The coastline of Devon in the Southwest of England is unquestionably one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Devon has long been known for its scenic attractions, and it is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination for short breaks or extended excursions amongst the cliffs and beaches along this gorgeous stretch of coastal England. The added attraction of plentiful and diverse accommodations also includes just about any budget.
From basic to luxurious, cottages, caravan parks, camping facilities and other options are available, providing access to beaches for swimming and surfing, tidal pools for exploring, walks and picnic spots galore. For cyclists there’s a truly marvelous opportunity in the Devon Coast to Coast route that is largely traffic free and you can hop on it anywhere from Ilfracombe to Plymouth.
The 95-mile stretch from East Devon to Dorset is England’s first World Heritage site, known as the Jurassic Coast, where 185 million years of Earth’s history is recorded in the rocks. The area is fascinating for its history alone, but added to its remarkable scenic beauty, it’s an ideal getaway for a family holiday, a romantic interlude or just a day at the beach.
Ilfracombe, on the North Devon coast, is one of the favorite spots for all sorts of entertainment. It is known for the Tunnel Beaches, delved out of the surrounding cliffs in the 1820?s to create the private beaches and tidal pools that were the ‘underpinnings’ of the fashionable Victorian resort. Today the area offers all the amenities of a modern holiday resort whilst retaining much of the charm of an earlier century.
South Devon is also famous for its relatively warm and sunny climate – in fact it’s called the English Riviera. This is a fabulous spot for walking or cycling tours, and beaches such as Blackpool Sands, Dawlish Warren and Paignton offer every activity from sun bathing to sailing, with swimming and snorkeling in between and surfing for the adventurous. There’s even one named Beer, in a sheltered cove that’s called a suntrap and still supports a working fishing boat harbor.
Altogether, there really is something for every age and interest on this magnificent coast, but maybe one of the greatest attractions is its quality of unspoiled and unexploited natural beauty. It’s all there for your enjoyment and refreshment, as it’s been since the British Isles were formed.
