bunnygirl

Hello, Im planning to go to Devon for only 2 days for a romantic relaxing weekend. We just want to relax and go for long walks amongst rolling hills, thatched cottages and admire the scenery. Not too bothered if we arent near the sea. Im not sure which part of Devon (Exmoor or South Devon - South Hams?) are the prettiest areas to stay in. We are planning to take the rail from London but Im not sure if its better to take the car or even rent a car when we are in Devon as Im not sure how long it would take by public transport to explore the surrounding villages.

Please do let me have your opinions on which part of Devon is the most prettiest, I know that all of it is very scenic, but Id love to stay around the meadows and hills, so any area with that description would be ideal.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

tedgale

If I were visiting Devon, I would certainly include a visit to the National Trust's Castle Drogo, NW of Exeter, near Drewsteignton, on Dartmoor.

Open daily 1130-5 April-October. Closed Fridays:

Drewsteignton, Devon, EX6 6PB, tel 01 647 433 306

or visit the National Trust site.

It is a 20th century residence, a masterpiece by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Probably the most beautiful house I have ever entered; fine Lutyens designed garden, too.

Lots of other NT properties in the area, too. Car needed.

bunnygirl

thank you.

Anyone else to advise me?

Steve_James

Bunny - As you say, much of Devon is very attractive - but I think the North Devon/Exmoor area is hard to beat. It also has some of the best coastal scenery in England ...

LYNMOUTH makes a good base for great walks. The area is known locally as 'Little Switzerland' as it's so scenic. Don't miss the Valley of the Rocks coastal walk, or the riverside walk up to Watersmeet.

This link might help:

http://www.southcliffe.co.uk/exmoor_walks.html

For a picture-postcard thatched cottage village, don't miss nearby SELWORTHY in Somerset.
http://www.picturesofengland.com/Eng...elworthy_Green

Hope this helps ...

Steve

semiramis

So much of Devon is so pretty.It is hard to single out one or two areas but like a previous poster I love the Lynton/Lynmouth area with its lovely walks. Selworthy in Somerset is pretty - although personally in that area, I really like Lyme Regis. Whatever you choose it really is hard to go wrong in the Devon/Somerset area.

TuckH

Setting aside the coastal areas since you said you'd "love to stay around the meadows and hills", I'll offer my opinion, which is that I prefer the Dartmoor over the Exmoor for your purposes.

Specifically, I think that you should head for Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Nearby is Buckland, Lustleigh and others. You can hike along the river Dart. That's where you'll be able to "go for long walks amongst rolling hills, thatched cottages and admire the scenery".

P.S. Selworthy is more like a stage setting and not a true village and it was a big disappointment for us.

nijop

Would agree that Lynton & Lynmouth have most to offer. We stayed at http://www.longmeadhouse.co.uk/
well recommended!

julia_t

I only know the South Hams area of Devon, the sort-of-triangle below the A38 and Dartmoor, with Torquay and Plymouth at the top corners.

Kingsbridge is the largest town, although Totnes and Dartmouth are nice. I personally love the villages of Modbury and Thurlestone, South Milton and Hope. And I also love Salcombe, a pretty sailing and fishing village. There are lovely coastal walks, endless thatched cottages, rolloing meadows and wooded river valleys. Tiny narrow single-track lanes between high hedges (be prepared to reverse!).

There is the romantic Art Deco hotel on Burgh Island which is reached at high tide by sea tractor(that's the island Agatha Christie set her thriller now called 'And Then There were None' - and once I saw Whoopi Goldberg there!).

I have to rush off now, but to find out about any of these places, go to google, type in Tourist Information followed by the name of the place, and up will come lots of links to search.

Good luck, and have a great trip.

stevelyon

I would also vote for Lynton, but by way of difference I was also quite impressed with Woolacombe, and on the south coast: Branscome. I have ambitions to go to Dawlish it sounds so nice but not heard anyone recommend it, thus far.

wrrllw

Another vote for South Devon - the Totnes/Dartmouth area is just stunning (I grew up in Plymouth). Dartmoor is great - but more for "serious walking in open country" than rambling through fields. Renting a car on arrival is a good idea - I'd rate the public transport awat from mainline stations as "limited"; if you're (only) there for a couple of days, your own wheels will help.