Dartmoor Prison © Travel Signposts

It’s not common that a high security prison should become a topic on your holiday sightseeing itinerary. Our morning’s travel takes us on a visit to the wild and open moorland of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.  As we drive past Yulverton towards Princetown for our morning stop, we hear about Dartmoor Prison, once notorious for holding some of Britain’s most dangerous prisoners.

History of Dartmoor Prison

Dartmoor Prison was built at the beginning of the 19th century to hold French prisoners-of-war. When Britain was at war with Napoleonic France in 1805, the prisoners of war were initially held on large decommissioned ships called hulks along the south coast of England. There were six of these prison hulks in Plymouth which led to concerns that such a large number of volatile captives were being held so close to Plymouth’s Royal Naval Dockyard. An alternative location to hold these POWs was found on the wild and remote uplands of Dartmoor and French POWs were used to assist in building the prison.

The first group of French prisoners arrived in 1809, followed by American POWs in the war of 1812. When the French and American wars ended in 1815, most of the prisoners were repatriated.

Dartmoor Prison then became a convict jail in 1850 and during Victorian times, it had the reputation of being the hardest and most severe prison in England.

It’s early in the morning and cold and misty when we arrive at Princeton. Walking across a deserted playground, we are able to see the grey, depressing structures of Dartmoor Prison quite well through our camera lens. My initial thought was that this children’s playground is a bit too close for comfort to a prison, even if Dartmoor is now a Category C prison and no longer holds high-risk prisoners.

Dartmoor Prison Museum

Dartmoor Prison has an interesting history and for those who are curious about prison life and Dartmoor’s infamous inmates – from prisoners-of-war to conscientious objectors to dangerous convicts – you can visit the Dartmoor Prison Museum which is housed just past the main prison entrance. Dartmoor Prison Museum is unique as it is the only prison owned by H.M. Prison Service that is open to the public. At the museum you can even buy a range of goods made by the prisoners.  (Note: No photography is allowed inside the museum.)

As for me, I guess the long-distance view of the prison is sufficient!

Devon and Cornwall countryside

Devon and Cornwall possess miles of magnificent coastline, secluded coves, fishing villages, romantic ancient moorland, soft river estuaries and endless stretches of beaches.  Walkers, surfers, sailing buffs and holiday makers who simply want a relaxing break from their hectic world will find this part of England a fascinating place to visit.

These two neighbouring counties have a lot to offer holiday makers, but outside of Britain, we do not tend to hear a lot about Devon and Cornwall as a tourist destination.  Certainly the British people know about this magical corner of England and Cornwall is the number one summer destination for the Brits, followed not too far behind by Devon.

If you’re holidaying in London and have a few days to explore this part of England, Viator has a four-day small group tour that’ll take you through the back-roads of Devon and Cornwall and really get deep into the West Country.

Tour Route and Attractions

Day One:
From London you’ll drive through Wiltshire, England’s oldest county.  Travelling across the amazing Salisbury Plain, you’ll see the great prehistoric temple of Stonehenge and a landscape simply littered with ancient burial sites. You’ll also see the evidence of Iron Age hill forts, possible sites of where the great Celtic king, Arthur and his Round Table knights took on the Saxon invaders.

Your journey continues to Winchester to see the great Round Table in the medieval hall. Next take time to explore Cadbury Castle, perhaps the site of Camelot, and some lovely surrounding thatched villages before arriving at your accommodation base in Devon or Somerset borders for three nights.

Day Two:
Today you’ll explore the timeless country of Dorsetshire. This is real back-roads country where you’ll believe time has stood still amidst the villages and harbors of the region. Jane Austen’s Lyme Regis is one of the highlights of the day, as will be Thomas Hardy’s cottage and monument. You will be introduced to a few martyrs (such as the trade unionists of Tolpuddle, and those who died at the “bloody Judge” Jefferies’ hand). You’ll also see the famed Chesil Beach and the quaint town of Dorchester. And there’ll be time for shopping in the lace and antique town of Honiton.

