DEVON, glorious Devon, as the old song goes, takes some beating as a holiday destination.

The county has beautiful scenery, a spectacular coastline and more than its fair share of historic sites to explore.

Devon covers 850 square miles, stretching from the borders with Somerset in the east to Cornwall in the west.

There is the ancient harbour town of Ilfracombe and one of Europe's finest beaches at Woolacombe, as well as the unique cobblestone village of Clovelly and the picturesque twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, known as Little Switzerland.

Don't forget 'Tarka Country', which set the scene for Henry Williamson's much-loved nature story, Tarka the Otter.

This area is best explored by foot or bike following the Tarka Trail, a 180-mile route which links the two National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Popular with visitors for day trips or longer breaks, Lundy Island lies 10 miles off the North Devon coast.

Once a haunt for pirates and smugglers, it's now a wildlife haven and home to the country's first statutory Marine Nature Reserve.

There are plenty of places to stay - tourist guides are available everywhere.

For those preferring to do their own thing, there are holiday home agencies as well as camping and caravanning facilities.