We'll start this section with mention of the two National Parks falling largely within Devon's borders:
Dartmoor National Park In the middle of the county is Dartmoor, where tall granite "tors" stand out atop two high plateaus split by the valley of the River Dart. On those plateaus the famous Dartmoor ponies still graze. Dartmoor is also blessed with an abundance of prehistoric remains. Standing stones, hut circles and hill forts dot the landscape of the moor. There are remains of settlements at Grimspound and Standon Down, and several varieties of stone rows and circles near Merrivale. The moor is also famous for its "clapper bridges", with the best at Dartmeet and Postbridge. For a visual tour of the National Park, visit our Dartmoor Photo Gallery.
Exmoor National Park Along the north coast is Exmoor National Park, home to some of the most varied and beautiful scenery in England. The moors contain large deposits of peat, which form bogs due to the high rainfall. The peat moors give way to heather uplands, replete with a variety of grasses and plants, such as gorse and whortleberry. Pretty villages dot the Park, and lovely villages such as Lynmouth cluster at the coast.
And now some more specific places of interest in the countryside:
This deserted village contains the remains of four 13th century dwellings, on land originally farmed in the Bronze Age.
Ashburton Road,
Manaton,
Dartmoor,
Devon,
England
Its unusual for a popular attraction to have a postal address of 'Bristol Channel', but such is the case with Lundy Island. This picturesque islands stands 11 miles north of Hartland Point, Devon, in the midst of the Bristol Channel.
Bristol Channel,
Lundy,
Devon,
England, EX39 2LY
A fantastic wooded gorge, the deepest in the West Country, with a 30 metre waterfall and a spectaculr Devil's Cauldron whirlpool. The River Lyd thunders through the narrow gorge in places, and in other places slows to a peaful meander through beautiful woodland. There are circular walk trails, offering a 3 miles walk or an easier 1.5 mile wak.
The Stables, Lydford Gorge Okehampton,
Devon,
England, EX20 4BH
Over 400 hand-picked cottages to let in the lovely South Hams area of Devon. The South Hams is an attractive destination for a holiday or short break; with events and activities galore, plus beautiful scenery and a stunning coastline, the opportunities are endless.
Novotel Plymouth is ideal for both the business and leisure traveller, conveniently located for all major business areas and attractions. This AA 3 star hotel is very easy to find with ample free parking with both the airport and railway station nearby. Elements Bar and Restaurant offers service throughout the … more >>
The Moorland Links Hotel is a beautifully appointed country style hotel situated within Dartmoor National Park, just 6 miles from Plymouth and set in 9 acres of gardens with enchanting views across the Tamar Valley. Facilities at this non-smoking hotel include a restaurant and lovely gardens whilst the Links Golf … more >>
