Are you heading to the South West this year and wondering what are the best places to visit in Devon? You’ve come to the right place!
Devon is one of the most beautiful parts of England and there are so many stunning spots to visit. From the cute seaside towns to natural landmarks, it has it all!
I’ll go as far as saying that it’s my favourite part of England (apart from the North West of course!).
In this article, you’ll find a selection of beautiful places in Devon including villages, beaches, attractions and more.
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1. Salcombe
Located in South Devon, Salcombe is one of the best seaside towns in Devon. It’s the perfect base for a summer holiday but also to explore for a day.
You can have a walk around town where you’ll find loads of cute shops, ice cream parlours and cafés to get a delicious cream tea.
In terms of beaches, there are a few options but Salcombe North Sands is known to be one of the best.
You will also find Overbeck’s National Trust which is a beautiful property to visit.
Finally, you can take the South West Coastal path from Salcombe which will lead you to beautiful places along the coast such as Soar Cove and Hope Cove.
2. Clovelly
Clovelly is located in the Torridge district of Devon and is one of the most beautiful villages in England.
Cobbled stone streets, no cars, beautiful harbour… it truly has it all and quite frankly, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
You can get there by car but you will need to park at the top of the village since no vehicles are allowed in.
It’s also important to note that there is an entrance fee to pay to visit Clovelly but it’s well worth it.
You can then start walking down to the village. The main street is stunning and the fact that it goes downhill makes it so beautiful. If you are into photography, you’ll love it.
3. Bigbury-on-the-sea and Burgh Island
Bigbury-on-the-sea is a small village in South Devon. It’s one of the best places to visit in England for book lovers since it’s home to a famous Agatha Christie location.
The village itself is very small but the beach is fabulous and a great spot for water sports.
But the most interesting landmark is Burgh Island. It’s known for its connections with Hercule Poirot (especially the iconic Art Deco style hotel) but is also a great place to visit in its own right.
If you get there during the low tide, you can walk on the beach, all the way to the island. During the high tide, you’ll find a sea tractor that can bring you back and forth. This is a very unique attraction and it’s even dog-friendly.
4. Lynton & Lynmouth
Situated in North Devon, Lynton and Lynmouth are two unique twin villages. They will definitely make you feel like you’re not even in the UK anymore!
If you are up for a walk, I recommend parking your vehicle at the Valley of Rocks and taking the cliff walk to Lynton. You can then either make your way down to Lynmouth on foot or take the unique Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Once in Lynmouth, have a walk around the town and on the seaside before making your way back.
You’ll find loads of restaurants and cafés there so it’s a great spot for lunch.
5. Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a cute seaside resort town in North Devon. It’s particularly popular amongst beach lovers and dog owners.
The beach is absolutely stunning and very long and wide. This makes it the perfect spots for strolls and runs.
It’s also important to note that it’s one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the area so it’s a great place to take your pooch.
PRO TIP: There is a small cafe near the car park (behind the dunes) and they serve delicious homemade cakes and snacks. They have a few tables outside and the views over the beach are great.
6. Croyde & Baggy Point
Croyde is a small seaside village in North Devon. It’s one of the best places in England to go surfing since the beach is wide and there are amazing waves (it’s not good for swimming though).
It’s a great place to stay but also to visit for a day to explore the outdoors. Whether surfing is your thing or not, there are plenty of things you can do around including walking to Baggy Point.
This National Trust walk is very scenic and boasts wonderful views of the coast and Croyde Bay.
7. Buck’s Mills
Buck’s Mills is another picturesque seaside village located between Clovelly and Westward Ho!.
It’s very small but the perfect place to visit if you like to stay away from the crowds. It’s a lot less touristy than Clovelly and has very similar vibes.
8. Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a picturesque harbour town in North Devon. It’s a great place to visit if you are looking for a bigger town.
There are loads of shops and cafes in the town centre but make sure to go to the harbour since it’s very scenic.
You will also find the ferry terminal for Lundy Island here which is one of the best hidden gems in England.
You will also find the Verity statue which is a pretty unique (some would say weird) statue. From there, you can take the coastal walk to Capstone Hill and the tunnel beaches.
9. Exmoor National Park
Located near the border with Somerset, Exmoor National Park is an excellent place to spend the day if you want to discover the outdoors.
The moorlands are absolutely stunning and a great place to go hiking, cycling or horse riding.
10. Dartmouth
Dartmouth is another seaside town in South Devon. It’s not too far from Salcombe and a very picturesque and colourful town.
You’ll love the walk along the estuary to the harbour. The centre is full of cute cafes where you can get a delicious cream tea but also ice cream parlours and shops.
From the harbour, you also get beautiful views of Kingswear which is a colourful and very pretty town on the other side of the estuary.
Now that you know everything about the most beautiful places in Devon, it’s time to go and explore!
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