Steve's World Blog Information and articles on cities, towns and villages around the world.

The fourth largest county in England, Devon is situated in the south-west of the country bordering Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Devon boasts a couple of national Parks in the form of Dartmoor and Exmoor, and some historic towns and cities such as Exeter and Plymouth, making the county an interesting and exciting place to visit. Exeter, lying on the River Exe was the most south-westerly fortified town during the Roman occupation of Britain, and even before this was settled, perhaps as early as 250BC. If you are visiting Exeter be sure to take a look at Exeter Cathedral which was founded in 1050, and became the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, being moved from Crediton. The naval port and city of Plymouth is famous as the departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers, who headed for the New World in the Mayflower in 1620, they of course founded Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, America. Plymouth these days is a bustling city with a population of over 250,000. Whilst visiting Plymouth, you might want to consider a trip across the border into Cornwall, where you will find the town of Launceston just 2 miles from the Devon border. In Launceston you can see the 11^th century Norman castle which overlooks and dominates the town, it was built by William the Conqueror’s half brother, and demonstrates the importance they gave to the town. Back to Devon and for something a little different, you might consider a trip to the races at Newton Abbot, the course established in 1866 is situated beside the River Teign and is a popular venue for thoroughbred horseracing. Devon Map.