Devon is a county of extraordinary variety, where dramatic coastlines meet rolling moors, and tiny lanes lead to discoveries around every bend. For travellers, locals, and curious readers alike, the topic of places in devon beginning with b opens a door to bustling market towns, sheltered harbour villages, and wild, windswept moorland hamlets. In this thorough guide, we journey through a curated selection of B-starting places in Devon, offering practical tips, historic context, and ideas for unforgettable day trips along the Jurassic Coast and the edge of Dartmoor. If you’re looking for inspiration that blends heritage, scenery, and a distinctly British welcome, you’ve come to the right place.
Below you’ll find a detailed overview of notable places in devon beginning with b, from the larger towns that pulse with activity to the quiet settlements that feel timeless. We’ve included handy hints on what to see, how to get there, and the best times to visit. This guide aims to be a reliable companion for planning and a pleasure to read, with clear headings and practical notes to aid your travel planning.
Barnstaple — A Historic North Devon Market Town
Overview
Barnstaple sits on the River Taw in North Devon and is widely regarded as a historic market town with a modern heart. It’s a natural starting point for exploring the region, including the Exmoor National Park to the north and the coast to the west. When people speak of places in devon beginning with b, Barnstaple often features prominently because of its enduring role in trade, craft, and community life.
Top Sights
The town Centre’s streets weave between independent shops, traditional butchers, and cosy cafes. The Pannier Market is a classic destination for local produce and crafts, while the Barnstaple Museum offers a compact but rich glimpse into North Devon’s past. For walkers and cyclists, the nearby Tarka Trail—following the route of the otter from the novel “Tarka the Otter”—provides a spectacular route into the surrounding countryside.
History and Local Tips
Dating back to medieval times, Barnstaple has long been a commercial hub. Its significance grew with the river, forging connections to coastal towns and inland communities. Today, places in devon beginning with b like Barnstaple combine heritage with modern amenities—making it perfect for a city-break pause or a longer Devon adventure. If you’re visiting in summer, the lively market days and riverside ambience are particularly appealing. Local eateries offer seafood and regional dishes that celebrate North Devon’s farming and fishing heritage.
Getting There & Practicalities
Barnstaple is accessible by rail from Exeter and other regional hubs, with a direct line terminating at Barnstaple station. It’s also a straightforward drive from the A39, and the town serves as a convenient base for trips into Exmoor or along the coast. Parking can be found in central car parks, with short walks to the market square and the riverfront.
Bideford — A Historic Port Town on the Torridge
Overview
Bideford sits on the River Torridge and is known for its maritime heritage, charming harbour, and easy access to Westward Ho! and Appledore. It’s a classic example of places in devon beginning with b that beautifully blends working-town character with seaside leisure, making it a strong contender for family-friendly day trips and longer countryside getaways.
Top Sights
The Burton Art Gallery and Museum offers cultural insight into the area’s art and history, while the Old Bridge across the Torridge is a historic landmark that helps frame the town’s riverside appeal. If you enjoy coastal scenery, a short drive or cycle path takes you to the dramatic seascapes of nearby bays and cliffs. The harbour and quayside are ideal places to sample local seafood and watch the boats come and go.
History and Local Tips
Bideford’s fortunes rose with trade and shipbuilding, and the town maintains a distinctive maritime atmosphere. The surrounding countryside, including Apple Farm produce and local markets, reflects Devon’s agricultural heritage. Places in devon beginning with b like Bideford invite visitors to explore both town life and the broader coastline with ease.
Getting There & Practicalities
Proximity to the A39 and a railway line through Barnstaple to Exeter makes Bideford accessible by road and rail. There are regular bus services linking Bideford with nearby towns and villages, and parking near the harbour area is convenient for a seaside stroll.
Braunton — A Village at the Mouth of the River
Overview
Braunton is a large village just inland from the coast, celebrated for its proximity to the Braunton Burrows dune system and the long sands of Saunton Beach. It’s a prime example of how places in devon beginning with b can be both lively and still deeply connected to the land and sea.
Top Sights
The Braunton Burrows dune complex is part of a UNESCO-designated biosphere area and offers fantastic walking and birdwatching. Saunton Sands, with its wide, golden beaches, is a magnet for surfers and families. The village itself has a welcoming range of pubs, cafés, and independent shops that capture the essence of rural Devon life.
