Tucked away on the South West corner of Britain, Devon is a beautiful county with a spectacular coastline and a green and rural interior. A Devon weekend break is a perfect way to unwind and recharge the batteries without having to travel too far afield.
From the rugged coastline of the north to the "Riviera" of the south, this is a county of two halves, each with its own set of destinations and attractions. Choosing where to spend holidays in Devon can be a time consuming task, but fortunately we have a comprehensive guide to places of interest and accommodation to help.
The North half of the county is the home of rugged cliffs, craggy moors and is a good choice for a Devon weekend break. This is the home of the renowned village of Clovelly. Officially a historical monument, this village is still home to many people. Traffic free, its picturesque cobbled streets can be seen on postcards in any shop on the North Coast.
The ancient harbour of this fishing village lies at the end of the long steep hill and it's not a task for the faint hearted to walk back up. The only legal forms of transport are sledges, but there's usually a friendly donkey offering the leg weary a lift to the top.
South Devon offers a milder more peaceful setting for Devon holidays. The English Riviera of Torquay and Paignton is here with its miles of golden beaches and plentiful hotels and guest houses. Pretty fishing villages are scattered along the coast and there is no better way to spend a Devon weekend break than within the cosy walls of a fisherman's cottage, only a short walk from a still working harbour. Dartmouth is a pretty town of ancient narrow streets lined with cottages. A market still takes place on the cobbles and the estuary offers berthage to working vessels and pleasure crafts alike.
Devon holiday options include spent walking on the moors and cliffs, lazing beside the sea or visiting the many attractions that the county has to offer. Bygones Victorian Street in Torquay offers those on Devon holidays the chance to step back in time and experience a real Victorian shopping experience. Sample some of the home made cakes and Devon scones before taking a tour of the trenches in World War One. The Seaton Steam Train will take you on a journey through the Axe valley. For a day out with a difference, why not learn to drive one of these machines?
The area is steeped in history. Francis Drake was born here and the landscape is dotted with stately homes and country houses such as Hartland Abbey. This impressive home is still lived in and is surrounded by acres of beautifully tended parkland and was used for the recent BBC production of "Sense and Sensibility."
There really are so many options for a Devon weekend break that it is hard to cover them all but the one thing you will need is somewhere to stay. Holidays can be spent in a full range of accommodation, from Hotels to campsites. As touring is a popular option here there are plenty of B&Bs and guest houses offering one or two night stays. Cottages can be booked for a Devon Weekend break and make for a chance to totally relax and explore the area on foot. Torquay will offer plenty of smart hotels to choose from, including spa hotels such as the Carlton.
Choosing a smaller village for your holidays in Devon will mean your best option will be a cottage rental. There are still a number of traditional holiday apartments around the county and also a number of parks offering lodges and chalets. Whatever decision you make from your Devon holiday options this beautiful county will not disappoint you.
