Friday, May 2, 2014

For The Perfect Country Hotel Devon Has What It Takes

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By Tracie Knight


Sometimes a holiday really needs to be an opportunity to get away from it all. If you need to recharge your batteries, you're not going to be able to do so in a bustling, exciting city destination such as New York or Tokyo. You need to head back to nature instead and just spend your days exploring or curling up with a good book. For the perfect country hotel Devon is the ideal destination.

Devon, also called Devonshire, is one of the counties in the southwestern part of England. It's known for its beautiful countryside and dramatic coastline. In fact, it has two separate coastlines. The northern one runs along the Bristol Channel while the southern one is located along the English Channel. To the east are the counties of Somerset and Dorset while to the west is Cornwall.

Devonshire is a nature lover's paradise. Two of its most popular attractions are Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park, the latter of which the county shares with Somerset. Both these parks offer excellent hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing. However, even outside the national parks you'll find rolling hills and heathland to explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The rivers offer plenty of fishing too, not to mention swimming and paddling.

The most dramatic coastal views are in the north, where the coastline is rugged and characterized by steep cliffs. There are many clifftop paths to follow. The southern coast is a popular sailing destination and you'll also find wonderful beaches with great surfing.

If you're interested in American history, don't forget to visit the historic port city of Plymouth, from where the Mayflower Pilgrims set sail for New England. Another beautiful city to explore is Exeter, known for its cathedral and well-preserved medieval buildings and alleys. These are the two largest towns in the county but you'll also find many small villages, each with its own unique character. Because many are located quite close to one another, you can easily stroll from one to the next and visit the local markets and pubs.

When hunger strikes, you're definitely in the right place. The Devonshire cream tea is famous throughout the world and consists of scones with jam and cream. If you're looking for filling comfort food, you can't go wrong with a pasty, Hog's pudding or fish and chips. Along the southern coast, be sure to try the crab. Wash it all down with locally produced cider, gin, craft beers or wine.

The climate tends to be quite mild and in summer, you'll find plenty of sunny and warm weather perfect for the beach. During winter, snow isn't very common except in the high-lying areas. It's best though to check the climate data for the specific part where your chosen country hotel is located because there's quite a bit of climate variation depending on where you are.

A country hotel makes for a wonderful base and there are plenty throughout Devon. Look online for one that takes your fancy. Remember to book ahead though, especially during the summer high season, since this county is one of England's favorite summer destinations.




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