Hele Bay

Devon (or Devonshire) is located in South-Western England, with Cornwall in the West, Somerset in North-East and Dorset in the East. The Bristol Channel bounds it in the North and the English Channel in the South. It has an agriculture and tourism based economy and history of deep Celtic and Roman roots. The main communities are Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay. The coast is full of tourist resorts, which started their activity with the arrival of the railway, in the 19th century.

The visitors who choose Devon as their holiday destination look for recreation and leisure. They want to visit the impressive cliffs and sandy beaches, fishing ports and small towns, the protected national parks and see the breathtaking landscapes. Finding a place to stay in Devon is easier than you think. Many of the accommodation units have won awards over the years: Hele Valley Holiday Park – Camping and caravanning holiday park of the year, The Elmdene Hotel – B&B and guest accommodation of the year, Highbullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club – Dog friendly accommodation of the year. You may also want to consider Deer Park Country House Hotel – Venue and business tourism award, Northcote Manor Country House Hotel – Taste of Devon award, Matthew Bottoms from Pennywell Farm – Outstanding customer service award. And don’t forget about Cofton Country Holidays – Holiday village and resort of the year, Millbrook Cottages – Self catering holiday provider of the year, The Millbrook Inn – Tourism pub of the year and these are only of few from a long list.

When you think about Devon, you should immediately connect it with amazing local food because it is one of the main reasons tourists keep coming back. Many restaurants are part of the “Love the flavor” movement and display on their window the heart-shaped logo, which is a constant reminder that they are proud of the fresh and quality products they use. You may also attend one of the many food festivals: Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink (held on Easter), The Shops at Dartington (in May). Don’t forget about South Devon Crab Month (in August), Flavour Fest, North Devon Foodfest or Dartmouth Food Festival (both in October).

Beyond the idyllic scenery, the beautiful countryside and the picturesque villages, Devon also has shopping centres, including big brands and boutiques. Have a close look at the locally made crafts, jewelry and hade made furniture. You have many places to check on your “to visit” list before you go home. Darington Crystal, is a centre where you will learn everything about glassmaking and even watch the glass masters at work. The Botanical Gardens and Clovelly Village use donkeys as a mean of transportation. Kents Cavern is the oldest human settlement in Great Britain. Other attractions include the award-winning Blackpool Sands beach, The Milky Way Adventure Park, for a day of pure fun, National Marine Aquarium, the Pony Centre and the Exmoor Zoo.

If you are an active person and you can’t manage to stay in one place not even on vacation, we are pleased to inform you there are plenty you can choose from to have a great holiday. What is your water sport of choice? You can surf on both South and North coasts all year long. How about sailing in Torquay, Dartmouth and Plymouth, Kayaking on Dartmoor and River Torridge or canoeing in Brixham. Grab a bike and go cycling. Some of the most astonishing routes are Traka Trail are Exe Estuary Trail. Don’t worry if you don’t own a bike or forgot to bring yours with you. You can rent it. Ever tried horseback riding? Don’t miss a chance at experiencing the beautiful landscapes, the old fashioned way.

Explore Devon, enjoy the silence, the tranquility and fresh air on the back of a pony. The roads in Dartmoor and Exmoor are favoured by both beginners and experienced riders. If neither of them meets your expectation, get in touch with your wild side and go riding on the beach.