A guide to Devon's holiday towns
Monday, 28 November 2011 1:45 PM
Devon is renowned for its stunning coastline and quaint villages, as well as being home to Dartmoor and Exmoor. Its varied landscapes and multitude of attractions make the southern county a popular destination for those seeking holiday cottages in the UK.
With so many wonderful locations to choose from, it may be difficult to narrow down your options, so here are just three suggestions of some of Devon's top towns for a getaway.
First on the list is Ilfracombe, nestled on the north Devon coast. The town boasts a lovely harbour and is home to an array of cafes, restaurants and shops.
The resort first became popular during the Victorian era and you can see the influence of the period in much of its architecture.
Meanwhile, there are several different beaches within easy reach of the town, so if you are keen to spend your days at the seaside you will be spoilt for choice.
Tunnels Beaches is certainly a must-visit, though, as it will provide you with a truly unique experience. Several coves along the same stretch of coast are only accessible via tunnels, while a large natural swimming pool provides a safe spot for kids keen to take a dip.
Wildersmouth Beach, which has connections to the area's smugglers, and Hele Bay are just two of the other places you may want to visit during a stay here.
Next on the list is Brixham, located on Devon's southern coastline. This seaside town is also known for its harbour – and thriving fishing industry.
Therefore, no stay in Brixham holiday cottages would be complete without sampling some of the fresh seafood that is on offer in many of the resort's restaurants.
If you are keen to soak up some history during your break, you might enjoy paying a visit to the replica of the Golden Hind – the ship once captained by Sir Francis Drake as he sailed the world in the 16th century. Children are bound to love having the chance to explore a life-sized galleon and you can teach them a little about England's seafaring prowess along the way!
You may want to take the opportunity to travel the high seas yourself – although not as far as Sir Francis Drake. Boat trips regularly depart from Brixham harbour, allowing you to gain a different viewpoint of this stretch of coastline.
Finally, you could consider staying in Beer, a quaint village situated in the east of Devon on the Jurassic Coast.
This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches from Exmouth all the way into Dorset and is renowned for its stunning rock formations and the fossils that are regularly found in the cliffs.
You can follow the south-west coast path from your cottages in Beer, allowing you to take in some of the beautiful landscapes that are found in this part of the county.
Beer is famous for the stone quarried in the region, which has been in use since the Roman era. A network of manmade caves where the rock has been mined is open to the public and you may find a guided tour is a fun way to spend the afternoon.
The stone taken from these caverns can be seen in some of the country's most famous buildings, including Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
When you book a holiday in Beer, you will also find you are on the edge of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can enjoy gentle strolls through rolling green countryside and areas of woodland.