Cornwall or Devon: Which Holiday Destination Is Better? – Journeying the Globe

Have you ever found yourself torn between two coastal gems of England? You’re not alone in weighing the merits of Cornwall versus Devon for your next holiday escape. Both counties offer stunning shorelines, abundant history, and unique cultural experiences – yet each brings its own distinct character to the table. Before you book your tickets or pack your bags, let’s explore what makes these beloved destinations worthy contenders for your precious vacation time and budget.

Key Points

• Cornwall offers more dramatic coastal landscapes and iconic landmarks like Land’s End, while Devon provides greater landscape diversity with two national parks.
• Devon’s attractions and historical sites are generally more accessible, making it better for travelers who prefer convenience and easier navigation.
• Cornwall excels in artistic experiences and surfing culture, particularly around St. Ives, while Devon offers more varied inland activities.
• Both regions offer excellent beaches, but Cornwall’s are typically more secluded and picturesque, though often requiring more effort to reach.
• Devon tends to be less crowded and more affordable during peak seasons, while Cornwall experiences higher tourist concentrations and accommodation costs.

Why Cornwall and Devon Are Popular Holiday Spots

When you’re seeking a quintessentially British holiday experience, Cornwall and Devon stand out as premier destinations thanks to their plentiful blend of history and natural beauty.

Both regions boast UNESCO-listed landmarks, from Cornwall’s dramatic Tintagel Castle to Devon’s majestic Exeter Cathedral, while their abundant mining heritage tells tales of industrial innovation.

You’ll find these destinations cater to diverse interests and budgets. While tourism has faced challenges nationally, with domestic tourism down 12%, both regions continue to adapt and innovate their offerings.

Literary enthusiasts can explore settings that inspired Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier, while culture seekers can enjoy traditional festivals like Padstow’s Obby Oss and Dartmouth’s Regatta.

With 2.1 million overnight visitors annually in each county, you’re not alone in recognizing their appeal.

Both regions offer excellent museums, sustainable tourism options, and improved accessibility through enhanced transport links, making them increasingly attractive for modern travelers.

For those evaluating alternatives, Cornwall provides a different experience than the equally beautiful Bournemouth seaside with its unique clifftop panoramas and hidden coves.

Natural Landscapes and Coastal Beauty

Although both regions showcase stunning coastlines, Devon edges ahead with its diverse protected landscapes, including two national parks and five National Landscapes.

You’ll find dramatic granite tors and Bronze Age sites in Dartmoor, while Exmoor offers heather moorlands meeting coastal cliffs.

Devon’s coastline varies considerably from north to south. The north features rugged cliffs at Hartland Peninsula and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Braunton Burrows. Popular beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde attract surfing enthusiasts year-round.

The south coast presents gentler slopes and sheltered bays near Salcombe, plus a section of the Jurassic Coast.

Cornwall counters with its own natural wonders, including the striking Bedruthan Steps and Land’s End’s granite cliffs.

The county’s south coast boasts subtropical microclimates along the Roseland Peninsula and hidden coves, while Bodmin Moor provides dramatic inland scenery.

Best Beaches and Swimming Spots

While both regions boast impressive coastlines, each offers distinct swimming experiences that cater to different preferences.

Cornwall’s strength lies in its secluded sandy coves, like Lantic Bay and Kynance Cove, where you’ll discover turquoise waters and tidal pools perfect for peaceful swims. The National Trust maintains a scenic 4.5-mile looped walk connecting these hidden beaches. It’s advisable to time your visits with low tide for the best experience.

Devon counters with more diverse options, from the Victorian-era Tunnels Beach in Ilfracombe to the wild swimming haven of Sharrah Pool in Dartmoor. You’ll find organized swimming events like the Bantham Swoosh, making it ideal if you’re keen on group activities.

Devon’s wild swimming spots blend historic charm with natural splendor, offering both structured events and secluded adventures for every swimmer.

For families, St Ives in Cornwall and Bantham Beach in Devon offer safe, lifeguard-patrolled waters. Remember to check tide times and facilities beforehand, as many hidden gems lack amenities.

Food and Local Delicacies

After working up an appetite swimming in Devon’s waters or exploring Cornwall’s coves, both regions offer distinct culinary treasures that’ll make your holiday memorable.

You’ll find fresh seafood, hearty pasties, and the famous cream tea in both counties, though each puts its own spin on these classics. In Devon, the cream tea tradition actually started with monks in Tavistock Abbey who created this delightful combination.

1. Try Cornwall’s iconic pasties with their distinctive D-shape and crimped edge, or sample Devon’s historic version with its different crimping style.
2. Experience the cream tea debate firsthand – Devon serves cream first on plain splits, while Cornwall insists on jam-first on scones.
3. Sample local seafood from Devon’s sweet Lyme Bay crab sandwiches to Cornwall’s rebranded “Cornish sardines.”
4. Don’t miss regional beverages like Cornwall’s Rattler Cyder or Devon’s traditional scrumpy from historic orchards.

