Devon is such a diverse county. From sand and pebble beaches to rough and rugged moorland and some of the UK’s most spectacular rural countryside – not to mention bustling cities like Exeter and Plymouth, and the coastal towns that make up the English Riviera – every taste is catered to in this, the UK’s second largest county.
Devon is the only English county with two separate coastlines. In the north, spectacular beaches such as Woolacombe and Croyde attract surfers from around the country, while to the south the Jurassic coast – England’s first World Heritage Site – offers dramatic red cliffs and the chance to go rock pooling and fossil hunting with the children.
Active and outdoorsy holiday makers are well catered for in Devon. There are 150 miles of National Cycle Routes including the Tarka Trail and Devon Coast to Coast cycleway, not to mention opportunities for sailing, horse riding, golf, sea and river fishing, diving and more.
And if that weren’t enough, the county boasts five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks to explore. Exmoor is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal spot for star gazers at night, while Dartmoor, with its dramatic granite tors, is the largest open space in Southern England and formed the backdrop to many of the scenes in Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.
As a complete contrast to the wilds of the moorlands, travel to the south coast of Devon to enjoy the famous English Riviera, made up of quaintly British towns such as Paignton, Brixham and Torquay, where Agatha Christie grew up and where there is still an annual festival in her honour. Or, if you fancy reconnecting with city life, take a trip into Exeter for great shopping, food and culture.
With all that Devon has to offer, it’s no wonder that Cartwheel Holidays’ accommodation is similarly varied. Pet owners will also be pleased to know that a number are dog friendly – as are many of Devon’s beaches.
Holidays in Devon offer something for everyone; beautiful beaches, vast moorlands and gorgeous countryside, a rich and diverse county that is perfect for a long weekend, short break, longer holiday or last minute getaway. Devon is the only county in England with two separate coastlines, the north coast on the Atlantic and the south coast on the English Channel. The north coast has spectacular beaches and is renowned for its surfing at Woolacombe and Croyde. The south coast also shares England’s first natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, perfect for fossil hunting days out, amazing red cliffs and pebble and sandy beaches.
As well as surfing, holidays in Devon are great for getting active, with miles of country footpaths and of course the South West Coast Path to explore, horse riding, golfing, sea and river fishing, diving and sailing. Devon also has 150 miles of the National Cycle Route, including the Tarka Trail and the ‘Devon Coast to Coast’ cycleway, and there are even dog friendly beaches and accommodation so your dogs can come along too.
Devon is home to two National Parks; Exmoor National Park is a designated ‘International Dark Sky Reserve’, so perfect for star-gazing, or for daylight hours, see if you can spot the red deer instead. Explore the Tors of Dartmoor National Park and marvel at ‘War Horse’ country, the landscape that captivated Steven Spielberg.
Cartwheel Holidays offers a huge variety of accommodation, with stunning views of Dartmoor, Exmoor or surrounding countryside. Choose from apartments in a country house or luxury self catering cottages with a real feel of the country – beams, exposed stone floors, four poster beds and log fires. Get back to nature and take a lodge by the water’s edge, or a cottage with wildlife lakes or woodland walks.
For family friendly breaks, look for farm animals and safe play areas, or indoor heated pools. Foodies will love Devon – home of the clotted cream tea! Our bed and breakfast owners will really look after you with aga-cooked farmhouse breakfasts made with local produce and there’s even a restaurant serving fresh vegetables from the garden. From luxury apartments to self catering cottages with a fishing lake and private hot tub, organic working farms with home cooking, barn conversions and beachside holiday parks, you’re spoilt for choice for holidays in Devon.
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