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South Devon

Blessed with such wonderful scenery and gentle climate, it's no surprise that South Devon has been attracting visitors for over 250 years. The contrast of river estuaries, rolling hills and lovely old towns combined with long warm summers and mild winters make South Devon the perfect year-round holiday destination.

South Devon has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country - from tiny sheltered coves to great sweeps of golden sands like Dawlish Warren, and long stretches of pebbles and shingle. Many of the beaches have passed tough tests to prove that they are also some of the safest and cleanest.

Stay at one of the many characterful old towns tucked in along the coast - Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge or Salcombe - and enjoy exploring their steep streets and rich history. Totnes, the second oldest borough in England, is full of its colourful past, with an ancient Guildhall, Norman castle and town gates. Indeed, tradition runs strong in this part of the world, and Kingsbridge's market dates back to 1219.

The coast is deeply indented by river estuaries, providing safe moorings for boats and refuge too for migrating birds. The Exe estuary in particular is an important stopping off site and the great sand spit of Dawlish Warren and the freshwater Slapton Ley are havens for wildlife. Don't miss the Teign and the Avon estuaries - their mussels and oysters are legendary, while the Dart estuary, often described as "the most beautiful in all England", has been a magnet to sailors for centuries.

Moving north, the land climbs steadily up to Dartmoor - a vast, ancient expanse dotted with granite tors, stone huts and cromlechs. A place to fire the imagination, feel a sense of freedom and enjoy wild, wide, open spaces.

Further information:
South Devon - www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk
South Devon AONB - www.southdevonaonb.org.uk

Tourist Information Centres
Ashburton - 01364 653426, email, website
Bovey Tracey - 01626 832047
Buckfastleigh - 01364 644522
Dartmouth - 01803 834224, email, website
Dawlish - 01626 215665, email
Ivybridge - 01752 897035, email
Kingsbridge - 01548 853195, email, website
Modbury - 01548 830159, email, website
Moretonhampstead - 01647 440043, email, website
Newton Abbot - 01626 215667, email
Salcombe - 01548 843927, email, website
Teignmouth - 01626 215666, email
Totnes - 01803 863168, email, website