History and Local Tips
Braunton’s history as a farming and fishing service centre feeds its present-day charm. If you’re researching places in devon beginning with b that blend natural beauty with accessible culture, Braunton is a compelling option. For nature lovers, a day exploring the dunes and coastline provides both tranquillity and grandeur.
Getting There & Practicalities
Braunton lies off the A361 and is served by local buses from Barnstaple and other towns. It’s an easy base for coastal walks and day trips to Ilfracombe, Lundy Island trips from nearby ports, and access to the longer Dartmoor routes.
Buckfastleigh — Dartmoor’s Gateway and a Benedictine Legacy
Overview
Buckfastleigh sits close to the southern edge of Dartmoor and is best known for Buckfast Abbey, a thriving Benedictine community with a history stretching back to the 11th century. This small town is a delightful example of why places in devon beginning with b captivate visitors who love heritage, architecture, and quiet village life.
Top Sights
The star attraction is Buckfast Abbey, renowned for its architecture, gardens, and a history that intertwines monastic life with rural development. The surrounding Dart valley offers gentle countryside walks, historic inns, and a warm, unhurried pace. If you’re exploring the Tory of Dartmoor, Buckfastleigh makes a natural stop to recharge and reflect.
History and Local Tips
The abbey’s revival in the 20th century has made it a living centre of worship and culture, with gardens that are superb for a stroll. It’s also a touchstone for the broader narrative of places in devon beginning with b, where religious sites sit beside rural industry and modern tourism.
Getting There & Practicalities
Road access is straightforward from the A38 and A384 corridors, with ample parking near the town centre and abbey. For walkers, the surrounding countryside presents a range of circular routes that dip into Dartmoor’s lower reaches without requiring a full moorland ascent.
Budleigh Salterton — A Seaside Town with Jurassic Charm
Overview
Budleigh Salterton sits along the East Devon coast and is famed for its red sandstone cliffs and the sweep of its pebble beaches. It’s a quintessential seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, perfectly suited to those seeking places in devon beginning with b that feel timeless and peaceful yet full of character.
Top Sights
The Pebble Ridge path along the sea wall offers dramatic sea views and opportunities for coastal walks. The town’s long, pebbly beaches are ideal for fossil hunting and sunbathing on calmer days. The thriving high street features independent shops, cafés, and a strong sense of community.
History and Local Tips
Budleigh Salterton has long been a destination for holidaymakers drawn to its less crowded shores and striking scenery. As part of the broad tapestry of places in devon beginning with b, it demonstrates how coastal Devon villages balance tourism with a real sense of village life and seasonal rhythms.
Getting There & Practicalities
The town is accessible by road via the A3052 and enjoys good year-round coastal travel links. It’s a straightforward day trip from Exeter or the rest of East Devon, with on-street parking in season and pay-and-display bays off-peak.
Beer — A Smuggling-Tinged Seaside Village
Overview
Beer is a small, atmospheric village on the Jurassic Coast with a long maritime and smuggling heritage. Its cliffs, harbour, and the quaint white-painted cottages make it one of places in devon beginning with b that feel like stepping back in time, yet offering modern comforts and charming hospitality.
Top Sights
Beer’s sheltered harbour is ideal for a gentle stroll, and the headland known as Beer Head offers dramatic coastal views and the thrill of dramatic sea scenery. Local pubs and fish-and-chip shops celebrate the region’s sea-to-table heritage, while nearby beaches invite tranquil day trips and memorable sunsets.
History and Local Tips
The village’s history of smuggling adds a curious layer to the landscape, and signs around Beer explain the stories that have shaped this coast. In terms of places in devon beginning with b, Beer showcases how small communities can possess a rich storytelling tradition alongside coastal beauty.
Getting There & Practicalities
Access is straightforward by road from the A379, with limited but adequate parking in the village during peak seasons. A walk along the harbour or a cliff-top shore path makes for a classic Devon experience.