Depending on time and interest, there may be time to include Lawrence of Arabia’s home, a carved giant and England’s smallest pub! This is a day that you can really call getting down the “back-roads”.

Day Three:
Cross the beautiful and awesome landscape of the Dartmoor National Park, en route to the north Cornwall coast. Here, you’ll visit Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur. The castle sits on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking. Later, visit a selection of the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coasts. This day will be a photographer’s delight and you should be prepared to do a lot of shooting!

Finally, a day in Cornwall would not be complete without a stop for a famed Cornish “pastie” somewhere on route, perhaps in a thatched-roofed country pub?

Day Four:
On today’s itinerary is Cheddar Gorge and the mystic town of Glastonbury, site of Arthur’s burial and New Age capital of England. Here you’ll see the ancient abbey and the mysterious “Tor”. Next visit Wells and its famed Norman 12th century cathedral before travelling the short distance to the stunning city of Bath. You’ll have time to explore this elegant Georgian city and its Roman remains before the drive back to London partially by the old coaching road.

This interesting tour of England’s West Country includes:

• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner
• Hotel pickup (selected hotels)
• Entrance fees
• Professional driver/guide
• Transport
• Hotel drop off (central London hotels)

Find out more about touring Devon and Cornwall here.

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Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

For one of the most scenic train rides to be found anywhere, try the Paignton to Kingswear (Dartmouth) rail journey. On this holiday line, you can re-live the great days of steam railway travel. Your steam locomotive starts from Paignton Station and initially chugs past Paignton Sands and Quaywest Water Park.

The rail journey not only takes in the spectacular Torbay coastline but also runs through the wooded hills along the Dart Estuary. Initially, this most picturesque of British rail journeys goes up a steep and rocky hill offering some wonderful views of the Devon coastline.

Wooded Devon hills

After going past Churston, the train runs inland and proceeds along the Dart Valley before reaching Kingswear. From here, passengers have the option of visiting Dartmouth via ferry.

It’s also possible to combine your rail journey with a pleasure cruise and coach ride and enjoy a fascinating journey that stretches out over the entire day

Paignton

Paignton is one of the three towns on the ‘English Riviera’ which is a stunning stretch of 22 miles of south Devon coastline.  Paignton is a traditional seaside resort with long stretches of sandy beaches and a lively waterfront area and is popular for family holidays.  Apart from steam train rides and river cruises, you can visit the endangered species at Paignton Zoo, or take a journey back in time at the 500 year old Kirkham House.  There’s also the Oldway Mansion, once home of Isaac Singer of Singer sewing machine fame.

Dartmouth

At the Kingswear Visitor centre you can learn about how steam engines work, the history of Dartmouth and the variety of wildlife that can be seen on the River Dart.

Amble along Dartmouth’s ancient narrow streets and you’ll find boutiques, shops, art galleries and delicatessens. A cobbled market place features colourful stalls and at the Farmers’ markets check out the local produce that find their way into the local gourmet restaurants, pubs and cafes.

For your holiday in Dartmouth, there’s a wide variety of accommodation from luxury hotels, inns, pubs, graded bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to self catering cottages, barns, apartments or camping/caravan parks.

In Dartmouth you can sail, fish, explore by boat or come at festival time. From Dartmouth, you can take the steam train ride to Paignton for a treat, or enjoy visits to the Castle, the famous Britannia Royal Naval College and National Trust Gardens. You can be as energetic as you want and enjoy the South West Coast Path or simply laze around on the beaches.

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Dartmoor scenery

Just a few miles inwards from the South Devon Coast is the ancient Dartmoor National Park. It covers an area of 368 square miles and offers visitors a mix of superb scenery and legendary history. Dartmoor also has one of the most prominent moors to be found anywhere in Britain.

• Many visitors view Dartmoor as a wonderful and diverse place – indeed it offers a multiple range of terrains from it’s tors and woodlands to rambling countryside, grass covered hills and river valleys.
• The tors formations are actually quite splendid – the granite while being a very tough substance is vulnerable to chemical deterioration. This means that the acids in rain attacks the surface of the granite causing it to disintegrate into various shapes and colours.
• Those who enjoy outdoor activities will have plenty to do in Dartmoor – just a sample of these include Dartmoor walks, fishing, trekking and cycling.

