Discover Devon - Devon has a strong sense of history and its natural beauty has always been an inspiration to artists as well as a source of recreation. Find out what you can do and see in Devon with airGads.com and then book flights, car rental and hotels in England using our site's easy system.
This picturesque county is famous for its unique different coastlines, rugged cliffs, washed sands, pebble and golden sand beaches and rolling countryside which includes Dartmoor and parts of Exmoor National Parks. Count in hundreds of stunning beaches with centuries old former fishing villages as well as classy seaside resorts - the perfect locations for fun by the sea
When people mention Devon, one imagines magnificent countryside: endless colourful fields, narrow lanes, green hills, cosy market towns, small fishing villages and thatched white cottages. Still, a county that is rich in history and heritage: historic cities, seafaring characters like Drake and Raleigh, myths and legends, the settings for novels by Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle.
If excitement is what you are looking for, look no further: Devon offers a perfect setting for a huge variety of activities on and off the water - swimming, paddling, fishing, sailing, surfing, diving as well as walking, hiking, paragliding and rock climbing, the choice of activities along Devon's dual coastlines is varied and fun, offering something for enthusiasts of all ages.
Devon is a county with fossil cliffs, sandy beaches, medieval cities and national parks in the marshes.
1. Bickleigh Castle
Come and enjoy the splendours of this glorious manor house, former home of the Earls of Devon. Admire an 11th-century chapel, armoury, medieval great hall, guardroom, Tudor bedroom, oak staircase dating back to the 1350s, and a pretty garden. The castle, which used to be a royalist stronghold in the Civil War, is of Norman origin. After admiring all that beauty, you might as well finish the afternoon with the traditional Devon Scones Cream Tea.
2. Dartmouth Castle
Steeped in history going back 600 years, Dartmouth Castle is also known also as Guardian of the Dart. It is a former 14th century fortress that used to guard the entrance to the deep water harbour of the Dart estuary. You can enjoy splendid battlement views of the open sea from the Castle. There are many refreshment outlets on the site.
3. Compton Castle
This magical Castle was the home of the Gilbert family for 600 years. The building dates mainly back to the 14th and 16th centuries and is one of the few fortified houses in Britain to survive without subsequent modifications or additions.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert (1539-1583), the coloniser of Newfoundland and half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh, both meticulously restored the house and rebuild the Great Hall which was ruined in the 18th Century. The Castle offers an amazing experience to see the dramatic towers and battlements shelter a stone courtyard as well as the Great Hall with minstrels' gallery, solar, chapel and old kitchen. There is also a spectacular rose garden that is open to the public.
4. Exmoor National Park
Exmoor Park has marvellous landscapes. Although not large by size in comparison to other National Parks, its central part of open moor-land is spacious and secluded. It reaches as far as the towering cliffs above the Bristol Channel. The Park offers a variety of stunning scenery: rocky hills, steep gorges and dropping waterfalls. This place is simply ideal for relaxation and walking.
5. Dartmoor
Dartmoor was selected as a National Parks in 1951. The parkland is privately owned, some 368 square miles, but the public has access to the whole area to explore this beautiful part of Britain on foot or horseback. Dartmoor is also known for its wealth of archaeological remains.
6. Plymouth
Plymouth offers superb views across the natural harbour in the East, and West across to Mount Edge-cumbe Country Park, with Drake's Island guarding the entrance to the Tamar. All this is dominated by the Royal Citadel. Also on the Hoe, there is Plymouth Dome, famous attraction taking you back to the history of the town. Although much of the City Centre was blitzed during the Second World War, it has since been rebuilt and became a modern port-town heaving with tourists. The town has everything to please everybody, from an extensive range of shops through to places to eat, cinemas, leisure centres and bars. Amongst other city attractions are: the Theatre Royal, City Museum & Art Gallery, Crownhill Fort and St Andrews Church.
Other interesting towns and seaside resorts include Torquay, Torbay and Newton Abbot ...and, of course, wild ponies as well as mid Devon with its endless colourful fields...