Branscombe — A Jurassic Coast Village with Dramatic Cliffs
Overview
Branscombe is famed for its dramatic cliffs, long beach, and a village atmosphere that exudes traditional Devon charm. It’s a standout example of places in devon beginning with b where geology, scenery, and history intersect in a memorable way along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast.
Top Sights
Branscombe Beach and the nearby Nature Reserve provide sweeping coastal views and wildlife-watching opportunities. The village hosts a delightful mix of thatched cottages, local pubs, and a historic church, making it a perfect day trip for families and walkers alike.
History and Local Tips
With roots deep in rural life and coastal industry, Branscombe offers visitors a tactile sense of Devon’s past. If you’re exploring places in devon beginning with b, this village demonstrates how natural beauty and small-scale heritage can harmonise into a quintessentially English coastal experience.
Getting There & Practicalities
Branscombe is reachable by car from the A3058 and has parking options at the beach and village car parks. It’s an ideal stop on a longer Jurassic Coast itinerary, often combined with nearby Seaton and Beer for a full day of coastal walking and sightseeing.
Bratton Fleming — A Quiet Exmoor Village
Overview
Bratton Fleming is a serene, small village near Barnstaple on the edge of Exmoor. It typifies the tranquil, rural side of places in devon beginning with b, where the pace is gentle, and the surrounding countryside invites long walks and slow days.
Top Sights
The surrounding moorland is a treasure for hikers and nature lovers. The village church and local pub offer a glimpse into parish life and traditional rural hospitality that characterises much of North Devon.
History and Local Tips
With a history rooted in farming and agrarian life, Bratton Fleming shows how tiny communities sustain themselves through a strong sense of place. It’s well suited for walkers who want to experience Dartmoor-adjacent landscapes without the crowds of larger tourist towns.
Getting There & Practicalities
Access is best via rural roads from Barnstaple or villages along the A39 corridor. Parking is typically limited, so plan a morning or late afternoon visit to avoid peak times.
Belstone — Dartmoor’s Moorland Village
Overview
Belstone is a picturesque village perched on the fringe of Dartmoor, with Belstone Tor rising dramatically above the village. It’s a standout for anyone exploring places in devon beginning with b who seek dramatic moorland scenery and classic Devon village life.
Top Sights
Belstone Tor and the surrounding walking trails offer striking views across the moor and toward the River Taw. The village pub, ancient church, and stone cottages capture the enduring charm of rural Devon.
Getting There & Practicalities
Access is via minor roads from Okehampton or Chagford, making Belstone a perfect stop on a Dartmoor day trip. The area is popular with walkers, so a midweek visit can feel particularly tranquil.
Brixham — A Colourful Fishing Port with Coastal Pride
Overview
Brixham is a bustling fishing town on the tip of Tor Bay, known for its colourful harbour, fish markets, and scenic coastline. Among places in devon beginning with b, Brixham stands out for its maritime atmosphere and family-friendly attractions, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors.
Top Sights
The harbour area is lively with boats, seafood stalls, and cafe culture. Berry Head, a dramatic coastal headland, provides breathtaking views and nature-watching opportunities. The Golden Hind replica ship, associated with Francis Drake, is a popular photo stop and part of the town’s maritime heritage.
History and Local Tips
The fishing industry has long shaped Brixham’s identity, with a strong sense of community around the harbour. Places in devon beginning with b like Brixham remind visitors how coastal towns in Devon maintain a balance between working life and tourism, offering authentic sea-town experiences.
Getting There & Practicalities
Located on the southern edge of Torbay, Brixham is accessible via road from the A379 and nearby towns such as Paignton and Torquay. There are plenty of parking options around the harbour and a compact town centre perfect for a half-day wander.
Bovey Tracey — A Dartmoor Riverside Town
Overview
Bovey Tracey sits on the edge of Dartmoor with a picturesque riverside setting and a history of traditional crafts and trade. It is an inviting example of places in devon beginning with b where moorland access is easy and the town retains a friendly, village-like atmosphere.
Top Sights
The town’s riverside path provides a gentle walk, while the surrounding Moor offers longer hikes for those seeking more adventurous routes. Local galleries and shops celebrate Devon’s arts and crafts traditions, making Bovey Tracey a well-rounded stop for culture and outdoors.
