Free Devon Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Devon with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Devon
Devon photo 2
Devon photo 3
All photos

Explore Devon for granite moors, cathedral cities, fishing harbours, surf beaches, estuaries, coastal paths and distinctive West Country food.

Devon occupies England’s south-western peninsula, bordered by the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic to the north and the English Channel to the south. It is a large, varied county where long sea horizons give way to sandstone cliffs, estuaries, wooded river valleys, agricultural hills and two very different moorland landscapes. Dartmoor rises across the centre and south, while the Devon portion of Exmoor extends into the north-east; between them lie market towns, wooded lanes and fertile valleys shaped by the rivers Exe, Dart, Teign and Tamar.
Read more about Devon
The county’s main centres each have a distinct character. Exeter, on the River Exe, is a compact cathedral city with Roman origins, medieval lanes and an important university community. Plymouth is a naval city and deep-water port whose waterfront, historic Barbican and Hoe look towards Plymouth Sound. Torquay, Paignton and Brixham form the principal towns of the English Riviera, while the north coast is associated with surf beaches, estuaries and communities such as Ilfracombe, Croyde and Clovelly. In the east, the Jurassic Coast begins at Exmouth and continues through a geologically important coastline towards Dorset.
Devon’s heritage is unusually varied. Exeter Cathedral and the city’s underground passages reveal different stages of urban history; Dartmouth and Totnes retain strong medieval and maritime identities; and Buckfast Abbey, Salcombe and Plymouth reflect contrasting religious, sailing and naval traditions. On Dartmoor, prehistoric stone rows, ancient settlements and granite tors sit alongside later farms and reservoirs. Coastal heritage ranges from fishing harbours and working quays to Victorian promenades and the remains of defences built to protect ports and estuaries.
Outdoor travel is central to Devon’s appeal, but the countryside is not simply a backdrop. The South West Coast Path follows much of the coastline, linking cliffs, beaches, headlands and estuaries, while the Tarka Trail provides a well-known route through parts of north Devon for walking and cycling. Dartmoor offers open-country hiking, riding and climbing, although weather and navigation can change quickly. Inland lanes reward patient exploration, while ferries and bridges across the Tamar, Dart and Exe can make short distances slower than they appear on a map.
Food reflects the landscape and the county’s relationship with the sea. Cream teas, farmhouse cheeses, apples, cider, fish, shellfish and locally reared meat are widely associated with Devon, alongside produce sold through farm shops and town markets. The most rewarding itineraries allow time for contrasts: a cathedral and museum in Exeter, a coastal walk near Ilfracombe or Beer, a harbour lunch in Brixham or Dartmouth, and an open moorland route where granite tors and wide skies replace the bustle of the coast.

When is the best time to visit Devon?

Best: June–August · 20–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1087
February1068
March1260
April1547
May1852
June (best)2058
July (best)2355
August (best)2364
September2068
October1690
November12100
December9110

Getting to and around Devon

How to get there

Exeter St Davids is Devon’s principal railway gateway, with direct services from London and other major English cities; Exeter Central is useful for the city centre. Great Western Railway services continue westwards towards Newton Abbot, Totnes, Plymouth and stations in Cornwall, while routes also serve north Devon from Exeter towards Barnstaple. Exeter Airport is inside the county and handles selected domestic and European services, though its network varies. Bristol Airport is outside Devon but is a practical gateway for northern and eastern parts of the county, while London airports are generally more useful only when combined with longer rail journeys. The M5 reaches Exeter; the A38 continues towards Plymouth and the A30 serves west Devon and Cornwall.

Transportation

Rail is particularly useful between Exeter, the south Devon coast, Plymouth and the principal towns on the main line, while the Tarka Line links Exeter with north Devon and the Avocet Line runs towards Exmouth. Buses connect larger towns, but services are less frequent in rural districts and may not reach remote moorland or coastal trailheads conveniently. A car offers the greatest flexibility for Dartmoor, Exmoor, small villages and dispersed heritage sites, although narrow lanes, steep gradients and seasonal congestion require patience. Walking, cycling and local ferries are valuable for shorter journeys, including routes around estuaries and sections of the Tarka Trail. Check current transport arrangements before travelling, especially for rural buses and seasonal ferries.

