What is Devon Famous For? Top Devon Facts
Devon is a beautiful county in southwest England that is known for its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and quaint villages. Here are 10 fun facts about Devon to know when you’re on your holidays.
21+ Top Devon Facts
Geography Facts
- Devon is England’s third-largest county.
- Devon has the longest road network of any county in England.
- The River Exe is the longest river in Devon, stretching for over 60 miles from its source on Exmoor to the English Channel.
- There are approximately 2,600 square miles (7,000 square km) of land in Devon.
- Devon has two coastlines. The north coast is known for its rugged cliffs and popular surfing beaches, while the south coast boasts picturesque towns and villages, including the English Riviera.
- Dartmoor National Park is located in Devon and covers over 368 square miles of moorland. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, sheep, and birds of prey.
- 65% of Devon’s coastline is recognised as Heritage Coast.
- There are approximately 1.1 million people living in Devon which is relatively low compared to other areas in England.
History Facts
- Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in England. It was founded in the 12th century and boasts stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows.
- The town of Totnes is known for its alternative and bohemian culture, with many independent shops, cafes, and galleries. It also has a castle that dates back to the Norman conquest.
- Devon is home to many historic buildings, including Powderham Castle, which has been in the same family for over 600 years, and Buckfast Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery.
- The famous author Agatha Christie was born in Torquay, Devon, and many of her novels are set in the county. There is even an Agatha Christie Mile in Torquay, which takes visitors on a tour of the places associated with the author.
- Devon has a rich maritime history and was once a hub for shipbuilding and fishing. The town of Brixham is still home to a thriving fishing industry and hosts an annual fishing festival to celebrate the local catch.
- Human remains have been discovered in Kents Cavern in Torquay, dating back an estimated 30,000-40,000 years, which tourists can visit through tours.
Fun Devon Facts
- Devon is famous for its cream teas, which consist of scones, clotted cream, and jam served with a pot of tea. It is a traditional afternoon treat that can be enjoyed in many tea rooms throughout the county.
- There’s a wide range of wildlife in Devon, ranging from Dartmoor ponies to bottlenose dolphins to seals in Brixham.
- Parliament Street in Exeter is the narrowest street in the world and measures 64cm at the narrowest point.
- The Devonshire dialect is a distinctive form of English that is still spoken in some rural areas of the county. It features unique words and phrases, such as “proper job” (meaning a good job) and “gurt” (meaning great or large).
- Devon invented the Cornish pasty! The earliest recorded pasty recipe dates back over 500 years ago in a Devon book.
- The Jack Russell was first bred in Dartmouth as a hunting dog by Reverend John Russell.
- Tourism is the main income in Devon, following a decline in industries such as fishing, mining and farming.
- The green and white Devon flag was adopted in 2003 following a competition run by BBC Radio Devon, which called for locals to design the county a flag.
- Westward Ho! is the only place in the UK to have an exclamation mark in its name, and was named after a novel by Charles Kingsley.
- Ronde in East Devon is the only house in the UK to have 16 sides, and it was built for two spinsters after they returned from a tour of Europe.
Summary of Facts about Devon
These are just a few of the many interesting facts about Devon that make it a unique and special place to visit or live.
If you’re planning a holiday to Devon, take a look at the Quayside Hotel in Brixham situated on the South Coast of Devon. The stunning fishing village is brimming with things to see and do for all ages and is one of the best hotels in Brixham harbour.
FAQ
Devon is best known for its stunning coastline, cream teas, harbour towns, rolling hills, and quaint villages.
1. Devon is a county located in southwest England, known for its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and quaint villages.
2. Dartmoor National Park, which covers over 368 square miles of moorland, is located in Devon and is home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, sheep, and birds of prey.
3. Devon is famous for its cream teas, which consist of scones, clotted cream, and jam served with a pot of tea, and is a traditional afternoon treat that can be enjoyed in many tea rooms throughout the county.
Devon is famous for many things, including its stunning coastline, cream teas, Dartmoor National Park, its maritime history, and Agatha Christie.
During the period of Roman occupation, Devon was home to the Celtic Dumnonii, also known as the “Deep Valley Dwellers”. The major Roman base in the area was Isca Dumnoniorum, located in Exeter. The Dumnonii thrived for around five hundred years until the early 680s, when they were displaced westward by the Anglo-Saxons, crossing the River Tamar. Over time, the Saxon name for the region, “Dyfneint”, evolved into the name we know today as Devon.
Related Articles:
- 13 Best Things to Do in Brixham with Kids
- Best Places to Visit in South Devon
- What To Do On a Wet Day in Brixham
- Best Things to Do in Torquay
- Best Things To Do In Paignton
- 13 Best Things to Do in Torbay
- 37 Best Things to Do in Brixham
- 9 Best Things To Do In Torquay When It’s Raining
- 13 Best Things to Do in South Devon
- 13 Best Things to Do with Kids in Devon