Situated in the South West region of England, Devon is not only popular because of its stunning countryside and coastline; it is also home to some of the best coastal towns in the UK. Obviously most of the picturesque towns are situated just a stone’s throw away from the shore, however, there are also a variety of towns inland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park which are just as nice.

Salcombe

Salcombe is a sheltered town tucked inside the Kingsbridge Estuary in the South Hams region. The town has retained its peace and quiet and traditional charm by favouring pedestrianised streets over the car. The pretty winding streets are lined with quaint shops, cafes and galleries and the town itself is has two pleasant beaches – North Sands and South Sands. It was and still is a nautical town with its own maritime museum. Back in the 1860s, the sea trade peaked where approximately 100 schooners headed to the Mediterranean and Bahamas for exotic fruit for the home market. It was a tough process but if you survived it was a profitable one and can explain the number of grand Victorian houses which are dotted around the town.

Dartmouth

Like Salcombe, Dartmouth is also situated in South Hams. It is one of the most breathtaking coastal towns in Devon with its narrow lanes, Elizabethan streetscapes, boutique shops, and a reputation for good food. As its name suggests, the town sits along the stunning River Dart and with these spectacular views, it’s easy to see why Dartmouth is considered the ‘jewel of the South Hams’.

The natural deep-water harbour has been the driving force behind the town’s history as a port and military centre and this history can be noticed throughout the town, with street names such as Jawbones, Kings Quay and Undercliff. The Dartmouth Castle, built in 1488 is a ‘must see’ as is one of the most picturesquely-sited fortresses in England.

Brixham

Brixham is positioned opposite the bay from Torquay at the Southern end of the crescent that forms Torbay. It is rich in marine history; it has been heavily involved in the fishing industry for over two hundred years and still is today a thriving harbour supplying fish to businesses throughout the Westcountry.

The streets are full of small cafes, restaurants and shops selling local memorabilia and of course, fresh fish. A scenic spot worth visiting is Berry Head, a limestone peninsula which reaches 65 metres from the sea and is therefore, a perfect place for coastal walking and spotting marine wildlife such as Guillemots. It is the underlying limestone topology which creates an ideal environment for rare species of flora and fauna.

Dawlish

Dawlish is situated on Brunel’s stunning South Devon Coast Railway, which is one of the most scenic railways in the world situated on the edge of the coast, connecting Newton Abbot to Exeter. Like the above towns, Dawlish also played a huge part in the county’s fishing industry in the beginning of the 18th century, fishing the large quantities of mackerel and herring. Part Victorian and part Regency, the town has been a popular tourist destination since the 18th century, particularly Dawlish Warren which is a sandy stretch of coastline that extends for 3 miles north towards the River Exe.