Top city travel guides in Devon

The cities of Devon, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Devon

Devon’s attractions range from major historic cities to open landscapes where the terrain itself is the principal draw. Exeter combines Roman remains, medieval streets, the cathedral and underground passages with museums and riverside walks. Plymouth offers maritime history, the Royal William Yard, the Barbican and waterfront views across Plymouth Sound, while the English Riviera centres on promenades, beaches, caves, gardens and family attractions around Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Dartmoor National Park provides walking, climbing, riding, archaeological exploration and views among tors, valleys and open moorland. In north Devon, the coast around Woolacombe, Croyde, Ilfracombe and the Taw-Torridge estuary supports surfing, walking and wildlife watching, while the Devon section of Exmoor offers heather-clad uplands and wooded valleys. Historic houses, gardens, abbeys and castles are scattered through the county, including Buckfast Abbey, Castle Drogo and Okehampton Castle. The Jurassic Coast begins at Exmouth, where geological layers and coastal cliffs introduce a World Heritage coastline extending eastwards beyond Devon.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Devon

Devon’s most recognisable landmarks express its combination of ecclesiastical history, maritime power, geology and moorland scenery. Exeter Cathedral dominates the city with its long Gothic nave, elaborate tracery and medieval astronomical clock, while the surviving Roman and medieval walls help define Exeter’s historic identity. Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower form a celebrated seafront composition above Plymouth Sound, a natural harbour whose defences and naval history shaped the city. Dartmouth Castle guards the entrance to the Dart estuary, and the harbour towns of Brixham, Dartmouth and Appledore retain distinctive waterfront landscapes linked to fishing and shipping. Dartmoor’s granite tors, including Haytor, are geological landmarks as well as long-established navigation points; prehistoric monuments across the moor add another layer of significance. Along the east coast, the cliffs and rock formations around Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Beer mark Devon’s opening section of the Jurassic Coast, where visible strata record a much older natural history.

Show more landmarks

Explore Devon on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Devon

Devon’s food culture is shaped by dairy farming, orchards, fishing ports and a strong farm-shop tradition. Cream teas are widely served, with Devon custom usually putting clotted cream on the scone before the jam, while local cheeses, farmhouse butter and fresh bread appear in markets, cafés and rural inns. Apples support cider production, and the county’s coasts supply fish and shellfish, particularly around working harbours such as Brixham, Dartmouth and Appledore. Menus in coastal towns often focus on daily catches, crab and other seafood, while inland pubs and restaurants use local lamb, beef, pork, game and seasonal vegetables. Exeter, Plymouth and the larger resort towns offer the broadest choice of contemporary cooking, international restaurants and cafés; villages and market towns tend towards pubs, bakeries, tearooms and small independent kitchens. Farm shops and farmers’ markets provide a practical introduction to Devon produce without relying on formal dining.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Devon

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Devon

Devon’s evening culture varies sharply between its cities, resorts, harbour towns and rural districts. Exeter has the county’s broadest concentration of pubs, bars, live music, theatre-going and late venues, supported by its university population and compact centre. Plymouth offers waterfront drinking, traditional pubs, music venues and bars around the Barbican and city centre, while Torquay and nearby resort towns have a more seasonal mix of seafront pubs, cocktail bars, entertainment venues and late-night establishments. In Dartmouth, Brixham, Totnes, Tavistock and other market towns, evenings are more likely to centre on independent pubs, restaurants, breweries and occasional live music than on large clubs. Rural Devon is generally quiet after dinner, with historic inns and local pubs providing the principal social spaces. Coastal nightlife becomes busier during summer, but opening arrangements and entertainment programmes change, so check locally rather than assuming year-round late-night services.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Devon

Shopping in Devon is strongest in its historic cities, market towns, coastal resorts and food-producing communities rather than in a single dominant retail district. Exeter provides the broadest mix of national retailers, independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries and regular market activity, complemented by the historic character of its central streets. Plymouth combines city-centre shopping with independent businesses around the Barbican and waterfront, while Totnes, Dartmouth, Tavistock and Topsham are known for smaller shops, antiques, galleries, crafts and specialist food. Coastal towns focus on practical seaside goods, outdoor equipment, art and locally made gifts, although the range varies by season. Farm shops, village stores and town markets are useful for Devon cider, cheese, preserves, biscuits, bakery products and other regional produce. Pottery, paintings, textiles, jewellery and woodwork are among the more durable souvenirs, but buyers should check provenance when a product is described as locally made.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Devon, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Devon essentials

