Both counties boast some of the best beaches in the UK, are beautifully landscaped and serve cream tea. But the question is, where should you go for your next adventure?
If you've been struggling to choose where to go on your next trip to the UK, we don't blame you. Devon and Cornwall are the crown jewels in the West. From searching for fossils on Devon's Jurassic Coast to soaking up the salty sea air on dramatic cliff tracks in Cornwall, both destinations are brimming with natural beauty, steeped in history and offering plenty of outdoor activities to boot. do not worry. We've put together this guide to make the decision a little easier.
beaches
Devon It is the only place in England that has two separate coastlines. The north coast is wild and windswept with some great walking trails, biking trails and epic surfing, while the south is home to a section of the stunning Jurassic Coast. - 95 miles of stunning rock formations, beautiful beaches, and thousands of years of history. Where else can you surf, sunbathe, and hunt for fossils all in the same day?
It is not surprising that Cornwall is the most popular beach holiday destination in the UK. From tropical-like bays like Porthcurno and Lantic Bay to bustling seaside towns like Newquay and St Ives - if you want beaches, Cornwall doesn't disappoint. It also has some of the best waves in the country thanks to the swells of the Atlantic Ocean, and surfers flock from near and far to catch a wave. If you're planning a summer trip, it's worth visiting the annual Boardmasters Festival - The UK's largest surfing competition and music festival.
Discover the beauty of Cornwall on a walking tour
verdict
It's tough, but the winner has to be Cornwall...but only! With over 250 miles of coastline and 300 beaches to explore, Cornwall has beaches unlike anywhere else in the UK. Devon is the close runner-up with its 120 beaches and, of course, the gorgeous Jurassic Coast.
The great outdoors
In addition to the wonderful beaches, Devon has a wonderful countryside, woodland, moorland and hills. From hiking, touring and biking to wild swimming in natural lakes and pools, there are plenty of opportunities to fix up your adventure. First and foremost you have Dartmoor National Park with its impressive walks (huge free-standing rock formations), ancient stone circles and hiking trails including the High Willhays (the highest point in southern England). Legend has it that Hound Tor of Dartmoor inspired one of Sherlock Holmes' most famous novels, Baskerville dog. The park is also one of the most impressive stargazing spots in England.
Discover Dartmoor National Park on a hiking, bike and kayak adventure
Cornwall Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty occupy 27% of the county. It's more rugged than green with 422 miles of dramatic coastline, towering cliffs and romantic coves hidden among the rocks. But it is not everyone about the coast. Cornwall's moorland is dotted with ancient stone circles, Neolithic burial chambers, castles and remnants of the county's mining history. You can also explore beautiful (but bizarre) Bodmin Moor steeped in folklore and stories of paranormal activity. You wouldn't doubt it on a sunny day, but when the mist rolls into the swampy lands, there's definitely a spooky feeling in the air.
verdict
If you prefer the forests, hills and moors of the coast, go to Devon. If you're more of a beach bum than a country buff, Cornwall is an even better shout. And if you're 50/50, Devon offers the best of both worlds.
Beautiful cities and villages
When it comes to quaint British beach towns, Cornwall is full of them. Many of the Cornish towns are built on the coast and exude a seaside charm. you have St. Efes, with its cobbled streets, quirky galleries, cafés and postcard-perfect beaches. Then there's the pretty fishing village of Mousehole, with its idyllic harbour, stone cottages and winding streets filled with artists' workshops, boutique shops and restaurants. There's also the delightful Gorren Haven and old world charm of Charleston and the pretty village of Sennen - And the list goes on.
Devon's coastal towns are not Such as Famous as Cornwall's, but there is still a lot more to explore. There is the historic fishing village of Clovelly, with its winding cobblestone streets carved into a steep sea cliff. There's also Appledore Instaworthy, the romantic harbor town of Salcombe, picturesque Dartmouth and thriving Torquay. Devon also has many charming country villages such as Cockington and Lustleigh with their tree-lined rivers and thatched-roof cottages.
verdict
This is a close call. Devon's seaside towns are very pretty, but Cornwall takes the charm to an extra level. If you're looking for a country adventure where you can take country walks and eat pub food in historic village pubs, then Devon is a great place to do it.
Food and drink
As seaside destinations, Devon and Cornwall offer some of the best seafood in the UK. Delicious, locally caught seafood is on the menu at most restaurants. You'll also find several beachside takeaway restaurants selling good fish and chips.
Cornwall's renown is the much-loved Cornish pasty - a favorite savory pastry for many Brits. A buttery shortbread pastry pocket is filled with hearty beef patties, onions, potatoes, swedes, and gravy. The humble Cornish pasty was originally made for miners, fishermen and farmers as a portable but filling lunch.
Devon is famous for its ambrosia custard, which is like a hug from the inside out. It is also famous for its cider, or what the locals call "lean". Scramby is traditionally made from unpicked apples (an unexpected fruit that wasn't cut to make regular cider) which is then naturally fermented. This traditional method produces a coarser tasting, more alcoholic beverage.
verdict
Delicious seafood, pies, and cider are abundant across the country's west, and your taste buds will be satisfied wherever you go. But if you are looking forward to eating the best Cornish pasty of your life, head to Cornwall.
Cream tea
Last but not least, we have the cream tea fight. Talk to locals from any of the counties and you'll get a token dose of why the jam or cream comes first (FYI, Devonshire cream tea is a cake topped with cream and then jam, while the Cornish version is jam first, then cream). Trust us, this is a serious discussion.
verdict
Devonshire style, you can savor the tangy sweetness of the jam with just a bite. With Cornish cream tea, you can layer the cream to your liking. We'll have to let you decide on this matter, but make sure you are aware of proper tea etiquette when visiting any of the provinces.
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