Venturing Into Devon - Our Favourite Spots Across The Border
Looking for a new day out? Devon might only be our next door neighbour but it is a different world to Cornwall - full of lush green rolling hills, ancient woodland plus it's got the moor and coastline too. Come with us as we go venturing into Devon and find our favourite spots across the border...
Hallsands
Discover the village that fell into the sea! Hallsands is a tiny fishing village that got washed into the sea one stormy night in January 1917 after shingle dredging nearby had caused erosion to the beach that protected the village. Today you can still see the ruins of the cottages at the foot of the cliff, a spooky but interesting sight. Nearby there are stunning walks along the coast path plus plenty of beaches and crystal clear water to swim in.
Top Tip: After a day exploring head to The Pigs Nose Inn in East Prawle for a few pints and a fantastic meal!
Ashburton
This beautiful little town lies within the Dartmoor National Park and is packed full of interesting, independent shops. It's a hotspot for great antique shops with everything from bric-a-brac bargains to top quality antique furniture.
Top Tip: Don't miss the Information Centre at the bottom of the car park, not only is it handy to find more local places to go but its gift shop is full of products from local artisans from stained glass to wool socks!
Buckland Beacon
With hundreds of tors on Dartmoor it is hard to choose just one, but we love this one for its far reaching views right across the Teign River and out to sea. Plus it's usually very quiet and peaceful and it has the added unusual feature of having the Ten Commandments carved into the granite at the bottom of the tor - quite a bizarre sight! The work of a local stonemason in the 1920's and it took six months for him to carve the letters into the stone.
Branscombe Beach
Right over on the far side of Devon (from us anyway!) is the long beach of Branscombe. We love this beach as it looks so different to any beach in Cornwall - red rock cliffs, shingle underfoot and the wide sweeping views of the east Devon coast. The thatched café just behind the beach is a great spot for lunch and in the winter you can watch the storms roll by whilst being tucked up in the cosy café.
Top Tip: Don't miss the picturesque visit of Branscombe itself which has a lovely 14th century pub, The Masons Arms. Also, take a visit to the nearby Donkey Sanctuary which has free entry.
Watersmeet
Heading up into north Devon now, we love the woodland valley, waterfalls and stunning river gorge walk at Watersmeet near Lynmouth. Our favourite in the spring with the woodland wildflowers, or in autumn for the vivid colours in the leaves.
Top Tip: After your walk head to Lynmouth for fish and chips on the beach or head up to Valley of the Rocks for the dramatic views and cliffside drive.
Get ready for your adventures in Devon with our collections of coats, walking boots and rucksacks!