Devon’S Top Coastal Towns

Situated in the South West region of England, Devonmilitary centre and this history can be noticed
is not only popular because of its stunningthroughout the town, with street names such as
countryside and coastline; it is also home to some ofJawbones, Kings Quay and Undercliff. The Dartmouth
the best coastal towns in the UK. Obviously most ofCastle, built in 1488 is a ‘must see’ as is one
the picturesque towns are situated just aof the most picturesquely-sited fortresses in England.
stone’s throw away from the shore, however,Brixham
there are also a variety of towns inland on the edgeBrixham is positioned opposite the bay from Torquay
of Dartmoor National Park which are just as nice.at the Southern end of the crescent that forms
SalcombeTorbay. It is rich in marine history; it has been heavily
Salcombe is a sheltered town tucked inside theinvolved in the fishing industry for over two hundred
Kingsbridge Estuary in the South Hams region. Theyears and still is today a thriving harbour supplying
town has retained its peace and quiet and traditionalfish to businesses throughout the Westcountry.
charm by favouring pedestrianised streets over theThe streets are full of small cafes, restaurants and
car. The pretty winding streets are lined with quaintshops selling local memorabilia and of course, fresh
shops, cafes and galleries and the town itself is hasfish. A scenic spot worth visiting is Berry Head, a
two pleasant beaches - North Sands and Southlimestone peninsula which reaches 65 metres from
Sands. It was and still is a nautical town with its ownthe sea and is therefore, a perfect place for coastal
maritime museum. Back in the 1860s, the sea tradewalking and spotting marine wildlife such as Guillemots.
peaked where approximately 100 schooners headedIt is the underlying limestone topology which creates
to the Mediterranean and Bahamas for exotic fruitan ideal environment for rare species of flora and
for the home market. It was a tough process but iffauna.
you survived it was a profitable one and can explainDawlish
the number of grand Victorian houses which areDawlish is situated on Brunel’s stunning South
dotted around the town.Devon Coast Railway, which is one of the most
Dartmouthscenic railways in the world situated on the edge of
Like Salcombe, Dartmouth is also situated in Souththe coast, connecting Newton Abbot to Exeter. Like
Hams. It is one of the most breathtaking coastalthe above towns, Dawlish also played a huge part in
towns in Devon with its narrow lanes, Elizabethanthe county’s fishing industry in the beginning of
streetscapes, boutique shops, and a reputation forthe 18th century, fishing the large quantities of
good food. As its name suggests, the town sits alongmackerel and herring. Part Victorian and part
the stunning River Dart and with these spectacularRegency, the town has been a popular tourist
views, it’s easy to see why Dartmouth isdestination since the 18th century, particularly Dawlish
considered the ‘jewel of the South Hams’.Warren which is a sandy stretch of coastline that
The natural deep-water harbour has been the drivingextends for 3 miles north towards the River Exe.
force behind the town’s history as a port and