Why 2009 could be a boom year for holidays in Devon

The rolling countryside and stunning coastlines of Devon have always been a major attraction to visitors, drawing tourists to this beautiful part of the world for an ideal holiday. Devon has so much to offer its visitors, and with the current economic crisis meaning everyone wants their holiday pound to go further, now has never been a better time to choose a holiday in Devon.

The global downturn has seen the pound suffer against other major currencies, particularly the Euro and the Dollar. Cheap holidays to the popular Eurozone destinations of Spain and Portugal have been hit by the pound’s poor performance against the Euro, and the plummeting exchange rate against the Dollar means that trips to the US are now over 30% more expensive than they were last year. As a result, holidaymakers are thinking far more about UK destinations and, as ever, Devon is at the top of almost everybody’s wish list.

Devon is one of the largest counties in England, covering over 2,500 square miles. Within its boundaries are two of the finest National Parks, hundreds of miles of coastline, numerous attractions and some of the most beautiful countryside in England. With so much to offer visitors, it’s no wonder that the county has enjoyed a reputation for being the premiere destination in the UK for many years. And in 2009 it’s proving to be a sound economic choice as well.

For families looking for a holiday that doesn’t break the bank, self-catering accommodation in Devon is plentiful and reasonably priced. From farmhouse to fisherman’s cottages, the opportunities to ‘go native’ in Devon are there for those unwilling to be tied to hotel menus and timetables. Devon’s reputation for top quality local produce also means that a self-catering holiday gives you the chance to taste some of the best and freshest food in the UK. The sea is still an important part of life in Devon, and as a result there is a plentiful supply of fresh fish and shellfish on offer. Traditional Devon Ruby Red beef is the pride of the county, giving visitors a chance to try truly organic beef that’s low in food miles but high in taste.

Devon has a very clement climate, warmed by prevailing south-westerly winds and sheltered from the worst excesses of the British weather. The long-term weather forecasts for 2009 indicate a warmer than average summer starting in May, which after the disastrous summer of 2008 will be welcomed by the Devon tourist industry. Even if the weathermen have got it wrong, there are plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained, come rain or shine. From adventure parks such as Crealy and ‘The Big Sheep’, to The Living Coast exhibitions on the English Riviera at Paignton, reasonably priced, family entertainment is widely available and of very high quality. For the more adventurous, holidays in Devon offer plenty of opportunity to get out and about, with rock climbing, windsurfing and mountain-biking across the county. If your outdoor interests are a little more sedate, Devon also has some of the best salmon and trout fishing rivers in England.

Holidays in Devon are always an experience, and with the county offering so much at an exchange rate that doesn’t hit you in the pocket, it really does look like 2009 is going to be the perfect year to take advantage of a home-grown destination like Devon for your holiday.