Things To Do & Towns To Visit In Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is made up of various small villages and towns – one of the very enjoyable experiences of visiting Dartmoor is the chance to drive from one to the other while taking in the great scenery en route. From Tavistock in the west to Ashburton in the east, there’s plenty to do and see in Dartmoor.

Entire books have been written on Dartmoor, and it has often been used as a backdrop in novels (remember “Lorna Doone“, “Hound of the Baskervilles“?)– so the following is just a brief description of some the places and activities that you can enjoy here:

Check out the main Dartmoor Tourist Board located in Okehampton.  This town also houses the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

Water Bridge at Dartmoor

Okehampton Castle is worth a visit – this is located in Cranmere Pool and these ruins are the remains of what was once the biggest castle in Devon.

Walking & trekking opportunities are abundant all over Dartmoor – specific places of interest to walkers include South Okehampton, Princetown, Chagford and Postbridge. There are also specific routes popular with more experienced trekkers – for instance, Templar Way (18 miles) and West Devon Way (14 miles). Books on walking in Devon are also available in the information centres dotted around the park (Okehampton, Tavistock, Ashburton, Ivybridge and a couple of other locations).

There are also plenty of routes for those keen on cycling, and it’s possible to hire bikes in Tavistock. The Dartmoor Way is a 90 mile cycle route that includes many of the parks towns including Okehampton, Tavistock and Buckfastleigh.

Other outdoor activities available in Dartmoor include horse and pony rides, fishing and climbing.

Buckland Moor sign

In the East lies the pleasant town of North Bovey – this is a great place to see quaint thatched cottages dating back to the 17^th century. Yet another place to marvel at picture-perfect thatched cottages is in the charming little town of Buckland In The Moor.

This lovely town faces onto woodlands and is also by the River Webburn (which joins up with the famous river Dart).

Expect to see many ponies grazing along the stretches of grassland while you drive through Dartmoor National Park.

Buckfastleigh is home to Buckfast Abbey – one of the most visited icons in Devon. The Abbey dates back to 1018. Also in Buckfastleigh are the Dartmoor otter sanctuary and the Buckfast Butterflies Exhibition (where several exotic butterflies can be seen in an exotic environment).

Ponies

Postbridge is a small town in the centre of Dartmoor National Park – aside from being popular with walkers, the town is famous for its “Clapper Bridge” (granite bridge dating as far back as the 13^th Century) which goes over the East Dart River.

Another quiet town with sublime cottages and green surroundings is Widdecombe In The Moor. Aside from it’s beauty, this location is famous for The Church House – dating back to 1537.

The little town of Chagford is nestled just above the River Teign and is also worth a visit just to amble around the neat town square. Be sure to visit Market House while you’re there.

The Darkside of Dartmoor – The Gruesome Gubbinses

In Lydford Gorge in the 15th century a “half human” tribe of creatures are said to have existed and caused much terror and fear to the locals. While this may sound like a myth or old wives tale to make children behave, the Gubbinses did in fact exist. They stole cattle, kidnapped or robbed travellers and there are reports that suggest that they were cannibals.

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Totnes Castle, Devon

Aside from it’s beautiful, rugged coastline and red cliffs Devon and Cornwall are home to some very impressive Castles:

Totnes Castle – On top of the charming little Devon town of Totnes stands the Norman fortress of Totnes Castle. The views from the top of the castle are outstanding, offering a panorama view of the entire town and River Dart.

The castle itself was thought to have been built sometime in the 10^th century.

After visiting the castle be sure to enjoy a stroll along the steep, narrow town lanes – they offer a festival of perky shops and some pleasant eateries.

Dartmouth Castle – The most striking feature of Dartmouth Castle is that it stands tall right on the banks of the Dart Estuary – a stunning waterside setting. Dartmouth Castle was initially built in the 14^th century, but underwent substantial works in the 15^th century when Henry VIII had it redesigned to be able to better fit his weaponry.

