Although Devon is now the generally accepted name, for many centuries the county had also been called "Devonshire", according to personal taste, and the latter remains in common useage and is still to be seen on several signposts in the county and elsewhere.

Beaches

Devon is unique among English counties, in that it has two separated coastlines. Both parts of the Devon coastline are part of the South West Coast Path.

Endless miles of blue flag beaches nestle beside inlets, centuries old fishing villages and sophisticated seaside resorts, perfect locations for fun by the sea. Discover rock pools, secluded coves for unwinding with a good book and tales of sea faring adventures.

The Dorset and East Devon Coast, otherwise known as the Jurassic Coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geologically, Devon, along with its neighbour Cornwall is known as the "Cornubian massif".

From Orcombe Rocks, Exmouth, Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset this coast gives a unique insight into life in the past through the rocks exposed along the 95 miles of beautiful coastline. There are 185 million years of Earth history for you to explore. Walk along the coast and walk through time!

As part of a 2002 marketing campaign, the plant conservation charity Plantlife chose the Primrose as the county flower.