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The South Devon Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 337 square Kilometres,
including much of the South Hams area of Devon and rugged coastlines.
Click on any of the images
below to go to the town of your choice.
South Devon has now been a
designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for fifty years. In 1960
it became a protected landscape, one of the finest in Britain. The area
is celebrated as one of exceptional variety having an outstandingly
beautiful coastline and magnificent rolling countryside. From its market
towns, quiet villages and hidden hamlets, South Devon is unique in
having something to offer every type of visitor.
South Devon’s beaches are some of the cleanest in the Westcountry, many
having the coveted Blue Flag award. The beaches vary from the wide sandy
family beach with many amenities such as Abbey Sands in Torquay to quiet
intimate coves, hidden away and waiting to be discovered by those
looking for a more peaceful relaxing time. The beaches of Torbay offer
many sporting facilities such as water skiing, sailing and diving. The
smaller beaches have rock pools so loved by children. Also known as The
English Riviera Torbay has a mild and balmy climate ideal for relaxing
out of doors.
Torbay now holds UNESCO Geopark status as it is home to the famous
series of caves known as Kent’s Cavern. Walks and activities in and
around Torbay Geopark will allow the visitor to travel back millions of
years and discover a rich geological heritage.
A visit to Babbacombe Downs, Goodrington and Berry Head are recommended,
also a trip to Torquay Museum where the area’s geological heritage is
well laid out and explained.
Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the three towns making up Torbay, are
ideal for families. They have all the amenities that make up a memorable
family holiday. From sightseeing to shopping Torbay is an ideal place to
stay having a variety of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering
facilities. Children will love Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts; parents
will find the scenery and sea air exhilarating.
Further along the South Devon coast lays the South Hams with its quieter
beaches and estuaries, wooded hills and narrow lanes. The South Hams
comprises the towns of Dartmouth, Totnes, Kingsbridge and Salcombe and
the villages in between. The area has a wealth of history, and time
spent discovering its past will be well rewarded. Of the villages
Dittisham is a fine example of a typical Devon village with Greenway,
the former home of Agatha Christie just across the river.
Travel around South Devon is easy and the area can be explored by car,
bus, steam train, boat or on foot. For walkers, the area has a network
of footpaths and of course the outstanding South West Coast Path. This
is the best way to view the coastline and may be walked in sections
easily accessible from the roads. The coast path takes in stretches of
rugged grandeur broken by hidden coves and rolling hills. From
Babbacombe to Bolt Tail, no stretch of the coast path has more
breathtaking scenery or greater variety.
South Devon is an ideal base from which to visit the rest of the county
of Devon. Using a variety of transport the county is easily accessible.
The cities of Plymouth and Exeter offer excellent shopping days.
Dartmoor is a must for the serious walker and sightseer alike and no
visit to Devon is complete without a visit to the moors followed by a
Devon Cream Tea.
Devon is well respected for the quality of its food and farming. The
county has weekly farmers markets and a variety of small independent
food shops in most of its main towns. Devon is well known for its
Clotted Cream but is also famous for its Cider, Honey, Salmon, Beef and
Jams. The discerning visitor should determine to return home with a
selection of local Devon produce after a memorable holiday here.
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Timestep
Electronics Ltd
PO Box 2001 Dartmouth Devon TQ6 9QN
Tel: 01803 833366 Fax: 01803 839498
e-mail click here
01 February 2010
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