What is Devon famous for?
Devon is famous for many things. With its stunning coastline, quaint villages and clotted cream teas, this popular destination has plenty to offer its visitors. However its notoriety goes beyond its prowess as a holiday hot spot. Below we’ve compiled some of Devon’s biggest claims to fame so that you’ll always have an answer when asked ‘what is Devon famous for?’.
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1. Unbeatable beaches
Undoubtedly one of Devon’s most famous draws for visitors is its stunning beaches and coastline.
But did you know Exmouth is said to be the oldest beach resort in Britain? It’s been a popular retreat since Victorian times. Not only that, it also has Devon’s longest promenade at two miles in length.
Plus, Devon boasts some of the UK’s best surf. Top Devon surfing spots include Woolacombe Bay, Croyde, Staunton Sands and Putsborough.
Find out more about the best beaches for families in East, South and North Devon.
2. Famous alumni
Household names J.K. Rowling, Thom Yorke and Zara Tindall are all alumni of the University of Exeter.
The Harry Potter novelist graduated in 1986, Radiohead’s front man graduated in 1991, while Princess Anne’s daughter graduated in 2005.
Here’s even more famous Exeter alumni and places where Devon’s famous people have lived.
3. Agatha Christie
There aren’t many authors more famous than J.K. Rowling but Agatha Christie pips her at the post. And she was a Devonian! The famous crime writer was born in Torquay in 1890.
Alongside her 82 detective based novels, Agatha Christie loved Devon so much she even invested in a holiday home at Greenway near Brixham, which is now a National Trust site that welcomes visitors year-round.
Fan’s can also step inside the study of one of her beloved fictional characters, Hercule Poirot, at Torquay Museum.
4. Areas of outstanding natural beauty
From coast to countryside, Devon has responsibility for no less than five nationally recognised areas of outstanding natural beauty or, using their new name, National Landscapes.
The areas of the Blackdown Hills, Tamar Valley, the North Devon Coastline as well as South and East Devon have earned this high accolade, with unbeatable countryside and sea views.
This accounts for more than 10% of the National Landscapeses the whole of in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
5. Two coastlines
Something that gives Devon a very unique claim to fame is its two separate coastlines.
It is the only English county to boast this feature – a lesser known fact deserves a place in the spotlight.
The continuous East and South Devon coastline faces the English Channel and the North Devon coast looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean and Bristol Channel. Both coastlines have something unique to offer visitors, so be sure to pay them both a visit if you have the chance.
6. The historic Jacka Bakery
Plymouth, beside being the largest city in Devon, is also home to the world’s oldest bakery.
Dating back to 1620, Jacka Bakery famously made biscuits that sailed with the Pilgrims to America onboard the Mayflower. Nowadays, you’ll often find a queue out of the door to sample Jacka Bakery’s freshly baked goods.
Both locals and visitors love to shop here with the sausage rolls having earned legendary status for their exceptional flaky pastry and delicious meat filling.
7. A 16-sided house
A La Ronde is the country’s only 16-sided house and you can find this famous Devon building in Exmouth.
Now looked after by the National Trust, this property was built in 1796 by two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter.
Today you can visit the estate between March and October. Roam the grounds, step inside the house to see the cousins’ collectibles from their travels and spend some quiet time in the Bee Garden.
8. Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! adds to Devon’s fame by being the only place in the UK to have an exclamation mark in its name.
This small village near Barnstaple was named after a novel by Charles Kingsley to help bring tourism into the area.
Once here, you’ll discover its charming beach, which is popular for surfing and rock pooling. There’s also a sea pool, crazy golf and go karts.
9. Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo in West Devon is the UK’s newest castle, making it a famous Devon landmark. It was built between 1911 and 1931 for Julius Drewe, a self-made food retailing millionaire.
Today, the castle, which overlooks the Teign Gorge, is a National Trust site that can be visited throughout the year. Explore the seasonal gardens and indulge in the famous Devon cream teas in its on-site cafe.
10. The last English Witchcraft execution
A less happy claim to fame is that Exeter was the location for the last English execution for witchcraft in 1685.
Witchcraft, which was an accusation made mainly against women for all kinds of unexplained happenings, became a crime punishable by death in 1542.
This punishment was used for the last time against Alice Molland who was accused of ‘bewitching’ three of her neighbours.
Recent research has suggested that Alice may have in fact survived her sentence, adding more mystery to the tale.
Regardless of Devon’s many claims to fame and fun facts, it stands to reason that it will always be a much loved destination for holidaymakers. There are so many exciting things to see and do in the county. If you need some inspiration sign up to receive a copy of our 101 Days Out in Devon guide.
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