Historical Sites and Heritage Attractions

From prehistoric caves to grand medieval castles, both Devon and Cornwall pack centuries of history into their stunning landscapes.

Journey through time across Devon and Cornwall’s ancient wonders, where every stone and cave tells tales of Britain’s remarkable past.

In Devon, you’ll find impressive Roman remains at Exeter’s ancient walls and the magnificent Gothic cathedral with its astronomical clock. Don’t miss Kents Cavern, where you can explore 500,000-year-old Paleolithic tools. The majestic Powderham Castle offers fascinating audio-guided tours through its historic halls.

Cornwall’s historical sites lean heavily into Arthurian legend, with Tintagel Castle and its dramatic footbridge offering spectacular coastal views. The tidal island of St Michael’s Mount adds a unique maritime experience, though you’ll need to time your visit with the tides.

For value-conscious travelers, Devon offers more easily accessible sites, particularly around Exeter’s city center. Meanwhile, Cornwall’s sites often require more planning and transportation, but reward visitors with mystical folklore and stunning clifftop locations.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure Sports

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a casual explorer, both regions excel in outdoor adventures with Cornwall’s 400+ beaches and Devon’s two national parks leading the charge.

You’ll find world-class surfing in Newquay, while Devon offers unmatched stargazing at Exmoor’s Dark Sky Reserve. The annual Boardmasters Festival brings thousands of surf enthusiasts to Cornwall’s shores. Both counties offer picturesque settings perfect for perfect getaway experiences regardless of your adventure preference.

1. Water enthusiasts can try coasteering and paddleboarding in Cornwall’s sheltered bays or opt for kayaking along Devon’s River Dart.
2. Cyclists will love the family-friendly Camel Trail in Cornwall or Devon’s scenic Exe Estuary Trail.
3. Hikers can tackle Cornwall’s dramatic South West Coast Path or explore Devon’s Dartmoor tors and Bronze Age ruins.
4. Unique adventures include low-tide walks to St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall or open-water swimming at Devon’s Burgh Island.

Both regions deliver outstanding outdoor experiences without breaking the bank, making it tough to choose a winner.

Arts, Culture, and Local Festivals

Looking to learn about arts and culture? Both Cornwall and Devon offer abundant artistic experiences, but with distinct flavors.

Cornwall’s art scene centers around St. Ives, where you’ll find the Tate St. Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum. The dramatic Minack Theatre, carved into coastal cliffs, provides an unforgettable setting for performances.

Don’t miss the Falmouth Maritime Museum to explore the region’s seafaring heritage. The vibrant Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the area’s maritime heritage through art exhibitions and culinary demonstrations.

Devon counters with Plymouth Theatre Royal and Exeter Cathedral, while Dartmoor National Park houses ancient monuments and stone circles.

For festival-goers, Cornwall’s Boardmasters combines surfing with music, while Devon offers diverse celebrations through Totnes and Exeter festivals.

Both counties maintain thriving craft markets and creative workshops, with Cornwall particularly known for its pottery traditions and Devon for its preserved historical sites like Clovelly Village.

Accommodation Options and Travel Tips

When planning your stay in either Cornwall or Devon, you’ll find accommodations to match any budget and travel style. From luxury hotels like Burgh Island to cozy farm stays and budget-friendly hostels, both regions offer diverse options for your holiday base. Many properties in August require full week bookings during peak season. If you’re a surfing enthusiast visiting Cornwall, consider choosing one of the top surf hotels that offer easy beach access and specialized amenities.

1. Book well in advance, especially during peak summer months, as the best spots fill up quickly and prices tend to surge.
2. Consider staying near landmarks like St. Ives in Cornwall or Dartmoor in Devon to maximize your sightseeing opportunities.
3. If you’re exploring rural areas, make certain your accommodation has parking facilities or is accessible by public transport.
4. Look for value-adding accommodation packages that include local activities or experiences.

Whether you choose a beachfront cottage in Penzance or a family-friendly hotel in Exeter, expect to pay around $166-191 per night for 3-4 star accommodations.

Best Time to Visit Each Region

Since both Cornwall and Devon share similar weather patterns, you’ll find the ideal time to visit falls between late spring and early autumn.

For the best value and fewer crowds, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October.

If you’re a surfer, head to Cornwall between late autumn and spring when the swells are at their best.

Devon’s summer months are perfect for family beach holidays, but expect larger crowds and higher prices from June to August. Visitors can enjoy long daylight hours until around 8:30pm, perfect for evening beach walks and outdoor dining.

Both regions host unique events throughout the year – Cornwall’s spring festivals like the Port Isaac Shanty Festival and Devon’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta in late summer.

You’ll enjoy about 12 hours of daylight during summer months, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in either destination.

Final Words

As they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and that’s especially true when choosing between Cornwall and Devon. You’ll find great value in either destination, with Cornwall offering more dramatic coastlines and artistic spots, while Devon delivers diverse landscapes and more abundant history. Pick Cornwall if you’re after secluded beaches and artsy towns, or choose Devon for varied terrain and historical sites. Both won’t break the bank if you plan wisely.