Famous People with Links to South Devon

Devon may feel like a peaceful rural escape, far from the buzz of big cities and showbiz scenes — but don't be fooled! This stunning county has long attracted (and produced) a host of famous names from across the worlds of sport, literature, music, and more. 

Some were born here, others moved later in life, but all have had a connection to Devon that left its mark. 

Here are some well-known and fascinating individuals who have called Devon home at some point in their lives: 

Nick Baker 

Wildlife TV presenter and naturalist Nick Baker studied biological sciences at the University of Exeter, where he co-founded the university’s ‘Bug Club’. He now lives in Chagford, on the edge of Dartmoor, with his family. 

Sue Barker 

Wimbledon champion and long-time BBC presenter Sue Barker was born and raised in the seaside town of Paignton. 

Michael Caines 

Celebrity chef Michael Caines hails from Exeter. After refining his culinary skills abroad, he returned to Devon, earning two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park. In 2017, he opened Lympstone Manor, a luxury hotel and restaurant overlooking the River Exe. 

Agatha Christie 

Born in Torquay in 1890, the ‘Queen of Crime’ set many of her stories in Devon. Her beloved holiday home, Greenway House on the River Dart, is now a National Trust property open to the public. You can find out more about Agatha Christie’s Connections to South Devon here.  

Donald Crowhurst 

This amateur sailor from Teignmouth became famous — and infamous — for his tragic and mysterious participation in the 1968 Golden Globe Race. His story was retold in the 2018 film The Mercy, starring Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz. 

Tom Daley 

Olympic diver and gold medallist Tom Daley was born in Plymouth and trained there before relocating to London. In 2017, he married filmmaker Dustin Lance Black at Bovey Castle on Dartmoor. 

Sharron Davies 

Another Plymouth-born Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies rose to fame in the 1980s and went on to become a respected sports broadcaster. 

Sir Francis Drake 

One of Devon’s most famous historical figures, Sir Francis Drake was born in Tavistock and lived at Buckland Abbey. Legend has it he finished his game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe before defeating the Spanish Armada! You can find out more about famous historical figures with links to South Devon here.  

Robert Falcon Scott 

The ill-fated Antarctic explorer known as "Scott of the Antarctic" was born in Plymouth in 1868 and remains a symbol of bravery and endurance. 

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall 

Food campaigner and chef Hugh moved his River Cottage HQ to a smallholding near Axminster in 2006. The HQ offers cookery courses and experiences that attract food lovers from across the country. 

Dawn French 

Comedy icon Dawn French went to school in Plymouth, where her parents also lived and married. She later returned to the South West and is often spotted supporting local events. 

Miranda Hart 

Star of the hit sitcom Miranda, the actress and comedian was born in Torquay in 1972. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley 

Supermodel and actress Rosie was born in Plymouth and grew up near Tavistock before rising to international fame in films like Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Her equally famous partner, Jason Statham, is often spotted in and around Tavistock too! 

Chris Martin 

Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin was born in Exeter and attended Exeter Cathedral School. Coldplay returned to Devon in 2016 to perform at Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Powderham Castle. 

Christopher Milne 

The inspiration for Christopher Robin in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Christopher Milne settled in Dartmouth and ran a bookshop in the town with his wife. The shop sadly closed in 2011, but Dartmouth Community Bookshop now stands in its place and they still have a ‘Pooh Corner’ for avid fans. You can find out more about literary links to South Devon here.  

Garry Monk 

The footballer and manager spent his youth in Torquay and began his professional career at Torquay United. 

Muse 

All three members of the world-famous rock band Muse — Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard — grew up in Teignmouth and formed the band there. They played two memorable homecoming gigs on Teignmouth seafront in 2009. 

Serge Pizzorno 

The Kasabian guitarist and songwriter was born in Newton Abbot, although he grew up in Leicester. 

Lauren Pope 

TV personality, DJ, and model Lauren Pope was born in Torquay before rising to fame on The Only Way Is Essex. 

Sir Walter Raleigh 

Another great Elizabethan explorer, Raleigh was born in East Budleigh. He and his half-brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, both lived at what would later become Agatha Christie’s Greenway House. 

Angela Rippon 

Trailblazing TV newsreader Angela Rippon was born and raised in Plymouth, where she began her broadcasting career. 

J.K. Rowling 

Before writing Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling studied at the University of Exeter. Notable Devon settings are said to have inspired locations, such as Ottery St Catchpole (Ottery St Mary) and Diagon Alley (Gandy Street in Exeter). 

Jennifer Saunders 

Comedian and actress Jennifer Saunders, of French and Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous fame, once lived in Chagford with husband Ade Edmondson. 

Joss Stone 

The soul singer grew up near Cullompton and still has a home in Devon. Her mother once ran a music venue and restaurant in Exeter called ‘Mama Stones’. 

Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

Born in Ottery St Mary in 1772, this Romantic poet is known for The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Today, Coleridge Bridge in the town is named in his honour. 

Liam Tancock 

Champion swimmer Liam Tancock was born in Exeter and trained at Exeter Swimming Club. He broke world records and represented Team GB internationally. 

Zara and Peter Phillips 

The Queen’s eldest grandchildren both studied at the University of Exeter, continuing a royal connection to the area dating back to her first meeting with Prince Philip at Dartmouth Naval College. 

Georgia Toffolo 

TV star Georgia "Toff" Toffolo, who rose to fame on Made in Chelsea and won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, was born in Torquay and spent part of her childhood in Devon. 

Ann Widdecombe 

Former MP and media personality Ann Widdecombe bought a house near Haytor Vale, Dartmoor, and has been a vocal resident of the South West since retiring from Parliament. 

Josh Widdicombe 

Comedian and The Last Leg co-host Josh Widdicombe grew up near Widecombe-in-the-Moor and attended school in Ashburton. 

Notable University of Exeter Alumni 

The University of Exeter has also educated many notable names, including comedian Rhod Gilbert, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Pop Idol winner Will Young, naturalist Steve Backshall, Eggheads star Daphne Fowler, Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and TV host Matthew Wright. 

Love Devon as much as we do? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, blog posts, and giveaways!