Discover Devon beyond the well-trodden paths
Devon isn’t just about sweeping beaches and dramatic moorlands — some of its greatest charm lies tucked away in peaceful valleys, cobbled lanes, and timeworn harbours. From centuries-old fishing ports to thriving creative hubs, Devon’s hidden villages and market towns offer a slower pace of life, rich with character and local flavour.
Here are just a few of the special places where local life is still deeply rooted, and where every crooked lane or independent shop has a story to tell.
Clinging to a steep hillside on the north coast, Clovelly is one of Devon’s most iconic and unusual villages. Entirely traffic-free, the cobbled main street winds down to a tiny harbour, where fishing boats bob and the sea laps gently against the quay. Donkeys and sledges have long been used to transport goods, and the village’s whitewashed cottages with flower-filled balconies create a postcard-perfect scene. Clovelly is a place to slow down — to breathe in the sea air, visit the craft workshops, and glimpse a way of life unchanged for generations.
Set in a lush valley that opens out to the sea, Branscombe is one of England’s longest villages — and certainly one of its most picturesque. Here, rows of thatched cottages sit quietly against a backdrop of rolling hills, and footpaths wind through fields and down to a peaceful beach. The National Trust-owned Old Bakery and Manor Mill are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into Devon’s rural past. Branscombe is a place for slow walks, cream teas, and a proper pause from the everyday.
These twin villages — one perched high on the cliffs, the other nestled by the river and sea — are linked by a historic water-powered cliff railway, offering breathtaking views of the Exmoor coast. Lynton has a quiet charm with its Edwardian buildings and leafy surroundings, while Lynmouth, at sea level, is all winding lanes and tumbling streams. From here, you can explore the rugged Valley of Rocks or take a boat trip out to spot seals and seabirds. It’s the kind of place where wild nature and cosy cafés sit side by side.
Sitting on the River Dart, Totnes is a market town like no other. Famed for its independent shops, ethical businesses, and vibrant community spirit, it’s a town with a strong identity and an open mind. The high street is filled with vintage finds, local produce, and handmade treasures. There’s also a Norman castle to climb, riverside walks to explore, and regular markets buzzing with life. Totnes feels like both a step back in time and a leap into the future — and it wears both proudly.
Just across the estuary from Instow, Appledore is a vibrant village with a proud maritime history. With pastel-painted houses lining the narrow lanes and a lively quay overlooking the water, it’s a perfect mix of traditional charm and creative energy. Home to artists, writers, and boat-builders, Appledore has a warm, bohemian feel, with galleries, delis, and tearooms dotted around the village. In late summer, the Appledore Book Festival brings the streets to life with literary events and talks.
Tucked between chalk cliffs on the Jurassic Coast, Beer is a working fishing village with timeless appeal. Its sheltered pebble beach still launches colourful boats daily, and the shingle shore is perfect for soaking up sea views. Whitewashed cottages, a 19th-century church, and cliff-top walks add to the quiet romance of this place. Don’t miss the chance to sample freshly caught crab or stroll to nearby Seaton along the dramatic South West Coast Path.
Down winding lanes and nestled on the banks of the River Dart, Dittisham is a sleepy waterside village that seems to whisper “slow down.” With pastel cottages, a scenic quay, and boats bobbing gently in the estuary, it’s a haven for kayakers, walkers, and those craving riverside stillness. From here, take a ferry to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s holiday home, or simply sip a coffee by the water and watch the tide roll in.
Just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Torquay, Cockington feels like a world apart. A winding lane leads into this picture-perfect village, where thatched cottages, a water mill, and a stately manor are set among rolling parkland. The scent of roses hangs in the air, and craftspeople work in converted stables at Cockington Court. Whether you’re walking beneath ancient oaks or sipping tea in a garden café, Cockington is a gentle reminder of slower, simpler times.
Tucked between dramatic headlands on the South Hams coast, Hope Cove is a pocket of sandy beaches, whitewashed cottages, and seafaring charm. Once a haven for smugglers, it’s now a peaceful spot for coastal walks, paddleboarding, and beachside pub lunches. The two beaches — Inner and Outer Hope — offer safe swimming and stunning sunsets, while the village itself hums with laid-back Devon life. It’s the kind of place where days drift by to the rhythm of the tide.
Set across the water from Teignmouth, Shaldon is a graceful village with Georgian houses, a small beach, and narrow streets filled with charm. A long tradition of fishing and boatbuilding runs through its heart, while quirky corners — like the hidden smugglers’ tunnel to Ness Cove — add a sense of discovery. Watch boats drift along the River Teign, visit the botanical gardens, or simply stroll the shoreline with an ice cream in hand. Shaldon is quietly captivating.
Cradled between green hills and blue water, Salcombe is Devon’s yachting haven — but its charm runs deeper than sails and sea breezes. The town tumbles down to a glimmering estuary, where boats drift past golden beaches and wooded creeks. Boutique shops, seafood spots, and waterside cafés line the lively streets, yet just across the water lie tranquil coves and secret picnic spots. It’s a place where rugged coast meets Riviera flair — and every tide brings a new adventure.
Set where the River Dart becomes a quiet creek, Stoke Gabriel is a village of apple orchards, swans, and gentle tides. Time seems to stand still under the ancient yew tree by the church, and crabbing on the quay is a beloved tradition for families. Winding lanes lead to old pubs and hidden footpaths, all bathed in the soft light of the estuary. It’s a place of hush and harmony.