Currency and Payment
Devon uses the pound sterling (GBP), as throughout the United Kingdom. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, supermarkets, museums and most established restaurants. Carry some cash for small rural businesses, traditional market stalls, car parks, occasional public toilets and places where mobile reception or payment connectivity is unreliable. Smaller villages and remote areas may have limited banking facilities, so obtaining cash in a larger town is sensible. Overseas visitors should check whether their card issuer adds foreign-exchange or cash-withdrawal fees.
Safety
Devon is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy resorts, transport hubs and car parks. Coastal walks require care around cliff edges, slippery ground, rockfalls and changing tides; never rely on a mobile signal when walking in isolated areas. Dartmoor and Exmoor can become cold, wet and misty even in summer, so carry navigation equipment, water and suitable clothing. Follow local bathing advice and heed lifeguard instructions on beaches. On rural roads, expect blind bends, livestock, cyclists and narrow passing places, and allow extra time rather than driving aggressively.
Emergency Situations
Dial 999 or 112 anywhere in Devon for police, fire and ambulance services; both numbers are free from UK mobile phones. For a coastal emergency, ask for the Coastguard, and for a serious incident on remote moorland, provide an accurate location and request the appropriate rescue service. The what3words system is used by some emergency services, but it should supplement rather than replace a map reference, named path, grid reference or visible landmark. For non-urgent police matters, use the national 101 service. Travel insurance and the European Health Insurance Card or Global Health Insurance Card, where applicable, do not replace comprehensive medical cover.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep dogs under close control around livestock and follow signs on open access land, nature reserves and beaches, as seasonal restrictions may apply. Close gates, use stiles and leave plants, archaeological remains and historic structures undisturbed. Do not trespass across farmland or block narrow lanes while parking; use signed car parks and marked access points. At churches, abbeys and other working religious sites, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing services or people. Queueing, modest tipping for good service and considerate behaviour in pubs and small communities are normal British conventions, not rules unique to Devon.
Local Tips
Exeter works well as a rail-connected base for the east and central county, whereas coastal or moorland itineraries are usually easier with accommodation nearer the places being explored. Check tide times before planning estuary crossings or walks around the Exe, Dart and other tidal inlets. The South West Coast Path is a network of long-distance sections rather than a single short excursion, so arrange transport back to your starting point. In high summer, arrive early at popular beaches and trailheads. Farm shops, town markets and harbour stalls are useful places to find local apples, cider, cheese, fish and baked goods.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAlright[uh-ryte]
GoodbyeTa-ra[tah-rah]
YesAye[eye]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease[pleez]
Thank youCheers[cheerz]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[saw-ree]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it goin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[gud. an' you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[doo yah speek ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[kan I see tha men-yoo, pleez?]
I don't eat meatI ain't keen on meat[I ain't keen on meet]
Cheers!Cheers![cheerz!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay, please?[kan I pay, pleez?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Clear off![clear off!]
Call the Police!Ring the police![ring the po-leez!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a dok-tuh!]
I'm lostI’m all turned around[I'm all turned around]
I'm illI don't feel well[I don't feel well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust looking, thanks[just lookin', thanks]
How much is it?How much is that?[how much is that?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[that's a bit pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock it down a bit?[can you knock it down a bit?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What’s the time?[what's the time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[it's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMornin'[mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a ticket to...]

History of Devon

Prehistoric Landscapes and Early Communities

Devon contains substantial evidence of prehistoric occupation, especially on Dartmoor and Exmoor. Bronze Age communities constructed stone rows, burial monuments and enclosed settlements, many of which remain visible on the open moorland. The granite tors and high plateaux were not isolated wildernesses but working landscapes used for grazing, movement and mineral gathering. Later Iron Age hillforts, including sites overlooking the Tamar and southern coast, indicate organised communities and defensible settlements. These remains help explain why the moors are historically important as well as scenically distinctive.

