| EXETER. With a touch of buzzy, big city atmosphere, and a thriving arts scene, Exeter is one of the liveliest cities in the southwest. The city's long heritage means there are plenty of monuments and historical attractions to occupy at least a day's sightseeing, and there's an excellent selection of bars, cafes and restaurants.
DAWLISH is a small town and seaside resort on the east coast of Devon, between the main holiday destination of Torquay and the city of Exeter. Situated back from the seacoast above high, deep-red cliffs, Dawlish covers around 5000 acres of land and has a population of around 13000. The land rising from the coast forms a small valley with a rivulet running through its trough starting its course at Haldon moor, passing through neighbouring villages, through the town centre and out to sea.
The rivulet, more commonly known as 'Dawlish Water' or 'The Brook', plays a central role in the town's geography and character. Although a natural rivulet, it was reconstructed in the early 19th century to reduce the possibility of flooding and to provide some control by the introduction of small weirs. Running though the town, it is bridged at several places to provide pedestrian and vehicle crossing. It is home to many waterfowl, including the famous Black Swan, and to fish such as Trout.
The architecture of the town has a charming appeal with buildings dating back to both Victorian and Georgian periods. Still older buildings from around the 17th century remain near the town and towards the outskirts. At the town centre, running parallel to the Brook, there is an attractive park providing a relaxing environment for families. The park, or 'Lawn' as it is known, is home to exotic plants, chestnut trees and palm trees, offering shelter for visitors and for the wildfowl that live there.
Nestling below Haldon hills to the north, TEIGNMOUTH lies along a stretch of red sandstone coast at the unspoilt estuary of the river Teign, born on high Dartmoor. Wide spaces and rolling fieldscapes delight the eye with breath-taking panoramas from high ground. Lyme Bay's well-spaced arms protect smaller bays peering out over the English Channel between Portland and Start Point. Teignmouth claims record-breaking hours of sunshine and its remarkable geographical position ensures reasonable weather for much of the time. Dartmoor National Park's eastern approach or the city of Exeter can be reached by road in 30 minutes whilst Plymouth is about one hour's drive. Public transport links nearby Torbay and the market town of Newton Abbot.
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