Devon is renowned for a range of things such as its spectacular coastlines and beautiful beaches, to its medieval towns and cute seaside villages. The diverse county has lots to see, with an array of landmarks and sights to visit, making it a popular holiday destination.
To help holiday goers decide where to visit, local experts at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have revealed the most popular Devon landmarks and sights according to TikTok and Instagram.
The Devon holiday cottages company analysed the number of tagged Instagram photos and TikTok hashtag views for almost 500 landmarks and sights in the county to reveal the ten most popular.
Rank | Landmarks & Sights | Instagram Tagged Photos | TikTok Hashtag Views |
1 | Jurassic Coast | 456,193 | 37,100,000 |
2 | Powderham Castle | 14,802 | 14,600,000 |
3 | Dartmoor National Park | 178,865 | 7,300,000 |
4 | Wistman’s Wood | 8,853 | 4,300,000 |
5 | Tunnels Beaches | 7,456 | 1,700,000 |
6 | Braunton Burrows | 7,165 | 1,500,000 |
7 | Babbacombe | 34,307 | 1,200,000 |
8 | Exmoor National Park | 83,479 | 738,600 |
9 | Exeter Quay | 29,130 | 457,600 |
10 | Beer Village | 9,560 | 465,000 |
1. Jurassic Coast
Topping the list is the Jurassic Coast with over 450,000 tagged Instagram photos and 37,000,000 TikTok hashtag views. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 95-mile-long stretch of coastline is situated within the counties of Dorset and Devon. With outstanding historical significance, the unspoilt stretch of coastline reveals a unique geological portrait of 185 million years of the Earth’s history exposed in dramatic cliffs, secluded caves, coastal stacks and barrier beaches.
2. Powderham Castle
Following in second place is Powderham Castle, with over 14,000 tagged Instagram photos and 14,600,000 TikTok hashtag views. Built in the 14th century, the Grade I listed castle is a remarkable place, with secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing – with centuries of stories to share with guests.
3. Dartmoor National Park
Next is Dartmoor National Park, with over 178,000 tagged Instagram photos and 7,300,000 TikTok hashtag views. A vast moorland that spans 386 square miles, it’s defined by deep river valleys, forests, wetlands and tors with a rich history and rare wildlife.
4. Wistman’s Wood
Wistman’s Wood is an ancient forest of dwarf oak trees. One of the highest oak woodlands in the UK, at 380-410m altitude, the woodland is a site of special scientific interest. It’s famous for its bizarrely shaped, twisted trees, which are covered in layers of moss, standing amidst a tumbled area of granite boulders.
5. Tunnels Beaches
A network of tunnels, hand-carved in the early nineteenth century, lead to a selection of sheltered sand and shingle beaches as well as a Victorian tidal swimming pool, which can only be accessed via the tunnels.
6. Braunton Burrows
Braunton Burrows is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. It is at the heart of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO-designated Biosphere reserve with a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
7. Babbacombe
On Devon’s English Riviera, the beach resort of Babbacombe includes a great range of things to do in a quiet, laid-back setting. Babbacombe Downs has the highest cliff-top promenade in England with spectacular views, as well as a lovely small shingle beach set beneath the cliffs.
8. Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park spans Devon and Somerset, with 693 square kilometres of wild and rugged terrain. It has wide-open moors, peaceful woodlands and picturesque farms with fast-flowing rivers and streams, and towering sea cliffs.
9. Exeter Quay
Exeter’s Quayside provides a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary designs. It is the ideal place to browse in antique shops, walk and cycle, take a relaxing boat trip, or find something to eat or drink in the lively pubs and restaurants.
10. Beer Village
A quintessential British seaside village, the picturesque village of Beer is located on the Jurassic Coast. It’s off the beaten track, surrounded by white chalk cliffs and the shingle beach is lined with fishing boats bringing in their daily catches.