Close to Dartmouth Castle is Kingswear Castle and St Petroc’s Church. Given the beautiful setting (right at the mouth of the Dart Estuary), Dartmouth Castle is well worth a visit – not just to marvel at the history but to enjoy the awesome scenery and perhaps enjoy a picnic. It’s possible to arrive in style via ferry – taking in the lovely views available from the River Dart along the way.

Okehampton Castle – These castle ruins, set at the foothills of Dartmoor, were the medieval home of the Earls of Devon. The Castle offers a free audio tour and after enjoying the stroll around the castle grounds (including the chapel, gatehouse and priests lodgings) you can take in a pleasant woodland walk or relax by the riverside picnic area.

The castle itself dates as far back as the 11^th Century.

A highly fascinating side-note – it’s thought that the castle is haunted so be sure not to wander around by yourself once the sun sets!

Berry Pomeroy Castle – About two miles east of Totnes is this former dwelling of the Seymour and Pomeroy families. The castle and Elizabethan mansion was initially built in the 15th century and underwent expansion towards the end of the 17th Century. This is another castle that is thought to be haunted!

Tintagel Castle – It’s believed that King Arthur was born here while Merlin stood famously in a cave beneath the castle.  The remains of Tintagel Castle are quite spectacular – set upon the steep Cornwall cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

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East Gate Arch

With a population struggling to reach 7,000 the interesting little town of Totnes is steeped in history and legend (it’s here that a Trojan prince named Brutus is believed in folklore to have founded Britain in the 11th century). Set in the pavement opposite Atherton Lane, is the Brutus Stone, which according to legend is the place where Brutus, founder of the British people, first stepped ashore. He is reputed to have proclaimed ‘Here I stand and here I rest and this place shall be called Totnes’. This is the stuff of legends!

Present day Totnes is a bustling market town with charming views and splendid architecture with plenty of listed buildings for such a small place.

Totnes main street has a wide spread of delightful restaurants for visitors to pick and choose from – the choices range from traditional English tea rooms and bistros that are simply brimming with character to foreign-cuisine restaurants. You don’t have to travel far for meals as there are ample eateries in and around the town to suit every taste and pocket. In Totnes you’ll be truly enjoying local foods as many of the eateries pride themselves on the use of locally sourced seasonal ingredients and organic produce.

Things to See and Do in Totnes

The first thing that strikes you about Totnes is the pure charm and elegance of the town – a walk up the steep streets is highly recommended. In many ways it’s typical of the small English town experience and the narrow streets are dwarfed by ancient, historic buildings (quite a few dating back to the 16th century). Local historian, Bob Mann, has put together a heritage walk which points out these historical buildings within a small area. The historic walk starts at the Town Mill, which houses the Information Centre.

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle

Totnes Castle – First built in the 11th century by Judhel, the Norman overlord of Totnes, the castle has dominated the town for centuries. The remains of Totnes Castle today are thought to be from the 13th century. The castle is well worth visiting and offers some spectacular vistas of the town, the River Dart below and views in every direction.

Other points of interest

Climb the steps to Ramparts Walk and the Guildhall is in a quiet area behind St Mary’s Church. The Guildhall holds some interesting exhibitions including Oliver Cromwell’s table. This is no ordinary council headquarters and a visit to Totnes Guildhall promises to be a major experience. The Totnes Museum (located in a beautiful old Elizabethan style house) has a room devoted to the mathematician, Charles Babbage, who is regarded as the pioneer of modern computers.

Yes, Totnes has its dark secrets and those brave of heart can join the Totnes Ghost Walk which begins from outside the Town Mill. Other activities to do in and around Totnes include visits to adventure parks, agricultural shows, environmental parks and wildlife, guided walks, river trips and steam train rides along stunning stretches of coastline and countryside.

Totnes Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for classy hotels in Totnes, friendly guesthouses, cosy cottages, inns, or the warm welcome of a farm, you’re sure to find something to suit your style and budget in Totnes and the surrounding area.