History and Local Tips
With its Dartmoor backdrop, Bovey Tracey has long been tied to moorland industries and tourism. It’s an excellent base for exploring both the moor and the South Devon coast, especially for families who want a quieter alternative to busier coastal towns.
Getting There & Practicalities
Access is straightforward from the A38 corridor, and the town provides convenient parking for visitors exploring the moor or taking a family stroll along the riverside.
Babbacombe — Cliff Railway Charm in Torquay
Overview
Babbacombe is a distinct district of Torquay perched on the coast, famous for its scenic cliff railway and spectacular sea views. It’s an excellent example of how places in devon beginning with b can combine seaside charm with easy access to broader attractions in Torquay and the English Riviera.
Top Sights
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway is a classic family experience, offering a quick ascent to the headland with panoramic views. The model village is a quaint detour, and nearby cafés provide a relaxing stop after a cliff-top stroll along the South West Coast Path.
Getting There & Practicalities
Part of Torquay, Babbacombe is well-served by local buses and has plentiful parking options, especially in the town centre. It’s a convenient add-on to a day by the coast in the South Devon area.
Blackawton — A Small Village with Scenic Surroundings
Overview
Blackawton is a tiny, quintessential Devon village near the River Dart, notable for its surrounding countryside and tranquil way of life. It represents the quieter end of places in devon beginning with b, where visitors can savour rural scenes and unhurried lanes.
Top Sights
Cosy country lanes, hedgerows, and agricultural land define Blackawton’s scenery. It’s ideal for walkers and cyclists who want to explore South Devon’s rural routes away from busier coastal towns.
Getting There & Practicalities
The village is most easily reached by car from Dartmouth and nearby lanes; there is limited on-street parking in the village, so plan a short, scenic stop as part of a longer Devon itinerary.
Bradworthy — A Village in Torridge’s Quiet Countryside
Overview
Bradworthy lies in the quiet countryside of Torridge, near Hartland Point and the dramatic coastal landscapes of North Devon. It’s a good example of the rural, authentic experience that places in devon beginning with b can provide, away from the tourist hubs but rich in character and natural beauty.
Top Sights
The surrounding countryside invites gentle walking and cycling, with opportunities to encounter traditional Devon farmsteads and local wildlife. The village offers a handful of convenient conveniences and a sense of community life.
Getting There & Practicalities
Bradworthy is accessible by local roads that wind through the countryside. It makes an excellent base for exploring the Hartland Peninsula, sandy beaches, and coastal viewpoints to the north and west.
In exploring these places in devon beginning with b, you’ll encounter a spectrum of experiences—from the bustle of Barnstaple and Bideford to the tranquil lanes of Bratton Fleming and Blackawton, to the dramatic coastlines that define Branscombe, Beer, and Brixham. This long list demonstrates the great diversity within Devon, all starting with the letter B but offering markedly different atmospheres, activities, and scenery.
Tips for planning your visits to places in devon beginning with b:
- Consider your base: If you want coastal scenery and easy moorland access, pairing a coast-focused village like Branscombe or Beer with a Dartmoor-adjacent town such as Bovey Tracey can provide balanced days.
- Seasonality matters: Summer brings busy harbours and longer coastal walks; spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring historic streets and scenic nature reserves.
- Combine towns with natural landmarks: For example, a day that includes Barnstaple or Bideford as a town stop, then a walk along Braunton Burrows or the cliffs at Branscombe, makes for a well-rounded itinerary.
- Local cultures and markets: Markets in Barnstaple, Bideford, and Bradninch provide a direct link to regional produce, crafts, and folk traditions—perfect for enriching your understanding of Devon’s places in devon beginning with b.
Whether you’re a resident seeking new day trips or a visitor chasing seaside brightness, rural calm, or coastal drama, the collection of places in devon beginning with b offers something for every mood. From the historic streets of Barnstaple to the rugged shorelines near Branscombe and Beer, these destinations reveal why the letter B in Devon yields such compelling travel experiences. So, if you’re looking to expand your itinerary with a touch of British charm and distinctive landscapes, start with the B towns and villages listed here, and let Devon show you its best kept secrets, all within reach of each other and the coast’s endless vistas.
