Devon is a large county in South West England. Its bordering neighbors are Cornwall to the west, Dorset and Somerset to the east. Initially Devon was referred to as Devonshire, but now that name is rarely used. Despite this fact the name Devonshire appears in some names and titles (such as the Duke of Devonshire), and is still to be seen on signposts in the county. Devon was one of the first England areas settled after the end of the last ice age.
The name "Devon" was given to the Celtic people inhabited the southwestern peninsula of Britain by the Romans at the time of the Roman invasion c. 50 A.D. Originally it sounded as the Dumnonii and meant 'Deep Valley Dwellers'. Devon is extremely rich in various sights such as Berry Pomeroy Castle, Paignton and the Torbay Area (English Heritage owned "Fortress of Mystery", once the home of influential local families).
Other great sites include Okehampton Castle, Okehampton, Dartmoor (English Heritage owned romantic ruin dating back to Norman times), Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth, South Hams (English Heritage owned coastal defence, 600 years old with Victorian gun battery and exhibition), Totnes Castle, Totnes, South Hams (English Heritage owned Norman defence, nearly 1000 years old and one of the best examples of a motte and bailey fort), Dunster Castle (an impressive stone motte founded by William de Mohun who was its owner up to 1376), etc. Devon County can be subdivided into three parts: South Devon, North Devon, and Exmoor and East Devon.
But today we aren't going to tell you about all the history places of interest, but about North Devon and its enchanting Brendon Valley. If you are a person appreciating the beauty of nature and prefer that very way of rest-time, Brendon, North Devon is the place to visit.
North Devon is a bewitching area of the country with a great variety of beautiful countryside scenes - rolling hills, hidden woodlands, spectacular rivers, rocky coves and long sandy beaches. It is definitely worth visiting. North Devon is the home of Exmoor National Park founded in 1954. Its landscapes are incredibly varied, embracing areas of open moorland, intimate deep valleys, ancient oak woodlands, coastal areas with some of the highest and most spectacular cliffs.
Brendon is located within North Devon local authority area. The Brendon Valley, is a beautiful valley which twists and turns along the East Lyn River. It is the most wonderful and exotic place in North Devon. Here you can enjoy the entire greatness and unspoiled beauty of English nature and landscapes. Brendon boasts stunning examples of Exmoor wildlife and plants, as well as the most breath taking scenery. Take one of the countless beautiful moorland walks and you may be lucky to chance upon a pair of antlers, and if you are very lucky and quiet you may just get to see some deer.
It's no mystery why so many people return to Exmoor year after year. In addition to the staggering nature, you can have a wonderful Brendon holiday in one of the ample accommodations located at the territory of this great valley.
Formerly a farmhouse, Brendon House was built about 1780 and still retains many of the original features and character. Situated in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, Brendon House is a 4 Diamond Guesthouse with award winning restaurant and tea garden (North Devon Good Food Awards 2003, 2004 & 2005). It is a very quiet and rural setting.
It is a "Country Guest House" that has five letting rooms, residents lounge and restaurant. It is both small enough to be warm, cozy and affordable, and big enough to give all the possible facilities offered by many of the larger establishments.
Brendon House is a wonderful centre for walking, riding, fishing or just relaxing in this beautiful region of England.
North Devon attracts great deal of tourists and visitors every year. Brendon invites you to be the one more connoisseur of nature and its constant visitor.