the perfect place to stay to make the most of your visit. From charming coastal towns to quaint countryside villages, Devon offers a variety of options for every type of traveler. Here are some of the best areas to stay while visiting Devon:
Exeter: If you're looking for a vibrant city experience with plenty of history and culture, Exeter is the place for you. With its impressive cathedral, Roman walls, and medieval buildings, Exeter is a hub for history lovers. The city also offers great shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
Dartmoor: For those seeking a rural getaway, Dartmoor National Park is an excellent option. The rugged moorland is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. There are also plenty of picturesque villages to explore, such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Chagford.
Torquay: Known as the "English Riviera," Torquay is a popular seaside town with a lively harbor, sandy beaches, and a bustling promenade. Visitors can enjoy watersports, coastal walks, and local seafood.
Plymouth: As a historic naval city, Plymouth offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and contemporary culture. There are plenty of attractions to explore, such as the Barbican and the National Marine Aquarium. Visitors can also take a ferry to nearby destinations such as Cornwall.
Exmoor: Another popular rural destination, Exmoor National Park offers dramatic coastline, rolling hills, and idyllic villages. Highlights include the charming town of Lynton and the rugged cliffs of Valley of Rocks.
Salcombe: For a picturesque seaside experience, Salcombe is a top choice. This charming fishing town boasts colorful houses, sandy beaches, and a sheltered harbor. Visitors can also take boat trips to nearby destinations such as Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.
No matter where you choose to stay in Devon, you're sure to find plenty of natural beauty, history, and charm to explore.