Three interesting towns on the North Devon coast, Barnstaple, Appledore and Ilfracombe are all worth a visit if you in this beautiful region of England. Barnstaple was a significant town before the Norman conquest of Britain and even had its own mint, you could try visiting in September when it holds its ancient Barnstaple Fair. Appledore is perhaps best known for its shipyards and shipbuilding, although there is only one remaining shipyard today. Appledore is situated where the River Torridge reaches the sea, on your trip, try visiting the North Devon Maritime Museum which is located in the village, and outlines the areas long shipbuilding history. Ilfracombe, with its pretty little harbour is very popular with holidaymakers, it is also an ideal spot to try a bit of sea fishing, with many wrecks lying off this dangerous coast.
August 26, 2009
Devon Towns Crediton Tiverton and Bideford
Three historic towns in the county of Devon, UK, Crediton, Tiverton and Bideford are all worth a visit for varying reasons. The inland town of Crediton is located in the Mid Devon region and is well known as the birthplace of the Christian Missionary St Boniface in 672 AD. Worth seeing in Crediton is the Church of the Holy Cross, dating from the 11th century. Also in the Mid Devon region, the town of Tiverton stands at the confluence of two rivers (the River Lowman and River Exe), and is an ancient place with evidence found of both Stone Age and Iron Age settlements, the town however grew mostly during the 16th and 17th centuries and prospered due to the wool trade. Heading on to the north coast of Devon, you will find the town and port of Bideford, sitting on the estuary of the Torridge river, the first thing you notice about the town is the striking 24 arched bridge crossing the river, the bridge dates from the 13th century and gives evidence of the importance of the town which later became one of the busiest ports in England, rumoured to have seen the first imports of tobacco by Sir Walter Raleigh.
August 25, 2009
Devon Cities Exeter Plymouth and Around
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 11th 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.
Bude Boscastle Tintagel Port Isaac and Liskeard
The beautiful area of North Cornwall has some wonderful places to visit and holidaymakers will no doubt return time and time again to take in the sights as they will surely not be able to take it all in on one trip. Beach lovers will likely head for Bude, a popular coastal resort on the north coast. Bude has two fine beaches and the surrounding coastline is an area of extreme natural beauty. A little south of Bude finds you at 2 interesting little villages – Boscastle and Tintagel. Boscastle, a pretty village hidden in a valley has a harbour situated in a natural inlet, formerly a significant port but these days relying more on tourism for its survival. Tourism is of course also big in Tintagel, with its associations with the Legend of King Arthur, the ruined Tintagel Castle is located on a nearby island, and the timeless story attracts thousands of visitors to the village. Still further to the south-west be sure to drop in at Port Isaac, another Cornish fishing village with much to commend it, this charming place was previously important for exporting coal, stone and pottery, though fishing and tourism are the order of the day in modern times, the village centre has some fine examples of 18th and 19th century cottages. Places of interest in Cornwall are not confined to the coast and for something a little different you could set your sights on the ancient market town of Liskeard, a place of importance since the 13th century, when it was granted its license to hold a weekly market, which it has done ever since. If you would like to experience the market atmosphere, visit on a Thursday. Liskeard Map.
August 24, 2009
Cornish North Coast – Padstow, St Agnes and Polzeath
The north coast of Cornwall is dotted with many pretty coastal towns and villages and is also an area noted for its surfing, one of the best know being at Polzeath, just north of Padstow, where high rollers crash in from the Atlantic Ocean. In 2007, some 300 surfers arrived in Polzeath in an attempt to set a world record for the highest number of surfers to ride one wave. High rollers and dangerous sand bars also make this area tricky for ships and many have been wrecked on the approach to Padstow harbour, the notorious Doom Bar being the most dangerous. Five miles up the River Camel, things are a little quieter and the town of Wadebridge has been a successful market town since the early 14th century, the town did however see action during the English Civil War, when even Oliver Cromwell though it important enough to take control of the bridge. Some way south of Padstow and Wadebridge the village of St Agnes attracts hikers, artists and holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the beautiful coastline and countryside and the fine beaches of which there are at least 5 in the immediate area. Part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, St Agnes was an important tin mining area in days past.
Falmouth Penryn and Around
Whilst visiting Cornwall you should certainly head for Falmouth and Penryn on the south coast of the county, two well known harbour towns, both have long and interesting histories. Falmouth along with Carrick Roads is the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe and also the third deepest in the world. Now a popular holiday destination, Falmouth has 5 excellent beaches and numerous guest houses. Penryn situated on the River Penryn near to Falmouth is one of the oldest towns in Cornwall, it has many historic buildings, some dating back to Tudor times. During the 19th century Penryn was important for the production and export of granite, with granite works being established beside the river. To the south-west of Falmouth and Penryn is the small fishing port of Porthleven, a notorious black spot for ships, many of which were wrecked during storms in the area. Facing south-west into prevailing winds, Porthleven has always been a difficult harbour to negotiate, its situation has however lead it to being a renowned surfing location, attracting many exponents of this sport. Not far from Porthleven and the largest village on The Lizard peninsular, Mullion is a popular area for tourists, with some spectacular scenery and some isolated beaches. Just offshore from Mullion Cove is a tiny island owned by the National Trust, it is an important breeding ground for many varieties of seabirds.