Devon Travel Guide - Towns and Villages Gazetteer

Torquay is a large seaside resort town in south Devon, overlooking Tor Bay, in an area known as the English Riviera for its sandy beaches and mild climate. Much of the architecture is post-Regency, with the exception of Torre Abbey, a 14th-century manor house.

Torquay, Devon, England

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Heritage Highlight: Kent's Cavern was home to some of the earliest Britons

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The historic town of Totnes stands at the head of navigation on the River Dart. Local myth says that the town was founded by Brutus, the grandson of Aeneas of Troy. Brutus is said to have stood on a rock on what is now Totnes High Street to survey the location. There was a Saxon fortified town here, and the Normans built a stone tower atop a high motte. The castle still stands, by the Norman church of St Mary. A pair of medieval gateways survive, as does the 17th-century guildhall.
Totnes, Devon, England

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Two Bridges is a small Dartmoor hamlet at the confluence of the West Dart and Cowsick rivers. There is not much to see at Two Bridges itself beyond a popular hotel and pub, but the village is well located for exploring some of Dartmoor's best walks.
Two Bridges, Dartmoor, Devon, England

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A lovely historic village of thatched cottages, set beside the River Taw in northern Devon, 7 miles from the market town of Barnstaple. Umberleigh boasts a medieval three-arched bridge across the Taw and fine walks along the riverside.
Umberleigh, Devon, England

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Heritage Highlight: Remains of 13th century chapel beside Umberleigh House

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Upottery is a small village nestled in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the River Otter, from which it takes its name. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book, but even before then, it was part of a grant from Edward the Confessor to the Dean and Chapter of Rouen.
Upottery, Devon, England

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Heritage Highlight: St Mary's church dates to the 12th century

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A village named by a book! Westward Ho was named after the popular novel by Charles Kingsley. The village lies on the north Devon coast, just a mile or so from the market town of Bideford. There are two miles of lovely sandy beaches, which makes Westward Ho! a popular destination for family holidays. Pebble Beach leads to Northam Burrows Country Park, an area of sand dunes.
Westward Ho!, Devon, England

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Widecombe-in-the-Moor (usually referred to as simply 'Widecombe') is a picture-perfect Dartmoor village located in a green dell below rocky tors. Widecombe and its fair were made popular by a famous song, where 'Uncle Tom Cobley and all' were on their way to Widecombe Fair. The fair is still held annually in September.
B3387, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor, Devon, England

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Heritage Highlight: The 14th-century parish church of St Pancras with its medieval roof bosses

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A small seaside village in north Devon, with fabulous views and stunning coastal scenery. Woolacombe is popular as a family holiday destination, but the beach is blessedly uncrowded compared to some places further south. There are fantastic walks to be had along the cliffs above Woolacombe Bay.
Woolacombe, Devon, England

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A large village on the south-west edge of Dartmoor National Park, Yelverton is well situated to explore the park, with many prehistoric standing stones and stone rows within a short distance as well as opportunities for walking and cycling.
Yelverton, Devon, England

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