Devon

Devon is a county in South West England, bordered by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the northeast, and Dorset to the east. It has coastlines on the Bristol Channel to the north and the English Channel to the south. The county town is Exeter, and the largest city by population is Plymouth. The county’s population is about 800,000.

Devon contains Dartmoor National Park, a granite upland area known for tors and wild moorland, and parts of Exmoor National Park along its northern border. The Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, runs along the southern coast of Devon, featuring cliffs and fossil-rich sites. The River Exe flows through Exeter, and other notable rivers include the Teign and the Torridge.

Devon has a long maritime and agricultural history. The region is known for country houses, cider, and the Devonshire cream tea, often served with clotted cream and jam. Exeter Cathedral and Plymouth’s historic Barbican reflect the county’s medieval and naval heritage.

The economy blends tourism, education, and services with agriculture and fisheries in rural areas. Higher education is anchored by the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth. Transport includes the M5 motorway along the eastern edge, and rail connections on the Great Western Main Line linking Exeter and Plymouth to London and the Midlands.