Guide to Devon

Exmouth has wide and varied architecture, which can be seen both in its modern buildings and in the historic houses. Exmouth is very close to the British towns of Budleigh Salterton, Topsham and Sidmouth.

The county of Devon has inspired writers as prestigious as Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Thomas Hardy. The plot of one of the most famous cases of Sherlock Holmes is set on eerie Dartmoor.

Devon offers a wide range of sports such as kite-surfing, horse riding, sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, golf and cricket.

Exeter is the regional capital of Devon and has many attractions such as the Norman cathedral, one of the best examples of its kind, the ruins of Rougemont Castle, which date from the eleventh century, and Athelstan's Tower from the Saxon era. The more adventurous can explore the Underground Passages, medieval passageways open to the public under the city centre. Exeter also boasts a new luxury shopping and cafe quarter, as well as the Quay area where you hire canoes or bikes or enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water. 

Nearby attractions include Woodbury Castle and the regional capital, Exeter, with its Norman Cathedral and café culture. Attractions to the south include The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh, Dartmouth and of course Plymouth, home to the Plymouth Gin Distillery and the National Marine Aquarium. To the north, beyond the Exmoor National Park, lies Clovelly, an ancient fishing village, seemingly untouched for hundreds of years.

The national parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, famous for their wild horses and rugged scenery, are well worth a visit. After a long walk across the moors, relax in one of the traditional thatched pubs and try one of the local beers or a cream tea.  

The South West of the UK is blessed with warm waters and a temperate climate thanks to the Gulf Stream. Exmouth, like many other towns in this region, enjoys sumptuous subtropical vegetation, a thriving marine life and an average summer temperature of around 20° C. Known as the "English Riviera" thanks to its beaches, warm climate and palm trees, this area attracts over 100 million tourists a year.

Few cities in England can be proud of having such a rich historical heritage. For those interested in the history of the British Isles, there are numerous historical and mythical sites to explore in the region.

Devon houses the roots of historical figures such as Avalon, William the Conqueror and Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart.

Thanks to its rural surroundings, temperate climate and proximity to the sea, Devon produces some of the best local produce in the UK. From River Exe mussels to locally caught sea bream, seafood is a speciality in this region. Lamb and Beef are also local delicacies. The region produces some award winning wines and real ales; and locally made cheeses, honey and jams can be tasted and purchased at weekly farmers markets.

Exmouth is a blend of the past and present, with a beach culture, a lively nightlife and extreme sports such as kite surfing on offer, but with the backdrop of its historical buildings, quaint shops and strong feeling of community. It offers an authentic opportunity to experience and appreciate English life.

You might like to visit ancient Dartmoor towns, such as Ashburton, Moretonhampstead and Buckfastleigh, or enjoy the coastal region of Torbay, and visit 'the queen of cities by the sea', Torquay. The region hosts numerous music, food and culture festivals during the summer.

Full day trips such as a Totnes to Dartmouth River cruise will allow you to explore the unique town of Totnes, with its alternative lifestyle, then enjoy a cruise down the River Dart, bordered by vineyards and abundant with wildlife, and finally reach Dartmouth, with its ancient narrow streets, boutique shops and galleries and famous Castle. Alternatively visit Glastonbury, home to the famous music festival, but also long recognised as a spiritual and healing centre, linked to Druidism and Christianity. Visit the Tor, built on the 'holy hill of Avalon' and Glastonbury Abbey which some believe is the final resting place of King Arthur.  

You may recall the figure of King Arthur at Glastonbury whose ruins of the Benedictine monastery (600 BC) have blooming shrubs before Christmas. If you want to know more about these historical facts, you should read the fictional work "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley. And do not forget to Torbay, the "queen of the coast," a very sophisticated city known for its concerts, gardens and shops.

More information can be found at http://www.exmouth-guide.co.uk.