Both counties boast a few of the UK’s greatest seashores, have implausible landscapes and serve up a cracking cream tea. But the query is, the place must you go in your subsequent journey?
If you’re struggling to decide on the place to go in your subsequent UK journey, we don’t blame you. Devon and Cornwall are the West Country’s crown jewels. From foraging for fossils on Devon’s Jurassic Coast to absorbing the salty sea air on Cornwall’s dramatic cliff paths, each locations are stuffed with pure magnificence, steeped in historical past and supply a great deal of outside actions in addition. Fear not. We’ve put collectively this information to make the choice a bit simpler.
Beaches
Devon is the one place in England that has two separate coastlines. The north coast is wild and windswept with some good walks, biking trails and epic surf breaks, whereas the south is house to a bit of the gorgeous Jurassic Coast – 95 miles of soul-stirring rock formations, lovely seashores and 1000’s of years of historical past. Where else are you able to surf, sunbathe and forage for fossils on the identical day?
It comes as no shock Cornwall is the most well-liked seaside vacation vacation spot within the UK. From tropical-like coves resembling Porthcurno and Lantic Bay to buzzing seaside cities like Newquay and St Ives – if you need seashores, Cornwall doesn’t disappoint. It additionally has a few of the greatest surf within the nation due to Atlantic swell, and surfers flock from close to and much to catch a wave. If you’re planning a summer time journey, it’s value trying out the annual Boardmasters Festival – the UK’s greatest professional surf competitors and music competition.
EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF CORNWALL ON A WALKING TOUR
The verdict
This is a troublesome one, however the winner must be Cornwall… however solely simply! With over 250 miles of shoreline and 300 seashores to discover, Cornwall does seashores like nowhere else within the UK. Devon is a detailed runner-up with 120 seashores, and naturally, the attractive Jurassic Coast.
The nice outside
As nicely as nice seashores, Devon has implausible countryside, woodlands, moorlands and hills. From mountain climbing, rambling and biking to wild swimming in lakes and pure swimming swimming pools, there’s loads of alternatives to get your journey repair. First and foremost, you’ve obtained Dartmoor National Park with its spectacular tors (big free-standing rock formations), historical stone circles and mountain climbing trails together with High Willhays (the very best level in Southern England). Legend has it Dartmoor’s Hound Tor impressed probably the greatest recognized Sherlock Holmes novels, The Hound of the Baskervilles. The park can be considered one of England’s most spectacular stargazing spots.
EXPLORE DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK ON A HIKE, BIKE & KAYAK ADVENTURE
Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty take up a whopping 27% of the county. It’s extra craggy than inexperienced with 422 miles of dramatic shoreline, hovering cliffs and romantic coves hidden among the many rocks. But it’s not all in regards to the coast. Cornwall’s moorlands are plagued by historical stone circles, Neolithic burial chambers, castles and remnants of the county’s mining historical past. You can even discover the gorgeous (however eerie) Bodmin Moor which is steeped in folklore and tales of paranormal exercise. You wouldn’t suspect it on a sunny day, however when the mist rolls into the moorlands there’s positively a spooky feeling within the air.
The verdict
If you like forests, hills and moorlands over the coast, go to Devon. If you’re extra of a seaside bum than a rustic bumpkin, Cornwall is a greater shout. And in case you’re 50/50, Devon presents the very best of each worlds.
Pretty cities and villages
When it involves quaint British seaside cities, Cornwall is stuffed with them. Many Cornish cities are constructed on the coast and ooze seaside appeal. You’ve obtained the long-lasting St. Ives with its cobblestone streets, quirky galleries, cafes and postcard-perfect seashores. Then there’s the gorgeous fishing village of Mousehole with its idyllic harbour, stone cottages and winding streets dotted with artist workshops, boutique outlets and eateries. There’s additionally the pleasant Gorren Haven, the old-world appeal of Charleston and the beautiful village of Sennen – the checklist goes on.
Devon’s seaside cities aren’t as well-known as Cornwall’s, however there’s nonetheless loads of them to discover. There’s the historic fishing village of Clovelly with its winding cobbled streets carved right into a steep sea cliff. There’s additionally the oh-so Instaworthy Appledore, the romantic harbour city of Salcombe, the picturesque Dartmouth and the thriving Torquay. Devon additionally has many charming countryside villages like Cockington and Lustleigh with tree-lined rivers and thatched-roof cottages.
The verdict
This one’s a detailed name. Devon’s seaside cities are very fairly, however Cornwall takes the appeal up an additional notch. If you’re on the lookout for a rural journey the place you possibly can stroll within the countryside and eat pub grub in historic village pubs, Devon is a implausible place to do this.
Food and drink
As coastal locations, Devon and Cornwall serve up a few of the greatest seafood within the UK. Delicious, regionally caught seafood is on the menu at most eating places. You’ll additionally discover many beach-side takeaway joints promoting good ol’ fish and chips.
Cornwall’s declare to fame is the beloved Cornish pasty – the savoury pastry of selection for a lot of Britons. This buttery shortcrust pastry pocket is crammed with hearty beef chunks, onion, potato, swede and gravy. The humble Cornish pasty was initially made for miners, fishers and farmers as a conveyable however filling lunch.
Devon is legendary for its Ambrosia custard which is sort of a hug from the within out. It’s additionally well-known for cider, or what locals name ‘scrumpy’. Scrumpy is historically made with unselected apples (windfall fruit that didn’t make the reduce for normal cider making) which is then fermented naturally. This conventional technique produces a rougher-tasting and extra alcoholic beverage.
The verdict
Delicious seafood, pasties and cider are in abundance all through the West Country, and your tastebuds might be glad wherever you go. But in case you’re trying to eat the very best Cornish pasty of your life, head to Cornwall.
Cream tea
Last however not least, we’ve the battle of the cream teas. Speak to locals from both county and also you’ll get a figurative mouthful of why jam or cream goes first (FYI, Devonshire cream tea is a scone topped with cream after which jam, whereas the Cornish model is jam first, then cream). Trust us, this can be a critical debate.
The verdict
Devonshire fashion, you possibly can benefit from the tangy sweetness of the jam as quickly as you are taking a chunk. With Cornish cream tea, you possibly can pile on the cream to your coronary heart’s content material. We’re going to must allow you to make up your individual thoughts on this one, however ensure you’re acquainted with the best cream-tea etiquette when visiting both county.