Devonia
Devon is located in the South West of England. It is a very rural and beautiful area, of rolling hillsides and dramatic coastlines. There are many attractions and beautiful places to visit. The following are local places of interest:
Just click on the small pictures to see the places in more detail. But REMEMBER to click your BACK BUTTON to get back to this page! Devon Links can be found on my Link page...
CLOVELLY
Clovelly is a very unusual village, with just one very steep cobbled street leading to the harbour. Sledges are used to transport things, as cars are not permitted on the High Street. Donkeys were very important in previous years, as they were used to pull the sledges.
APPLEDORE AND INSTOW
Appledore is a quaint fishing village on the River Torridge. This is home of Hocking's ice-cream.....in my opinion the best ice-cream in Devon! Instow is on the opposite bank of the river, and has a sandy beach. When the tide is high a small passenger ferry operates across the River Torridge, from Instow and Appledore quays.
BIDEFORD
"The little white town" of Bideford is on the estuary of the River Torridge. The medieval long bridge, believed to date from 1280 when a wooden bridge replaced the ford from which the town appears to have taken its name ( by the ford: beside the ford : or it might have been the ford of a Saxon called Bydda ). Around the 1500's the bridge was rebuilt in stone and widened - but the arches are all of different span due to variable medieval sponsorship. The original Pannier Market, dated from 1880's, is still in use every Tuesday and Saturday. Victoria Park, where the Tourist Information Centre is located, is a town park with walks, flower displays, swings, paddling pool, tennis and bowls. The Burton Art Gallery exhibits the work of many different artists from the locality. The High Street and Mill Street are the main streets for shopping. However, a few antique shops can be found in the Market Place.
TORRINGTON
Torrington is home to the famous Dartington Crystal, which is hand blown by experienced glass-blowers. For those who like to see the process of creating Dartington Crystal there is a factory tour, and gift shop. The Black Horse Inn is worth visiting for real Devon ale and homemade pub food. It is located in Torrington Square. The Royal Horticultural Society garden of Rosemoor is located on the outskirts of Torrington.
LUNDY ISLAND
Lundy is a remote island located off the North Devon coast. The ferry MS Oldenburg takes supplies and passengers to Lundy, from Bideford Quay or Ilfracombe. The times of sailing vary with the tides. The sea crossing can be rough, so for those who prefer a quicker journey Lomas operate a helicopter service. Peaceful and unspoilt, Lundy is popular with walkers, anglers, bird watchers, climbers and scuba divers. I suggest chartering a boat to Lundy as the most amazing views are seen from the sea......seals, birds, spectacular cliffs....... Lundy has the only Statutory Marine Nature Reserve in the United Kingdom.
WESTWARD HO!
Westward Ho! is named after a book by Charles Kingsley, a famous author. Westward Ho! has a sandy beach and pebbleridge. In the summer there is a Potwalloping festival where locals and visitors throw all the stray pebbles back onto the ridge. There are many walks, such as climbing the Kipling Tors and the coast path to Green Cliffs and Abbotsham.
Westward Ho! is attractive to everyone, from families to surfers.....although entertainment and some amenities are limited. The Royal North Devon Golf Course is located on the Northam Burrows, and has some of the oldest links in the world.
The picture above was taken when I was on holiday in Westward Ho! We had a lot of fun at the beach.
DEVON CREAM TEAS
Devon is renowned for it's 'Cream Tea'. This is not a cup of tea with a dollop of cream on top! A plain or fruit scone is cut in half.....and jam ( such as strawberry ) is spread over generously. Then as much clotted cream as possible is spooned on top of the jam. Clotted cream is thicker than double cream, so it is easier to 'dollop on the cream' if it's been left at room temperature prior to eating.
DEVON THATCHED COTTAGES
Devon is renowned for it's thatched cottages, such as my parent's cottage above. The roofs are thatched with straw or reed. The walls are very thick and are constructed of cob, which is a mixture of straw, mud and stone. The Coach and Horses Inn at Buckland Brewer is a thatched coaching house, reputedly dating from the end of the thirteenth century.
THE TARKA TRAIL
The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile long route, tracing the journeys of 'Tarka the Otter' in Henry Williamson's classic novel. It is a beautiful walk for walking or bicycling. Sighting otters while on the trail is unlikely as they are secretive and largely nocturnal creatures. However, keen naturalists may spot herons stalking the river shallows, buzzards overhead or deer near woodlands.
Eclipse 1999
South Devon is in the path of totality for the Eclipse on the 11th hour of the 11th day of August 1999. Prawle point will experience totality for 2 minutes and 6 seconds. There are many Eclipse events arranged for the week of the eclipse. I will let you know what it was like!!!
Films Made on Location in Devon
The Remains of the Day
Filmed at Powderham Castle, in South Devon. Anthony Hopkins is the dutiful butler of Darlington Hall in Merchant-Ivory's adaptation of the Booker Prize winning novel by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Sense and Sensibility
Filmed at Saltram House, Flete Estate, Berry Pomeroy and Compton Castle. Emma Thompson's Oscar-winning screenplay captures Jane Austen's comedy and wit. Exquisite period detail, beautiful cinematography and distinguished cast, including Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman ensure an absorbing, romantic and moving drama. Be prepared for tears at the end!
Howards End
Filmed at Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands. Merchant-Ivory's wonderful adaptation of E M Forster's novel, starring Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson.
Books about Devon
~ Art ~ Castles ~ Devonia ~ Links ~ Me ~ Shakespeare ~ Music ~ Photos ~ Poetry ~
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