Famous for Scrumpy cider and classic Devonshire cream teas, Devon is the third largest county in the UK, with over 200 miles of spectacular coastline.
Boats moored in the Kingsbridge Estuary
Devon boasts five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks. Everywhere the scenery is picturesque and at its most dramatic along the northern coastline; a real favourite with walkers. Tourism is a major contributor to the county's economy. The many coves and inlets around the coast are a favourite with sun seekers but they also hide a dark secret, as many were once used as hideouts for smugglers.
The mix of stunning countryside and wild coastlines make this county a honey pot for visitors. However, farming is still a mainstay, particularly dairy farming, which produces the deliciously rich Devonshire cream served with its famous cream teas.
'Over the hill and over the dale, And over the bourne to Dawlish - Where gingerbread Wives have a scanty sale. And gingerbread nuts are smallish.'
From a poem by John Keats (1818)
County Town: |
Exeter - distance from London: 147 miles (236 km) |
Nearby Counties: |
Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset |
Train Operators: |
First Great Western |
Nearest Airport: |
Exeter (International) |
Major Roads: |
M5, A38 |
Highest point: |
High Willhays, 2039 feet (621 m) |
Rivers: |
Avon, Axe, Bovey, Bray, Culm, Dart, Erme, Exe, Hamoaze, Lyd, Mole, Otter, Plym, Tamar, Tavy, Teign, Taw, Torridge, Yarty, Yeaim |
County Flower: |
Primrose |
Local Delicacies: |
Devonshire Cream Tea - lashings of thick cream with home-made scones and jam. Cider and Scrumpy - both brewed from the juice of locally grown apples. |
The name Devon means district of the tribe of the Dumnonii, who the Saxons called Deofnas.