Close to Totnes is the village of Dartington, boasting some fascinating medieval buildings. Dartington also has 25 acres of lovely gardens and a famous music school.

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter is without doubt the capital of Devon, though ironically it’s not the typical town that most visitors come to expect when they think about Devon. There’s a certain high pace and vibrancy about Exeter that is out of place with the rest of the county.

Not only is Exeter the most culturally and commercially important place within Devon – it has a famous university – but it boasts a vivid historical importance with plenty of old buildings and other important landmarks of heritage. The holiday maker who visits Devon should at least pop in to Exeter for a visit.

There’s a lot about Exeter that a quick walk reveals. The city wall remains date back to 200 AD (initially built by the Romans) and what is now the High Street is pretty much the street plan that was laid out since Roman times.

Things to See in Exeter

Impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral was originally built in the 11th century.  The Cathedral still features two massive Norman towers that were part of the original building when it was consecrated in 1133. The building is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Britain. At Cathedral Close is the timber-framed Mol’s Coffee House, one of the finest buildings here.

Ten-minute walk from the Cathedral and you’re at the historic quayside, one of Exeter’s most attractive areas of the city. Its history dates back to Roman times, and there is still evidence of Exeter’s wealthy maritime past in the fascinating architecture.  While you’re here, visit the Quay House Visitor Centre which covers 2,000 years of Exeter’s history.  Don’t worry, it won’t take you 2,000 years – you can skip through it in just 15 minutes! The Quayside is also an ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea.

The Quayside is a hub of activity in the summer months with all kinds events including Dragon Boat racing! You can go on boat trips  or cross the river on Butts Ferry, one of only five floating bridges in the country! You can also hire canoes and pedalos from the Quayside.

Other notable places of interest include the Guildhall, one of Britain’s oldest civic buildings,  Royal Albert Memorial Museum (closed till 2010 for refurbishment), St. Nicholas Priory where you could step back in time and experience Tudor life first hand and the opulent Customs House by the Quay.  If you’re interested in rare plants, check out Exeter University’s Streatham campus.

Exeter has developed significantly in recent years, and offers visitors and residents a huge choice of entertainment and leisure. It boasts one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Devon and there are plenty of restaurant choices too, from tapas and Thai to Middle Eastern and Latin American.

Exeter Hotels

Hotels in Exeter include luxury four star hotels and boutique town houses. Some of the hotels in Exeter are located in historic buildings, so you can really take in the atmosphere of this beautiful and historic city. If you want to escape the city, there are wonderful country house hotels, set in acres of wide open space, giving you a sense of ‘getting away from it all‘. Each hotel has its own restaurant,several of which are award winning eateries.

Nearby Towns

Close-by to Exeter is the lovely estuary port of Topsham. This bustling port is a perfect example of a prosperous and charming English town. Walk along the narrow streets, take in a coffee at a canal-side café and if possible hop onto a bus for perhaps the best way to explore the nooks and crannies that Topsham has to offer. Foodies will appreciate Topsham with its many historic pubs and award-winning restaurants – good food is a Topsham speciality.

Topsham’s charming passenger ferry takes passengers (and bikes) across the Exe to enjoy walks or lunches at idyllic waterside pubs.  You can also take short or long cruises to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or to Exmouth’s sandy beaches.  The narrow Goat Walk beside the Exe estuary offers wonderful views and sunsets.

Very close to Exeter (2 miles) is a lovely little town called Ottery St Mary – offering some of the most winding streets to be found anywhere, and a wonderful ancient church that stretches back to the 14th century. Also close to Exeter is the town of Sidmouth which has plenty of smart villas and cottages.

Dawlish and its beautiful parks

In South Devon the pleasant seaside resort of Dawlish is very popular with visitors, many of whom return year after year for their holidays in Dawlish or for day trips to enjoy the nice atmosphere that the town has to offer.

Dawlish is an interesting little regency resort town nestled attractively between steep surrounding hills. It’s a nice place to drive to because the scenic countryside suddenly explodes into a panorama of cliffs and roads that run along the coast.

