Devon: Contrasting Coasts and Open Moorland
Devon is a county in southwest England with two distinct coastlines and a rural interior shaped by farmland, valleys and moorland. Its northern shore has exposed beaches and surf, while the southern coast is known for estuaries, sheltered coves and harbour towns. Inland, Dartmoor’s granite tors and open landscapes offer a different kind of day out. Visitors often combine coastal walks and beach time with village stops, cream teas and visits to historic towns. Devon can feel quite different from one area to the next: a quiet inland lane, a working fishing harbour and a busy seaside promenade may all be part of the same trip.
Places in Devon
2 places
About Devon
Two coastlines with different moods
Devon’s northern and southern shores reward different approaches. The north coast faces the Atlantic, with broad beaches, surf and stretches of high, exposed coastline. The south coast is more sheltered and indented by estuaries, where boats, waterside paths and small harbours are part of the scenery. Neither coast is uniform: you will find family beaches, rocky coves and working communities alongside traditional resorts. The South West Coast Path offers a way to experience both shores on foot, whether you plan a short walk or a longer route. Choose a base for the coastline you most want to explore rather than assuming every beach and harbour will be an easy outing from one place.
Beyond the beaches
Inland Devon has its own strong identity. Dartmoor is a landscape of open moor, granite tors and river valleys, with villages and farmland around its edges. Part of Exmoor also lies in Devon, adding another area of upland scenery to the county’s north. Between these landscapes are wooded lanes, market towns and agricultural countryside. Devon’s larger urban centres offer a contrast: Exeter has a cathedral and a compact historic core, while Plymouth’s waterfront reflects its long maritime connections. Exploring inland is not simply a fallback for a day away from the sea; it changes the pace and character of a visit.
A place to explore at an unhurried pace
Devon suits travelers who are happy to focus on a few areas rather than try to cover the whole county quickly. A day might centre on a coastal walk, a swim when conditions allow, or a drive through villages with a stop at a local pub or café. Seafood is a natural choice near fishing harbours, and a Devon cream tea is a familiar part of the county’s food culture. Summer brings a livelier feel to beach towns, while quieter periods can be appealing for walking and exploring. Weather can change plans, particularly on the exposed coast and moors, so it helps to keep an indoor option or a shorter route in mind.
What is Devon known for?
Two contrasting coasts
The exposed northern shore and more sheltered southern coastline offer different beaches, walks and harbour settings.
Dartmoor
Open moorland, granite tors and river valleys make this national park a distinctive inland landscape.
South West Coast Path
The long-distance trail follows Devon’s coastline, with many sections suitable for a shorter walk.
Surf beaches
North Devon’s Atlantic-facing beaches draw surfers, though conditions vary and local safety guidance matters.
Estuaries and harbours
Tidal waterways and harbour communities give much of the south coast its character.
Devon cream teas
Scones with clotted cream and jam are a familiar local tradition in tearooms across the county.
Why visit Devon?
A choice between Atlantic-facing beaches and sheltered south-coast coves
Coastal and moorland walks with very different scenery
Harbour towns, rural villages and historic urban centres to combine in one trip
Plenty of opportunities to enjoy seafood and traditional cream teas
Short coastal walks are possible without committing to a long-distance hike
Things to know
Devon is spread out; allow more travel time between its two coasts than a map may suggest.
A car is useful for reaching smaller villages and trailheads, though rail and bus services connect many larger places.
Rural roads can be narrow, with passing places and slower journeys than expected.
Popular beach towns are busier during school holidays; parking and accommodation benefit from advance planning.
Conditions on the moors and exposed coast can change quickly, so check the forecast before walking.
Check tides, swimming guidance and local safety information before entering the sea.