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Devon

Discover Devon's beautiful coastline, national parks, market towns and diverse property opportunities with Strutt & Parker.

A guide to Devon

With dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches to rolling countryside and market towns, Devon offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rural charm and modern amenities. Located in the south west of England, it’s a highly sought-after county for a mix of residents including families and working professionals looking for great quality of life surrounded by some of England’s most breathtaking scenery.

With two coastlines, estuaries, fishing villages and miles of countryside, nowhere is ever far from the water. Known for hidden valleys, thatched cottages, farmers' markets, and traditional market towns with vibrant centres such as Exeter nearby to provide excellent shopping, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities.

From the Roman origins of Exeter and the maritime heritage of its coastal communities to the ancient landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor, Devon offers a fascinating connection to England's past. The county also benefits from a strong cultural scene, supported by theatres, galleries, festivals, museums, and a growing reputation for food, drink, and local independent businesses.

Devon provides endless opportunities for exploration with residents able to enjoy sailing on the Dart Estuary, surfing along the North Devon coast, fishing in local rivers and reservoirs, or walking and cycling through two spectacular National Parks.

Local schools

If you’re relocating to Devon as a family, there are an excellent selection of schools throughout the county to choose from. Popular independent schools include Exeter School, The Maynard School, Exeter Cathedral School, and Blundell's School in Tiverton, while state and grammar options include Colyton Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth's School in Crediton, and Torquay Grammar School.

Who calls Devon home?

Devon is the perfect fit for residents at varying stages of life. Families love it due to it’s excellent schools, coastlines and community feel, while working professionals choose the county for it’s improved connectivity to Exeter and surrounds. The area is also particularly popular with second-home owners looking for a slower pace of life surrounded by the coast and the countryside.

Lifestyle

Shopping

With the independent boutiques and pannier markets of its historic towns to the modern retail facilities of Exeter. Centres such as Exeter, Totnes, Tavistock, Barnstaple, and Honiton offer a mix of independent retailers, artisan producers, fashion boutiques, antiques shops, delicatessens, and specialist food stores. Residents can enjoy everything from weekly farmers' markets to high-street brands without having to make a journey too far from the county.

Eating and drinking

Devon is quickly becoming one of the UK's leading food destinations. With fresh seafood, locally reared meat, artisan cheeses, and seasonal produce featuring heavily across restaurants, cafés, and traditional pubs in the area. From waterside restaurants to cosy country inns and independent coffee shops, Devon's food and drink scene is a key selling point for residents and visitors to the area. Renowned for its food fairs, farmers' markets, and thriving pub culture there’s always something new to explore in Devon’s food scene.

Things to do

Life in Devon revolves heavily around the outdoors. Many residents and visitors alike enjoy surfing, sailing, paddleboarding, fishing, horse riding, walking, cycling, and golfing, with more than 50 courses located throughout the county. Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks provide vast areas of open countryside to explore, while the county's extensive coastline offers countless beaches, coves, and coastal paths for wild swimming, walking and relaxing. Throughout the year, Devon hosts agricultural shows, local festivals, sporting events, food fairs, and cultural celebrations that all contribute to its strong sense of community.

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Travel

Trains

Devon benefits from strong rail connections across the south west and beyond making it a perfect location for those wanting country living without a loss of connectivity. Exeter St David's serves as the county's principal railway hub, offering regular direct services to London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, and other major cities.

Roads and other transport

The M5 motorway extends directly into Devon via Exeter, providing convenient access to the Midlands, Bristol, and London. The A30 and A38 serve as the county's principal arterial routes, connecting communities across Devon and Cornwall.

Exeter Airport provides a range of domestic and international flights without having to travel too far from Devon. Local bus services also link towns, villages, and rural communities across the county. Ferry services operate from several coastal locations, and Devon's extensive network of footpaths and cycle routes makes exploring the countryside and coastline particularly accessible.

Strutt & Parker in Devon

Exeter

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Properties for sale in Devon

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Discover the value of your Devon home

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