Both my team and I were looking for a place to take a break from the daily grind, endless calls, and messages, when we first thought of traveling to South Devon. And South Devon became that place. It is a world of discoveries where time almost stops. There’s a sense about it that’s going to pull you in, and you will want to savor it slowly, fully taking in its every bit. No matter what, you just have to visit this place at least once!
A Sanctuary From Digital Noise
The southwest of England at its best is South Devon. The magic of this place is a quiet one that’s impossible to convey to someone unless they’re actually here. Maybe it’s the sea scents mixed with freshly cut grass or the way locals greet you as if you’ve been their neighbor for years.
It’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape digital noise. Here, you’ll want to turn off your phone and just enjoy the moment. Although it’s funny that one of our colleagues still received a strange call and mentioned trying to figure out who this number belongs to, only used ClarityCheck so far - but more on that later. Devon attracts over 5 million tourists annually, and most of them return again. That’s because the region is simply brimming with places that are impossible not to fall in love with once you’ve seen them. For example:
- Dartmouth - a charming port town with narrow streets and views of the River Dart. You can spend hours wandering here, stopping by local cafes that serve the freshest seafood;
- Salcombe - a coastal gem known for its beaches and yachting atmosphere. It’s a place where you’ll want to take a boat and just sail along the horizon;
- Totnes - a town with a bohemian spirit, full of independent shops and markets. If you love all things quirky, this is your destination.
Believe me, each of these places leaves a mark, like reconnecting with an old friend. Dartmouth, for instance, surprised us with an ancient bakery where the cream buns were so delicious that we were ready to give up everything we had just to learn their recipe. And it’s these kinds of things that ultimately create an addiction to this place.
Adventures You’ll Surely Enjoy
South Devon is also a paradise for those who love active recreation. You can find something to suit your taste, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer:
- South West Coast Path - a legendary trail along the coastline, offering views of cliffs and the sea;
- Kayaking in Salcombe - paddling through waters with opportunities to see yachts and wildlife;
- Cycling in Dartmoor - rides through the national park with hills and forests.
A walk along the South West Coast Path is a genuine way to recharge. The trail attracts about 2 million people annually, and as it turns out, it was the offer from a local guide to take us there that prompted that call to our colleague.
Of course, we wouldn’t complain about our “tech-savvy” companion spending the entire route reading a Reddit post about the service he used to check the caller’s number instead of enjoying the scenery. But really, he of all people could’ve used a proper break, especially since he joined us on this trip… Anyway, that’s his choice in the end, so let’s move on and tell you how much our trip cost and the best times to visit.
Best Time of Year to Visit and Costs
To ensure your trip goes smoothly, you need to know that the best time to visit is from May to September, when temperatures hover around 20°C and rain is rare. Book accommodations in advance - places fill up quickly in summer. Don’t forget comfortable footwear: the trails are uneven but absolutely worth it. We traveled from London, but you should check your costs depending on where you’re coming from. Here are approximate prices:
Aspect |
Details |
Cost (approx.) |
Accommodation |
B&B or coastal hotel |
$80–150 per night |
Transport |
Train from London to Totnes |
$50 one way |
Food |
Seafood and cream teas |
$15–30 per meal |
If you’re traveling from another country, don’t forget to activate roaming or, even better, just purchase an eSIM - it’ll be cheaper. Also, before your trip, read up on ways of preventing phishing attempts via phone calls. This isn’t directly related to Devon, of course, but while in London, we regularly encounter this issue. There are plenty of scammers nowadays, and it wouldn’t be pleasant to deal with them during such a journey.
The sound of waves in Salcombe, the scent of baked goods in Totnes, the wind along Dartmoor’s trails - these are the things that make people who’ve been here dream of returning. Devon is like a favorite book you want to reread: familiar, yet revealing something new each time. Our team was absolutely enchanted by this place, and we’ll definitely come back again. You should visit too.
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