Devon: The UK’s Secret Mediterranean

When most people think of Devon, their minds don’t immediately jump to “Mediterranean vibes.” Or mine didn’t anyway. If anything, the UK has trained us to associate holiday destinations with soggy campgrounds, lukewarm tea, and the dread of Brighton seagulls. But Devon, ah, Devon, laughs in the face of all those stereotypes. It’s not just a county; it’s an experience. An experience that makes you question whether you accidentally drove through some wormhole and ended up in a southern European paradise.

First Impressions: The Fake-Out

I should preface this by saying that Devon caught me completely off guard. One minute I was driving through what looked like Telletubby land—green hills, hedgerows, thatched cottages, and the next, I was staring at what can only be described as the set of Mamma Mia. Think turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and cliffs that look like they’ve been hand painted by a sentimental god who clearly had an affinity for Italy. This was not the UK I was prepared for. Where were the overcast skies? The persistent drizzle? The passive aggressive queues? I felt betrayed, but in the best way possible.

My first stop was a beach town called Woolacombe. If you haven’t been, picture the Amalfi Coast, but with fewer Aperol spritzes and more ice cream cones melting onto toddlers faces. The beach stretched on forever, the water sparkled like it was auditioning for a holiday brochure, and the locals were alarmingly friendly, so much so that I briefly wondered if I was part of some elaborate Truman Show scenario. Devon, it turns out, is a place where the stereotypes about British weather and grumpiness simply don’t apply.

The Beaches: Are You Sure This Is England?

Let’s talk about Devon’s beaches because they deserve a novel of their own. I’ve been to beaches before, some nice, some “meh,” and some that felt like nature was actively insulting me. But Devon’s beaches? Chef’s kiss. Take Saunton Sands, for example. It’s the kind of place where the water is so godamn blue and the sand so soft that you half expect a waiter to appear with a mojito and a platter of olives. Instead, you get kids flying kites and dogs chasing sticks, which is honestly better because dogs are the real MVPs of any holiday and you know that.

Then theres Bantham Beach, a spot so picturesque it could double as a screensaver. The waves were perfect, the scenery was breathtaking, and I came out of the water looking like a drowned rat, but a happy drowned rat.

The Food: Pasties and Beyond

You can’t go to Devon without mentioning the food. Specifically, the classic cornish pasty. Now, I know Cornwall claims to have perfected the art of shoving meat and potatoes into pastry, but Devon’s pasties deserve some recognition. I bit into one from a tiny bakery, and I swear I heard a choir of angels. The pastry was flaky, the filling was hearty, and for a moment, all was right with the world. It was so good, I went back for a second one.

But it’s not just pasties. Devon’s food scene is like a culinary treasure hunt. There’s fresh seafood that practically jumps off the plate, cream teas that could solve world peace (just remember: cream first, then jam apparently), and pub meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day of pretending you’re an outdoorsy person. I once had fish and chips in a pub overlooking the sea, and I’m still convinced it was the best decision I’ve ever made. The tartare sauce also banged hard.

Nature: More Than Just Beaches

As much as I could write a love letter to Devon’s beaches, there’s more to this place than its coastline. Dartmoor National Park is a moody, brooding expanse of wilderness that looks like it was designed for dramatic film scenes where the protagonist has a life changing epiphany (side note, I didn’t). It’s all rolling hills, ancient stone tors, and ponies that casually wander around like they own the place. I hiked up one of the tors and spent a solid ten minutes just staring at the view, which was equal parts stunning and humbling. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone, until you try to take a selfie and nearly fall off the edge.

On the other side of Devon, you’ve got Exmoor National Park, which feels like Dartmoor’s slightly sunnier cousin. There are lush valleys, sparkling rivers, and enough wildlife to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a David Attenborough documentary. I once saw a red deer while walking through Exmoor, and for a brief moment, we locked eyes like two old souls recognizing each other. Then it ran away because I tripped over a root and scared it. Typical.

Driving in Devon: A Test of Patience

If you’re thinking of exploring Devon by car, let me warn you, the roads are not for the faint of heart. Picture this: a single lane roads lined with hedges taller than your car, no visibility, and just enough space for a Mini Cooper to squeeze through, except you’re driving a rental SUV because you thought, “How bad could it be?” Spoiler: it’s bad. Every time I rounded a corner, I half-expected to meet another car head on, which led to some creative reversing and a lot of muttered curses. As a city boy myelf, it’s mental.

But honestly? The stress of the roads is worth it because every turn leads to something magical. A hidden cove, a quaint village, a random field full of sheep, it’s like Devon rewards your perseverance with little surprises. By the end of the trip, I was so used to the chaos of the roads that I started to enjoy it. Sort of. Okay, not really, but the views made up for it.

The People: Friendly to a Fault

I can’t talk about Devon without mentioning the people. They’re so friendly it’s almost suspicious. Everywhere I went, strangers smiled, shopkeepers chatted, and locals gave me unsolicited advice about where to find the best scones. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve stumbled into a parallel universe where everyone’s had a good night’s sleep and no one’s bitter about the weather. One lady even stopped me on the street to recommend a hidden beach she thought I’d like, and she was absolutely right. Devon’s locals are the real MVPs.

The Mediterranean Vibes: A Final Word

If you told me before this trip that I’d find Mediterranean vibes in the UK, I would’ve laughed and asked if you’d been day drinking. But Devon proved me wrong in the best way possible. It’s a place that defies expectations, where the sun shines (sometimes), the water sparkles, and the pasties are life changing. Whether you’re lounging on a beach, hiking through a national park, or navigating its chaotic roads, Devon has a way of making you fall in love with it. And honestly? I’m not mad about it at all.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top