Devon

Explore Coastal Towns and Villages

You can easily travel from the English Riviera to South Devon’s many coastal towns and villages like the sailing town of Dartmouth accessible by steam train with jaw-dropping views along the way.  Once in Dartmouth, you can take a boat along the stunning River Dart to Agatha Christie’s riverside residence (now National Trust). 

From Dartmouth, you can also visit Salcombe, a popular yachtie haven further along the coast. You’ll enjoy exploring the cliffs, coves and stylish high street of this buzzing coastal community where crab chowder is always on the menu.

The lovely coastal towns of Teignmouth & Shaldon face each other across the Teign Estuary and you can visit both in a day from the English Riviera, crossing back & forth via England’s oldest passenger ferry. Visit Teignmouth’s River Beach and Arts Quarter and don’t miss Shaldon’s smugglers’ tunnel and its wildlife park.

Dawlish and Dawlish Warren are easy day trips.  Here you can discover the famous Dawlish Black Swan, visit Powderham Castle, explore the shops and marvel at the nature reserve located along the 1.5-mile long sand spit at Dawlish Warren.

Spectacular Dartmoor is just an hour’s drive with its ancient landscapes, deep wooded valleys, towering rock formations (tors) and traditional Devon pubs. Dartmoor is steeped in traditions and legend and guided tours are available.

Hit the Bright Lights

Devon’s two cities couldn’t be more fascinating or different and both are easily accessible by car, bus or train. Exeter has superb shopping, lots of history, a magnificent cathedral & green, amazing underground passages, the wonderful Royal Albert Memorial Museum and a buzzing quayside area.  Plymouth, Britain’s ocean city has played a vital role throughout history.  Sir Francis Drake famously played bowls here while waiting for the Spanish Armada and the Mayflower set sail for the New World with the Pilgrim Fathers from here.  Modern day Plymouth is very cosmopolitan and has the finest shopping in Devon. Explore the narrow cobbled streets of the Barbican, rejoice in Plymouth Hoe with its spectacular views of Plymouth Sound and pop into the renowned Plymouth Gin Distillery for a delicious tasting.

The historic Saxon town of Totnes is very close to the English Riviera and embraces a bohemian, alternative lifestyle in the most stylish way.  You’ll love the high street with its distinctive East Gate Arch and plethora of funky restaurants & eateries. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer quirkiness and variety of the shopping experience, particularly in their fashion boutiques from vintage to contemporary.

Access

With the splendid new South Devon Highway, you can reach all South Devon’s best destinations quite easily and there are excellent rail and bus links too – and don’t forget the steam train and lots boat trips – making the beautiful English Riviera very much the centre of all things South Devon.