Facts about Devon

Devon

Devon is the third largest of the English counties and has a population of 1,109,900. The head town, known as the cathedral city of Exeter ,. Plymouth is the biggest city in Devon . Much of the county is rural (including National Park) land, with a low population density by British standards. 365 square miles (950 km 2 ) are occupied by Dartmoor.

The county is home to part of England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Dorset and East Devon Coast, known as the Jurassic Coast for its geology and geographical features.. Devon has seaside resorts and historic towns and cities, and a mild climate, accounting for the large tourist sector of its economy.

Like neighbouring Cornwall to the west, Devon is disadvantaged economically compared to other parts of southern England, owing to the decline of a number of core industries, notably fishing, mining and farming

Devon is the only county in England to have two separate coastlines; the South West Coast Path runs along the entire length of both, around 65% of which is named as Heritage Coast . Inland, the Dartmoor National Park lies wholly in Devon, and the Exmoor National Park lies in both Devon and Somerset

You'll also see that most villages in Cornwall will have a good few with thatched cob cottages.

Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is a vast area of moorland, valleys and Tors stretching to around 369 square miles. The area is named after the River Dart and was granted National Park status in 1951. The park is very popular for hiking and is well known for its temperamental and misty weather conditions which can change so quickly. The Dartmoor Ponies graze freely on the moors and have been doing so since the eleventh century.

There are some beautiful buildings and attractions to explore in the Park such as Castle Drogo and the spectacular Lydford Gorge. One of the most famous buildings is Dartmoor Prison which was built in the early 1800's initially used for housing prisoners of war. Over the years the Prison has had some of the most dangerous and notorious villains but today its focus is on prisoner rehabilitation. There is a Museum which tells the story of past villains and there is a fascinating collection of items illegally made by the inmates.

The area's wild and rugged landscape was the setting for the Hound of the Baskervilles Sherlock Holmes novel.

Exmoor

Exmoor National Park is a beautiful area of scenic countryside and coast stretching to around 267 square miles including a large area of North Devon and crossing into Somerset . The area was granted National Park status in 1954. The Exmoor pony and red deer wander freely around the park.

There are many routes to explore throughout the park depending on how fit you are! Or alternatively there are some beautiful villages to leisurely enjoy a tasty cream tea.

Famous Devon people

Agatha Christie
Charles Kingsley
Chris Martin
Francis Drake
Francis Chichester
Samuel Phelps
Sir Donald Sinden
Sir Edmund Leach
Sue Barker
Thomas Bodley
Wayne Sleep
William Gifford

When buying your property in Devon always be sure to have a building survey carried out on your property, and the same goes for buying a pub or that guest house you've been longing to do for many years, always have a full commercial survey carried out.