Thursday, May 1, 2014

For A Relaxing Break At A Country Hotel Devon Is The Perfect Destination

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.

The county of Devon is located in the southwestern part of England. Its southern coastline borders the English Channel which separates the British Isles from the European mainland. In the north the county meets the wide Bristol Channel. There is only one more county, that of Cornwall, to the west while to the east, the county also known as Devonshire is bordered by Somerset and Dorset.

Devonshire shares the popular Exmoor National Park with neighboring Somerset. Another extremely popular park to visit is Dartmoor National Park. Whether you're within park land or anywhere else in the county, you'll be able to commune with nature. The landscape varies from rolling heath-covered hills to valleys and agricultural land. Walking is a great way to explore but horse-riding and cycling are good options too. Another option is to head to the rivers for some kayaking or canoeing or to try your hand at fly-fishing.

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.

It's easy to find a Devon country hotel. Simply go online and look at the different options. You can also try your luck at village inns once you're in the area. However, especially in summer, it's best to book ahead.




About the Author:



No comments: