Cultural Devon / Cultural Attractions in Devon / Devon's Historic Towns and Villages

Devon's Historic Towns and Villages

Hilltop lookouts, fishing ports, unspoilt secret villages and elegant seaside resorts, Devon's diverse historic towns and villages unfailingly charm and fascinate visitors.

Seafaring Brixham has been a bustling port since the Middle Ages, when it was the largest fishing port in the south west with a thriving boat building industry. It's famed too for its smugglers, skilled at evading the revenue men!

Dartmouth too has a piratical past, though today its quaint narrow streets are full of alluring shops and restaurants. For the small but perfect, look no further than Clovelly, a wonderfully unspoiled fishing village hugging the cliff face.

Inland, Widecombe-in-the-Moor still holds its famous annual fair, which gave rise to the well-known folk song. For spectacular views Great Torrington, set on an inland cliff top, is hard to beat; its strategic placing gave it a significant role in the Civil War.

Peaceful Crediton is still dominated by its cathedral-sized church - indeed for some years it was a bishop's seat. Dating back to Saxon days, Totnes is packed with reminders of its long and colourful heritage.