7 Facts About Devon for “Devon Day”, 4th June

Westward Ho! is most noted for its unusual name. The village, near Bideford in north Devon was named after the title of Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel, Westward Ho! The village has an excellent two mile long sandy beach and plenty of rockpools. It’s one of a number of stunning beaches on the North coast, such as Woolacombe and Croyde which, with their golden sands, scenic sand dunes and dramatic waves, make the north coast popular with families and surfers alike.

And while we’re talking about the coast…

The north and south Devon coasts feel quite distinct in character and, if you can, it’s worth visiting both. Forest Glade is, of course, nearer to the more sheltered, south coast of the county and you can read about our favourite beaches here. Every beach offers something different, but, no matter where you venture, that special feeling you get when you stand by the sea and smell the salty air never changes.

Whilst we can’t promise it won’t rain when you visit us, the South West is well-known for its mild climate. Even winters tend to be quite temperate, with our summers rivalling those of some European seaside destinations. The Met Office moved to Exeter in 2003 for reasons which included and improved quality of life for their staff.

A la Ronde in Devon is a sixteen sided house near Exmouth in East Devon. The National Trust website explains that, “It was built for two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter, on their return from a grand tour of Europe in the late 18th century. It contains many objects and mementoes of their travels” and the interior is decorated with feathers and shells.

A subject of great debate (much like the ‘jam on top’ question of how you should eat your scones), the origins of the traditional pasty were finally confirmed to be in Devon when historian Dr Todd Gray, discovered a reference to one in a document found in the historic Audit Book and Receivers Accounts for the Borough of Plymouth, which dates back to the year 1510. Read more about our wonderful lcoal edible treats.

Sites of Roman forts have been discovered peppering the Devon landscape. Parts of the Roman wall at Exeter still remain, especially around Southernhay and a large Roman baths complex was discovered under the city’s Cathedral Green. It was covered over, but there are regular calls for it to be re-opened. An archaeological dig in 2021 found The first Roman fort on National Trust land in Devon on the beautiful Killerton estate and our nearest town, Cullompton has a strong Roman history, with two Roman forts being discovered in 1984 by Devon County Council aerial imaging. Read more about the (mainly iron-age) hill forts around Forest Glade or historic attractions in the area that you can visit with children.

At 368 square miles, Dartmoor is about the size of London and is 65% granite. Its highest point is high Willhays (pronounced “high willies”), at 621 metres above sea level. Many of the tors on Dartmoor are very accessible on foot. Try Haytor or, our favourite, Hound Tor for an exciting and rugged walking adventure. The National Park website lists some interesting facts about the National Park and you can read more about Dartmoor and Exmoor in our earlier blog.

If all that didn’t tempt you enough, then do check out our earlier, blog Reasons to Holiday in Devon.