Roman Devon and Exeter

The Romans established a significant military base at Exeter, known as Isca Dumnoniorum, during the first century AD. It later developed into a civilian settlement and administrative centre for the territory of the Dumnonii, the Iron Age people of the south-west. Parts of the Roman walls survive in and around modern Exeter, while archaeological discoveries have revealed streets, houses and public buildings. Roman roads connected Exeter with other settlements and helped integrate Devon into the wider provincial economy, although much of the county remained rural.

Medieval Christianity, Castles and Boroughs

After the Norman Conquest, castles and ecclesiastical foundations reshaped Devon’s political and religious landscape. Exeter remained the county’s principal city, while castles at places such as Okehampton and Totnes asserted control over important routes and river crossings. Monastic houses, including Buckfast Abbey, accumulated land and influenced farming, woodland management and local worship. Medieval boroughs and market towns prospered through regional trade, and Exeter Cathedral, begun in the twelfth century, became one of the most important expressions of ecclesiastical power in the county.

Maritime Trade and the Tudor Seafaring Age

From the later Middle Ages onwards, Devon’s ports participated in fishing, coastal trade and overseas commerce. Plymouth, Dartmouth, Exeter and smaller harbours developed connections across the Channel and beyond. The county became associated with Tudor seafarers, including Sir Francis Drake, who was born at Tavistock, and with expeditions that reflected England’s growing naval and commercial ambitions. These ventures also formed part of an age of imperial expansion whose consequences were complex and often coercive. Fortifications around Plymouth Sound and other estuaries record the strategic importance of Devon’s coastline.

Civil War and Religious Change

Devon was involved in the political and military upheavals of the seventeenth century. During the English Civil War, Exeter changed hands and Plymouth endured a prolonged Parliamentarian siege, while control of ports and roads mattered to both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. Religious tensions had already affected the county during the Reformation, when monasteries were dissolved and established patterns of worship and landholding were transformed. The period left visible traces in churches, civic buildings, defensive works and the political histories of towns across Devon.

Mining, Wool and the Industrial Revolution

Devon’s economy combined agriculture with industries that used its mineral and natural resources. Tin, copper and other ores were worked in parts of Dartmoor and west Devon, while the Tamar Valley became closely associated with copper mining and the engineering achievements of the nineteenth century. Woollen production supported towns such as Tiverton, Crediton and Exeter, and mills used rivers to power manufacturing. The arrival of railways linked inland communities with ports and markets, although the county’s difficult terrain meant that industrialisation remained uneven.

The Modern County: Railways, Tourism and Naval Power

Nineteenth-century railways and improved roads made Devon more accessible to visitors, encouraging the growth of seaside resorts such as Torquay, Paignton and Exmouth. Victorian tourism added promenades, villas, gardens and hotels to older harbour towns. Plymouth, meanwhile, expanded as a major naval centre and suffered extensive bombing during the Second World War, followed by a substantial programme of post-war reconstruction. Today Devon balances farming, fishing, defence, education, tourism and environmental stewardship, with historic landscapes continuing to shape its modern economy.

Devon in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Devon

The closest regions to Devon, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

United Kingdom
More of the region

Explore more of United Kingdom

Discover the United Kingdom: A blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, offering a unique travel experience for every visitor.

Explore United Kingdom
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Devon, United Kingdom

Discover Devon with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide! Find top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the best of Devon with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book tours, and enjoy local tips to make your trip extraordinary.

  • History of Devon and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Devon, a picturesque county in the United Kingdom, known for its stunning coastline, historic landmarks, and charming villages. With Evendo, your travel experience in Devon will be nothing short of extraordinary. Our app provides detailed information on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Devon.

Start your journey by exploring iconic landmarks such as the majestic Exeter Cathedral, the fascinating Dartmoor National Park, and the beautiful English Riviera. Fancy a gastronomic adventure? Discover top-rated restaurants like The Seahorse in Dartmouth and The Elephant in Torquay. With Evendo, you can easily find local favorites and hidden gems.

Evendo makes trip planning a breeze. Each location in the app comes with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Whether you're looking to book a hotel, a guided tour, or tickets to an event, Evendo has you covered. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching multiple platforms; everything you need is in one place.

Our app is designed with travelers in mind. Features like the history of Devon, travel essentials, and curated local advice ensure you get the most out of your visit. The 'Near me' feature helps you discover nearby attractions and amenities, making navigation through Devon effortless. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Beyond Devon, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Once you download the app, you have the world in your pocket, ready to be explored.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.