Dawlish’s Celebrity Links

Like many of the resort towns in South Devon, Dawlish town itself, especially around the seafront, reflects a classic  Regency and early Victorian style. The Strand (1803-1809) which is now mostly converted to shops, remains impressive.  Jane Austen stayed here, as did Charles Dickens.  Those who’ve read Nicholas Nickleby may know that Dickens made Dawlish the birthplace of Nicholas Nickleby.

Also worth noting are Manor House and Brook House (both about 1800) and some of the cottages in Old Town Street surviving from the old Dawlish village. Visit the Museum and learn about Dawlish’s transformation from an insignificant fishing settlement to a watering hole for Victorian celebrities.

Here are just a few of the many attractive features of Dawlish

• In the heart of the town is the colourful Dawlish park, a flat landscaped area called ‘The Lawn’, home to various wildfowl and the famous Dawlish black swans. The black swans were brought here from Australia by a local resident, they have been here since at least the early 1900s. The park is peppered with many varieties of plantlife including bright flowers, palms and even giant cacti.
• Good quality sand beaches and (Coryton) cove.
• The ‘night lights’ which turn Dawlish into a beautiful evening coastal town perfect for summer strolls and al-fresco dining.
• Carnival week (August) offers various free entertainment programs & processions. This hugely colourful event for locals and visitors alike, is usually accompanied by the breathtaking Red Arrows aerobatic display.
• The Shaftesbury Theatre in Brunswick Place runs programs all year.
• There are boat trips along the coast or up the Estuary, and Powderham Castle is on the doorstep.

Dawlish has a good selection of shops of all types and its own Leisure Centre.  At any time of day there’s plenty of places to eat and drink.

Dawlish Warren

Close to Dawlish is ‘Dawlish Warren’ - a seaside town that is believed to have one of the best five beaches within the United Kingdom (it has received the European Blue Flag Award). Aside from a great beach, Dawlish Warren has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts – being located in a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) – the area attracts many wildfowl and wading birds. The area is also home to over 600 types of flora.  Dawlish Warren has its own railway station, regular bus services and cycle hire so you don’t really need to drive on your Dawlish holidays.

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Mousehole, Cornwall

Cornwall – the English Riviera?

On the very south-western tip of England lies the beautiful county of Cornwall. With a delightful mix of superb beaches (among the best in Britain), outstanding scenery and charming towns, villages and cities, this county has something to offer everyone for their holiday in Cornwall.

With the wealth of attractions & scenic beauty on offer, Cornwall has just as many affordable holiday cottages, hotels, B&Bs & guesthouses to suit the budgets of all holidaymakers.

Cornwall is also Britain’s premier surfing capital– not surprising given that it enjoys the best weather anywhere in the country. It also has some of the cleanest beaches and attracts visitors by the millions every year.

Whether it’s lazing on lovely white beaches, ambling along wonderful sub-tropical gardens or exploring quiet, picture-perfect fishing villages you’re after, you’ll find it all when you visit Cornwall.

The famous King Arthur is also believed to have come from Cornwall, in a small town called Tintagel. Cornish history is mystical, ancient and highly fascinating. The many delightful towns and villages are often named after the Christian missionaries that have influenced them.

Like your food and drink? Cornish pubs are known for offering good hearty foods and your choice of flavoursome ales. And let’s not forget the “Cornish pastie” – a tasty must-have  meat pie that must be experienced when visiting Cornwall.

But the good news is that you don’t have to eat Cornish pasties throughout your entire holiday in Cornwall.  With its wide expanses of coastline, there’s plenty of seafood here and the celebrity chefs have arrived as well.  Whether you prefer French cuisine, Mediterranean or modern cooking, there’s plenty to choose from.  Rick Stein alone has four restaurants in Padstow and a pub in St. Merryn.  I once saw this man barbeque a piece of moonfish on the beach and it looked so delicious that the memory has stayed with me to this day.

Holidays In Devon

Quaint cottage, Devon

Devon is famously known to offer the traveller a feast of splendid scenery, lovely beaches and pretty harbour towns. Popular destinations within Devon include Plymouth, Torbay and Dartmoor National Park.

