Towns and Villages in Devon

Westward Ho!

17 September 2026

Westward Ho! is one of possibly only two place names in the world that features an exclamation mark; it's almost impossible to say it without breaking into a smile. Once dominated by holiday camps, Westward Ho! has been updated in recent years and although it remains a lively resort, it now has a thriving permanent population. The big draw, of course, is the beach – two miles of sand stretching into the distance, backed by a pebble ridge that forms a dividing line between the beach and Northam Burrows Country Park, a magnificent stretch of salt marsh, grassland and sand dunes.

Woolacombe

13 September 2026

Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.

Honiton

19 April 2026

Once famous for lace-making, now renowned for its busy antiques trade. Georgian houses line the streets and give Honiton the perfect atmosphere for a spot of antique shopping.

Budleigh Salterton

4 November 2024

Budleigh Salterton lies on the very western tip of the Jurassic Coast and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by open countryside and woodlands, with rich red cliffs rearing up either side of the town, Budleigh Salterton is a blissful escape from the 21st century. The pebbly beach has room for everyone with two and half miles of seafront with beachside cafes and even some classic beach huts available to hire.

Clovelly

5 October 2024

A beautiful, unspoilt fishing village enveloped in green countryside. From Clovelly it is easy to take a boat trip across to Lundy Island, a pristine little wilderness just off the coast. Unusually, this village is privately owned and has a modest entrance fee to help maintain its upkeep.

Widecombe in the Moor

26 August 2024

The very heart of Dartmoor, this village is tucked into breathtakingly beautiful countryside. A couple of friendly pubs, cosy tea-rooms serving cream teas and a blissful, far-from-the-modern-world atmosphere.

Hartland

25 August 2024

Once a busy Georgian market town, Hartland is now a beautiful, peaceful idyll set in stunning surroundings. It's a rare visitor who leaves without seeing Hartland Abbey; built 850 years ago, the Abbey is a magnificent residence (it is still a family home to this day) which exhibits a variety of architectural styles including Queen Anne and Regency. Hartland Quay, a short distance from the village, is known for the immense rock formations that rear out of the sea; storms battering the north Devon coast here are invariably a dramatic sight.

Barnstaple

8 July 2024

One of north Devon's largest towns, Barnstaple is a hive of activity all year round. The popular Pannier Market is good for a browse, while the Green Lanes shopping centre has many big high street retailers if you feel the urge to shop.

Dartmouth

24 March 2024

Historically, Dartmouth was of strategic importance as a port used in the crusades of 1147 and 1190. Dominated by Britannia Royal Naval College, it has two fortified castles protecting the mouth of the River Dart. There are many historical buildings, a cobbled market place, shops, galleries, gourmet restaurants and delicatessens. National Trust Gardens, the South West Coast Path and clean beaches are nearby.

Combe Martin

28 August 2023

Combe Martin is on the edge of Exmoor and claims to have the longest village street in England. Visit the Pack of Cards Inn, built to celebrate a large win at cards by George Lay in 1626; it has 52 windows, one for each card in the pack, and four floors, each with 13 doors. The beach is perfect for the whole family with rock pools, cliffs, caves and pebbles plus lots of soft sand when the tide is out.

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Towns and Villages in Devon