Why Devon is heaven

DEVON is sailing into summer on the crest of a wave after being voted the best place to live in England.

The Country Life magazine survey earlier this year may have put a few noses out of joint in neighbouring Cornwall - beaten into second place - but Devonians aren't complaining.

They claim their 300 miles of coastline, and spectacular rivers combined with the beauty of Dartmoor and a chunk of Exmoor, make this vast shire the creme de la creme.

Like its neighbour, coastal Devon is a county of two halves. Towering cliffs and vast swathes of sand in the Atlantic-beaten north. Wooded estuaries, sailing boats and fishing villages to the south.

Visitors will be flocking to the top end this month for the North Devon Festival, which in just five years has established itself as a major summer event.

This year's is set to be the biggest yet, with over 80 major events and 450 activities taking place around 100 venues.

They will be praying the sun's out and surf's up for the high- profile lifestyle and sports programme.

A major highlight is the GoldCoast Oceanfest from June 20-22, billed as a "cutting-edge multi-sports event".

The spectacular sands at Woolacombe and Croyde will see international competitors taking part in an action-packed festival of surfing, skateboarding, beach football, BMX trials, para-kiting and other beach sports with big prizes awaiting them.

The events will be topped off with live music, stalls, and a range of food - from Mexican to Thai.

The sports programme also includes dragon boat racing on the River Taw and the North Devon Triathlon, which is expected to attract as many as 200 competitors.

Among other highlights is Cartooned!, a mini-festival of cartooning in theatres, museums, town centres and on the beaches, inspired by Barnstaple-born Francis Carruthers Gould, a famous Victorian political cartoonist.

The Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple, plays host to a series of celebrity concerts.

Among the performers will be the 40-strong Russian Cossack State Dance Company on their first ever UK tour.

Also appearing will be TV presenter Clive James and Australian singer Judith Durham of The Seekers.

Improvisation team the Comedy Store Players will be out to impress with their wit and ingenuity in response to audience suggestions.

"A must for anyone with a pulse and a sense of humour," says the festival programme.

A double helping of jazz is on offer with leading contemporary saxophonist Courtney Pine and international star Keith Smith. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will make its debut at the theatre.

Back on the coast, North Devon will be turning the clock back 100 years for the Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration, which runs over two weekends.

The resort will be putting on the style with a full programme of entertainment, including a costumed procession, music, parties and fireworks. The region's mild climate and high level of sunshine have blessed it with some of the best gardens in Britain.

Among a series of festival-linked events at the RHS garden at Rosemoor, Torrington, is a natural health and herbs weekend.

Entry next weekend is the usual Rosemoor daily admission price of pounds 5 for adults and pounds 1 for children aged six to 16.

Visitors will be able to learn all about the herbs they can grow in their garden and how to make use of their therapeutic benefits.

A gardening event with a difference is the Woolsery Weekend at Woolsery, near Clovelly, on June 21-22. Tickets are pounds 2.50 and give admission to all attractions and are available on the day from the new Community Hall (last tickets issued at 3.30pm).

Visitors will have the chance to look around this friendly village. They can take in 15 different gardens and meet the gardeners themselves to discuss ponds, vegetables, flowers, wildlife, design or whatever else takes their interest.

And whether you prefer to hire a cottage or stay in a luxurious hotel or friendly bed and breakfast, the county has plenty to offer.

We've checked out a few of the top places to stay - see our list on the right.

THE North Devon Festival runs from June 7 to 22. For a programme contact the Festival Hotline/Box Office on 01271 32 42 42. Details are also available online at www.northdevonfestival.org For details of the special event at Rosemoor call 01805 624 067.

WHERE TO STAY

HOTELS

Sandy Cove Hotel, Combe Martin Bay, Berrynarbour - This hotel (pictured below) has breathtaking views across the sea and Exmoor, plus an indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool. A double room costs from pounds 65 per person (01271 882243 or see www.exmoor-hospitality- inns.co.uk).

B&B

Victoria Lodge, Lynton - This award-winning B&B in Exmoor National Park has been given the AA Five Diamonds rating. A double room costs from pounds 27 per person based on two sharing (01598 753203 or see www.victoria lodge.co.uk).

SELF-CATERING

Beer Farm, Oakhampton, Devon - Right on the northerly edge of Dartmoor are a group of barn conversions, each with own terrace, sleeping four to six. They share gardens and a games room. Weekly rates from pounds 160 (01837 840265)

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