side of Burgh Island Hotel overlooking sea

Where is Devon?

Devon is a stunning coastal county located in South West England, known for its varied landscape, including rolling countryside and rugged coastlines. You’ll also find a rich cultural heritage in this part of the UK. Nestled between Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the northeast, and Dorset to the east, Devon offers a diverse and dramatic landscape that has long attracted travellers in search of natural beauty and restorative calm.

 

Uniquely, Devon boasts two spectacular coastlines: one to the north along the Bristol Channel, and another to the south on the English Channel. This dual-coastal position means visitors can enjoy everything from surfing wild Atlantic swells to discovering sheltered coves and sandy beaches along the South Devon shores.

 

If you’re unfamiliar with UK geography, Devon sits below Wales and west of London, forming part of England’s rural southwestern peninsula. Whether you’re planning a seaside holiday or a countryside retreat, Devon is perfectly positioned to offer the best of both worlds.

How Far is Devon From London?

Devon is approximately 170 to 200 miles from London, depending on your destination within the county. Travel times vary by mode of transport:

  • By train: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours from London Paddington to Exeter, Plymouth, or Totnes, with services running frequently.
  • By car: Roughly 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and where in Devon you’re heading.
  • By air: You can fly into Exeter Airport from select UK and European cities, with onward travel by taxi or car hire.

Devon is easily reachable for a long weekend or short break, offering a complete change of pace and scenery from the city.

How Far is Devon From Birmingham?

Devon is approximately 140 to 180 miles from Birmingham, depending on which part of Devon you’re travelling to. 

  • By car: The journey typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination within Devon.
  • By train: Direct services from Birmingham New Street to Exeter, Plymouth, or Tiverton Parkway take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with some requiring a change at Bristol or Newton Abbot.
  • By coach: National Express and Megabus services are available but take longer, averaging around 5 to 6 hours.

Devon’s blend of coast, countryside, and charming towns makes it a refreshing and accessible getaway from Birmingham

 

How Far is Devon From Cornwall?

Devon directly borders Cornwall to the west, so the distance between the two counties is minimal, and in many places, they blend seamlessly into one another.

  • From East Cornwall (e.g., Launceston or Saltash) to West Devon (e.g., Tavistock or Plymouth): just 10 to 30 miles, or 30 minutes to an hour by car.
  • From Truro (central Cornwall) to Exeter (East Devon): approximately 85 miles, or around 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
  • By train: There are regular services connecting Devon and Cornwall, such as Plymouth to Truro or Exeter to Penzance, taking 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the route.

The proximity makes it easy to explore both counties in a single trip, with Devon’s rolling hills and twin coastlines complementing Cornwall’s rugged cliffs and surf beaches beautifully.

How Far is Devon From Bristol? 

Devon is approximately 70 to 100 miles from Bristol, depending on your destination within Devon.

By car: The journey typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with the quickest routes heading south via the M5 motorway.

By train: Direct services from Bristol Temple Meads to Devon towns such as Exeter, Tiverton Parkway, or Plymouth take around 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the stop.
Thanks to excellent road and rail links, Devon is an easy and rewarding escape from Bristol: ideal for long weekends or scenic coastal breaks not too far away. 

How Far is Devon From Wales?

Devon shares its northern border with Wales via the Bristol Channel, but there’s no direct land border, which means you have to travel between the two typically via bridge or inland routes through Somerset or Gloucestershire.

Here’s how far Devon is from key locations in Wales:

From Cardiff (South Wales) to Exeter (East Devon): Around 85–100 miles 

By car: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours

By train: Around 2.5 to 3 hours, usually with a change at Bristol From Swansea to Plymouth (South Devon): Around 120 miles

By car: Around 3 to 3.5 hours

From North Wales (e.g., Llandudno) to Exeter: Over 200 miles

By car: 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route

 

While the two regions are not immediate neighbours by road, South Wales and Devon are very accessible to one another, especially for weekend breaks and coastal getaways.

Discover Burgh Island

Tucked just off the South Devon coast, a stone’s throw from the shores of Bigbury-on-Sea, lies Burgh Island, a truly unique destination where history, character, and seclusion meet. Home to the iconic Burgh Island Hotel, this captivating tidal island retreat offers a rare opportunity to experience the wild beauty of Devon in luxurious Art Deco surroundings.

 

Accessible viaBurgh Island’s famous sea tractor or on foot at low tide from Bigbury-on-Sea, the island is surrounded by sweeping sands and dramatic views across the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Legend has it that the rugged shores and dramatic cliffs have even inspired romantics and creatives alike, with Agatha Christie having found inspiration here for two of her novels. 

 

Indeed, with its striking setting, rich literary history, and cinematic charm, Burgh Island truly captures the timeless essence of Devon’s coastal spirit: untamed, romantic, and unforgettable.

 

Plan Your Devon Escape

If you’re dreaming of sea air, a timeless charm, and a stay that feels truly set apart from the everyday, Burgh Island Hotel is your invitation to discover Devon at its most extraordinary. Nestled just off the South Devon coast, this iconic Art Deco retreat offers an escape like no other, where history, heritage, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.

 

Whether you’re drawn by the tides, the tranquillity, or the golden light over Bigbury Bay, a stay at Burgh Island promises unspoiled landscapes, refined interiors, and a sense of calm that lingers long after you leave. Let your Devon adventure begin with us. Step back in time, slow down, and reconnect with the extraordinary.