Devon is also a walkers paradise, and like neighbouring Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations within the United Kingdom. And it’s very easy to see why – lush pastures break out into spectacular coastlines, making Devon a Mecca for those hunting for a taste of quaint old England.

While enjoying a holiday in Devon, be sure to experience the wonderfully rugged coastline scenery. Devon is also blessed with some stunning countryside – charming narrow little roads amble on for miles with nothing but lush greenery and flora that offers a myriad of explosive colours during the summertime. Driving through these single-lane roads is an experience like no other – arrive in a Devon town that’s dotted with picture perfect thatched cottages and enjoy a cream tea and scone in one of the many tea-shops.

Devon offers the traveller a classic English village experience – and there are many great country cottages, hotels, self-catering accommodation, B&Bs and many more types of accommodation to cater to the needs of both the luxury traveller and budget conscious back-packer.

Like Cornwall, many famous chefs have found their way to Devon and if you want to treat yourself to some fine cuisine there’s even a restaurant here with one Michelin star.

Devon also offers some of the best year-round weather to be found anywhere in the UK. Temperatures in January (when the rest of the country is shivering) average a maximum of 9 degrees.

If you enjoy coasts & estuaries then a holiday in Devon will delight you – the estuaries (such as the Teign) also attract many species of migratory birds.

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Traditional scones, jam and clotted cream

It’s true that the Cornish enjoy their food – so much so that Devon and Cornwall are known almost as much for their culinary offerings as their stunning scenery and coasts.

Fine Dining

In recent times, the celebrity chefs have arrived in Devon and Cornwall and so have the foodies and food festivals.  With the abundance of seafood, diary produce, seasonal fruit and vegetables and the creative cooking skills of these famous chefs, dining out in Devon and Cornwall has become very exciting.  Fine dining is now easily available on your Devon and Cornwall holidays.

Traditional Food

Of course traditional foods still play an important part of the sustenance for families on holidays and there’s nothing nicer than a filling Cornish pastie or fresh fish and chips after an exhaustive day of surfing.

Cornish Pastie

The famous Cornish Pastie is just one of the local edible treats available in this charming English county. The Cornish pastie is a tasty puff pastry that’s stuffed with beef steak (or mince), onions, potatoes and seasoned with pepper. It must be tried (assuming you’re not a vegetarian) at least once during your visit to Cornwall.

Famous starters include Kiddly Broth, a soup made with onions, bacon and hard bread as well as nettle soup (yes, it’s made from real nettles).

Fish & Chips is a famous English dish – however, the Cornish use beer to make their batter and it certainly makes for an interesting variation of standard fish and chips.

Star Gazy Pie is a pastry made with pilchards (herring or mackerel can also be used), boiled eggs, bacon, onions and white wine.

Fancy something sweet? Cornish sweets include Cornish Cherry Choclets (a mix of chocolate, syrup, cherries and butter), Cornish Splits (made from sugar, milk, flour and lard) and Figgy ‘obbin (a baked treat consisting of raisins, milk, sugar and flour). And don’t forget the world-famous Devonshire Cream Teas with their delicious scones thickly spread with fresh butter, fruity strawberry jam and topped with thick Devon clotted cream!

Devon cows

As you’d probably expect by now the Cornish also have their own signature drinks. These include Aunt Ellys Nog (a mix of eggs, cream, vanilla, sugar and milk), Cornish Mine Punch (rum, brandy, lemons and sugar) and Cornish Spiced Mead.

Other foods that Cornwall is known for are the rich Cornish fudge and ice cream and Cornish Hevva Cake.

Cows are busy in Devon and they produce an abundance of fat-rich, creamy milk.   Devon is of course famous for its clotted cream, farmhouse cheeses and other dairy products!

A popular Devon specialty is Deep Fried Cheeses with gooseberry sauce.

Scrumpy is a type of cider particular to Devon, made from apples that fall off the trees before ripening, but if something stronger is needed, then try Plymouth Gin.