iTravelUK > Travel Guide > England > Southwest > Devon
Lynmouth
Between bouts of busy tourism, picturesque Lynmouth is a romantic, smuggler's seaside village. The town lies on the shores of the estuary where the East and West Lyn Rivers meet. Its romantic getaway place which was once described by Gainsborough as "the most delightful place for a landscape painter this country can boast".
Lynton
Lynton, a popular Victorian resort sits above a gorge overlooking the sea. This isolated little village grew famous during the Napoleonic wars. With overseas travel being deemed too dangerous, tourists turned to the British countryside and found in Lynton an spoilt and an almost foreign landscape. However, the village really made a name for itself with the publication of Lorna Doone in 1869. Blackmore's melodramatic, romantic classic was a popular success which romanticized the outlaw clans who lived in Exmoor during the 17th century.
Totnes
Lying on the banks of the River Dart, Totnes presents an intriguing mixture of history and new age trends. This ancient river port town has a vibrant atmosphere which belies its age. Street entertainers, markets and a New Age culture merge happily with its steamer quay, Elizabethan architecture, Norman castle and range of listed buildings.
Paignton
Enclosed by low red cliffs, Paignton plays a much softer tune than its boisterous neighbour Torquay. An ideal location for a family holiday, Paignton boasts some of Devon's top attractions.
Torcross
The little, isolated village of Torcross lies just 8 miles from Dartmouth in a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty in South Hams. A unique spot, Torcross lies on a narrow strip of land with the freshwater lake of Slapton Nature Reserve on one side and the shingle beach of Start Bay on the other.
Plymouth
Walk in the footsteps of historic icons such as Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook and the Mayflower Pilgrims. Historic Plymouth is centred around the Tudor Barbican and most of Plymouth's attractions are concentrated here. Nearby, Plymouth Hoe is a relaxing spot overlooking the beautiful Plymouth Sound.
Tavistock
The central town on the western moor, Tavistock is a delightful little town dominated by 19th century architecture. A market town for over 900 years, Tavistock was awarded Best Market Town in Britain in 2004.
Torquay
A stylish resort home to that British classic, Fawlty Towers, Torquay is a premier seaside destination in the heart of the English Riviera. Renowned for its beaches, blue seas and palm trees, a trip to Torquay will take you out of England and into the Mediterranean.
Brixham
One of England's quaintest harbour towns, little Brixham lies just 15 minutes from Paignton. You'll find all the activity on the harbour with its fishing boats, pleasure yachts and reconstruction of the Golden Hinde.
Sourton
A little village in West Devon, Sourton boasts the unique Highwayman's Inn. Much more than a pub or B&B, this inn is a wonderful treasure trove of curiosities with hidden delights round every nook and cranny.
Sidmouth
An elegant seaside town, Sidmouth lies in a valley enclosed by red sandstone cliffs. The town is noted for its beautiful floral displays and wealth of architecture - you'll find over 500 listed buildings within its winding streets.
Seaton
A coastal resort predominantly Victorian in architecture, Seaton is best known for the Seaton Tramway, a narrow gauge railway which heads inland towards Colyford. Situated between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, Seaton makes a great base for exploring the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Colyford
A wee village built on a linear plan, Colyford is quiet destination great for those interested in exploring the outdoors. Attractions in Colyford include a trip along the historic Seaton Tramway and Motoring Memories, a museum housed in an old filling station.
Lydford
This Saxon town located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park was once famed for its production of silver pennies. Today Lydford is known for the spectacular Lydford Gorge with its Devil's Cauldron and White Lady's Waterfall and Lydford Castle, one of the most notorious prisons in Europe.