Dartmoor and South Devon AONB
Coast and country landscapes for life
If there’s one thing Devon’s famous for, it has to be the glorious outdoors. With the irresistible blend of spectacular north and south coastlines, picturesque open countryside, and the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park, Devon’s natural beauty is unmistakable – and unmissable.
Dartmoor National Park
Having long been a source of inspiration for musicians, artists, and authors alike, Dartmoor is an incredible and breathtaking place to discover. Covering over 365 sq. miles of wild, protected moorland, its landscapes are filled with exceptional wildlife, including listed species and habitats, iconic Dartmoor ponies, alongside granite tors, rivers, reservoirs, and valleys.
But this inspiring setting also has a rich history that includes over 10,000 years of habitation. The moor’s ancient stone circles, crosses, menhirs, burial grounds, and monuments all provide myths, legends, and fascinating insights into those who have shaped the landscape we know and love today.
And with plenty of walking, cycling, and horse riding trails, you can explore and discover some of Dartmoor’s thriving market towns and picturesque villages, while taking in some of their food and drink specialities along the way.
Only by visiting and experiencing this unique and special landscape can you understand its beauty and why it’s so highly thought of and loved all around the world.
South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
While Bovisand Harbour sits within South Devon’s beautiful district of the South Hams, it’s the magnificent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within it that provides just some of the unique sense of place and character Devon is famous for.
Hugging the coastline and drifting inland, this stunning AONB covers over 130 sq. miles of specially protected coast and country features, stretching from Bovisand Harbour in the west to Berry Head near Brixham in the east.
Much of the raw, rocky coastline in the west is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). But beyond the secluded Bovisand Bay, travel east and you’ll discover dozens of small bays, hidden coves, and expansive, sandy beaches. And, where the inland rivers, including the Yealm, Dart, and Avon, meet the sea, their sweeping estuaries are rich in marine plant and animal life that only thrive in this area.
Together with captivating and unspoiled landscape views across hills, valleys, woodland, and open farmland countryside, this designated AONB has many special qualities, all coming together to make an idyllic place to live, explore, and enjoy – for life.
