Devon

About Devon

Devon Coat of Arms

Devon Coat of Arms

Devon is a large county in south west England. It is the third largest of the English counties and although sometimes referred to as Devonshire, it was never actually ‘shired.’  Bordering Cornwall to the west, Dorset to the east and Somerset to the northern side it benefits from access to both the English Channel and the Bristol Channel. Devon is served by the county town of Exeter and is also home to the larger city of Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park, a large part of Exmoor National Park and several coastal resorts making it a haven for the holidaymaker.

Devon contains the Dartmoor National Park, which is the largest open space in southern England, covering 368 square miles.Much of the county is rural land used for agriculture which leaves the county with a low population density in comparison to other British counties. 

Devon is unique in being the only county to have two separate coastlines, it has the South West Coast Path running the entire length of its coast. Along with the mild climate, scenic spaces and the characteristic coastal towns and villages Devon benefits from a large tourism industry.

The arrival of the railways and the popularity of the seaside resort has brought many people to Devon since the 19th century. Although there had been a decline, the latter part of the 20th century ensured that Devon saw a revival with many choosing to maintain a second property in the county and restoring several of the thatched cob cottages that were becoming redundant to the farm estate.

Devon Flag

Devon Flag

Facts

  • Population – 1,141,600 (2008)
  • County Town and Administrative HQ – Exeter
  • Governing Authority – Devon County Council
  • Major Industries – Tourism; Fishing; Mining; Farming; The Met Office
  • Police – Devon & Cornwall Police
  • Fire – Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – South Western Ambulance Service

Discover Devon - links to guides, what’s on and places to see 

 

Braunton Burrows, Devon

Braunton Burrows, Devon

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