Devon Towns and Villages
Ashburton
A charming and distinctive town situated in a steep sided verdant valley in close proximity to Dartmoor and Holne Chase woodlands.
Brixham
A bustling harbour surrounded by early nineteenth century houses and cottages. Originally two places linked together by Bolton Street, Higher Brixham was a village with a parish church, and the fishing town of Lower Brixham was positioned by the harbour side over half a mile away. Over the years the two places have amalgamated, although some of the original village streets are still discernible.
Chagford
A picturesque town in a rather unique position between sharply contrasting types of landscape. To one side the treeless, wild, primeval reaches of Dartmoor with its jagged windswept tors, and in the other direction the sheltered fields, pretty woods and rolling hills of the Teign Valley. It was this juxtaposition of bleak and remote moorland with gentle scenery which attracted Evelyn Waugh to stay here during the writing of "Brideshead Revisited".
Cockington
An archetypal Devon village which, although in close proximity to Torquay, has managed to retain all of its original charm. Comprising almost entirely of thatched cottages, it can be reached by a pleasant meandering journey in a horse drawn carriage.
Cockington Court
an elegant Manor house mentioned in the Domesday Book, adjacent to which lies Cockington Church whose origins are in excess of nine hundred years old. It can also be accessed by a horse and carriage ride past the charming thatched lodge house at the entrance to the grounds.
Dartmouth
Thisis one of Devon's most ancient ports, and its sheltered position at the mouth of the Dart made it a popular harbour from the early middle ages. Dartmouth has maintained much of its original character, although the historic town houses have now become restaurants and antique shops. In the area around the Quay can be found one of the best examples of seventeenth century merchants' houses in Devon.
Dawlish
The original settlement was positioned about a mile inland at Dawlish Water in the shelter of the surrounding hills. It began to attract visitors at the end of the eighteenth century, and during 1803 the stream was straightened to follow a path through the wide lawns in the centre of the town, now populated with ducks and the distinctive black swans characteristic of Dawlish.
Exeter
There is evidence of inhabitants here since around 55A.D, when the military headquarters of the Second Augustan Legion was based at a fortress situated at the lowest crossing point of the Exe. Underneath the Cathedral Green are the remains of the stone bath house, and one of the earliest examples of a figured mosaic was discovered at the site around 1972. A Roman town grew around the original fortress, and by the third century A.D. had extensive city walls, a basilica and central forum and new public baths. The current High Street follows the line of the principal Roman road, and four medieval gates now replace the earlier Roman ones.
Ivybridge
A small town which developed around a paper mill in the nineteenth century. Set in a wooded valley at the side of the river Erme, Ivybridge has a distinctive railway viaduct spanning the valley and comprising of eight granite and brick arches.
Kingsbridge
Forde Street is attractive, with narrow fronted eighteenth century shops and houses. The town hall was built in 1850 in the Italianate style and a little further along the Shambles. Constructed in 1585, the granite piers, which support the upper floors, form an attractive loggia at ground level.
Lustleigh
A charming village situated on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, with a plethora of thatched cottages, well stocked village store, quaint inn, and Primrose tea-rooms arranged around the church. With a gently meandering stream flowing through the centre and along past the cricket ground, Lustleigh is the epitome of an idyllic English village.
Newton Abbot
A busy market town which originated as two settlements situated at the head of the river Teign and established towards the end of the twelfth century. The two original manor houses are both still in existence, Forde House to the east of the town, and Bradley Manor which, although still inhabited, is now in the care of the National Trust.
Plymouth
The largest city in the whole of the South West, Plymouth has a strong naval and military theme. It is set in an unrivalled position between the estuaries of the rivers Plym and Tamar, overlooking the huge expanse of Plymouth Sound. Originally consisting of three settlements, Plymouth; Devonport; and Stonehouse, which amalgamated during the nineteenth century.
Salcombe
A maritime settlement whose situation on sloping cliffs overlooking the estuary affords it unrivalled views. Since the mid-nineteenth century its sustained growth has been encouraged by its mild climate and the arrival of the railway to nearby Kingsbridge in 1893.
Shaldon
Lying on the opposite bank of the Teign to Teignmouth, Shaldon is a picturesque waterside village which has managed to retain its original charm. Thatched cottages can be found dotted around the village centre, and a network of quaint streets surround the village green.
Teignmouth
Originally a port and shipbuilding centre, Teignmouth has been a fashionable watering place and a popular destination for visitors since earley 1800's. At the end of the promenade stands a small limestone lighthouse built in 1845. The arrival of the railway in 1846 ensured Teignmouth's continued popularity.
Totnes
A unique and aesthetically appealing town with a distinctive heritage. There are still an abundance of wealthy merchants' houses surviving from that era, making it one of the best-preserved towns in England. Totnes began to develop as a market town in the middle of the 17th centuary and on Fridays the bustling market is particularly attractive and offers many distinctive items.
Widecombe-in-the-moor
A popular moorland village with pleasant tea rooms and an attractive church.
