Devon towns and villages so beautiful you'll want to move there now

Devon is known to be the best place in the world to live, with its stunning sea views, quaint countryside cottages, dramatic coastal scenery and beautiful cityscapes. Each town and village in Devon has its own unique charm, and we've handpicked 19 of them that are so pretty, you'll want to pack your bags and move there right away.

1) Lustleigh

Lustleigh, a gorgeous village on the edge of Lustleigh Cleave on Dartmoor, has been inhabited since before records began. The village is known for its annual May Day celebrations centred around a large granite boulder topped by a granite throne in the village orchard. The Cleave Inn and Primrose tea rooms are popular spots for walkers heading to Lustleigh Cleave and down the River Bovey valley. In early June, the slopes are covered in bluebells and foxgloves.

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2) Shaldon

This lovely spot at the mouth of the River Teign is known for its strong community spirit. It's been growing in popularity since a wall was built in 1800 to stop the sea from washing the beach away. Before then, the river settlement was upstream in Ringmore, safe from the sea.

Shaldon Regatta is one of England's oldest. The first records go back to 1817 and the modern regatta lasts for nine days in August when the village is packed. The River Teign is home to one of England's biggest rowing clubs.

3) Berrynarbor

The peaceful village of Berrynarbor is just east of Ilfracombe, near Combe Martin, in the beautiful Sterridge Valley.

It's in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the North Devon Coastal Path nearby, offering great walks and views. There's a church from the 12th century and a manor hall from the 15th century.

4) Dittisham

This pretty little village is on the edge of the River Dart, two miles upstream from Dartmouth. It's opposite Agatha Christie's lovely Greenway Estate, now looked after by the National Trust.

The best way to get there is on the Greenway Ferry, landing on the pontoons where kids love to go crabbing. There are pretty cottages next to the quayside and the lovely Ferry Boat Inn. To catch the ferry back to the east bank, ring the big brass bell.

5) Clovelly

This charming fishing village on the North Devon coast is truly one-of-a-kind. The quaint cottages tumble down the cobbled main street, leading to a stunning harbour and turquoise ocean overlooking Bideford Bay.

But Clovelly isn't just pretty it has a strong community spirit and hosts popular annual events like the Herring Festival.

6) Lee Bay

The small, old-world village of Lee Bay, or simply Lee, is located on the rugged North Devon coastline near Woolacombe. It's nestled at the foot of the beautiful Fuchsia Valley and is just a short walk from a sandy beach that appears when the tide goes out.

7) Salcombe

Salcombe is the gem of South Devon, known for its high house prices. Despite this, it's a vibrant town that still maintains its unique Devon character.

With numerous shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants, Salcombe is a favourite spot for tourists who don't mind splashing out a bit.

8) Woolsery (Woolfardisworthy)

North Devon's Woolfardisworthy was once ranked as the fifth hardest place name to pronounce in the UK by linguists which is why it's usually called Woolsery.

This lovely village has around 1,100 residents. Life here changed when wealthy San Franciscans Michael and Xochi Birch, founders of social media company Bebo, opened the Farmer's Arms pub in Woolsery.

Michael, who hails from the village, has invested a lot in reviving the local fish and chip shop, village stores, several homes, a grand manor house which is being transformed into a hotel and spa and 90 acres of farmland.

9) Appledore

Appledore, a charming quayside village, sits where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet. This peaceful fishing village has been a significant ship building hub for centuries. It's also the birthplace of North Devon's delicious Hocking's ice cream!

10) Dartmouth

Dartmouth, with its magical streets and fantastic scenic river location, overlooks one of the UK's finest natural harbours and boasts a strong maritime heritage. Quirky shops and art galleries fill the quaint streets. Dartmouth is the ideal place for a romantic escape, sightseeing adventure or family holiday.

11) Woolacombe

Woolacombe's stunning three-mile beach is widely acknowledged as one of the UK's best and this picture shows why. A quiet surf village in the winter, Woolacombe's population soars in the summer when it becomes a paradise for sun lovers, families and surfers.

12) Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge, a market town with a friendly vibe, sits on its own estuary in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Despite its picture-perfect looks, it feels like a real community.

13) Lynmouth

Also known as Devon's Little Switzerland, is a place of natural beauty. It's home to the Grade I listed, water-powered cliff railway which offers stunning views.

14) Cockington

It's a stunning place in Torbay is perfect if you want to experience life like a Hobbit for a day. Its narrow lanes lined with thatched houses offer a uniquely English charm.

15) Instow

Opposite Appledore, you'll find Instow with its stunning views over the Torridge estuary best enjoyed at sunset. It's also home to some top-notch restaurants, cute shops and an award-winning delicatessen in John's of Instow. The beach and rolling dunes are popular with families and dog walkers.

16) Widecombe-In-The-Moor

This village is set in a beautiful location with tea rooms, hotels, shops and pubs. You'll often see wild ponies, sheep and cattle wandering on the village green. The scenery around the village is breathtaking, with views stretching out over Dartmoor.

17) Hartland

For dramatic scenery, head to Hartland. This charming village boasts some of the most unique, rugged coastline on Devon's shores and a couple of cosy old pubs to enjoy it from. It's also a favourite with Hollywood movie producers and TV production crews, having been used as a set for films like Treasure Island and TV shows including The Night Manager, Top Gear and Sense and Sensibility.

18) Bigbury-on-Sea/Burgh Island

Bigbury-on-Sea, nestled in the beautiful South Hams and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a hit with families, couples and watersports fans. Its most famous landmark is Burgh Island, which overlooks the beach. You can reach the island at low tide via a causeway, or ride the unique 'sea tractor' when the tide is high.

19) Totnes

This vibrant market town on the River Dart is known for its alternative lifestyles and open-mindedness. Located between stunning Dartmoor and the white sandy beaches of the South Hams, it's become increasingly popular as people seek a slower pace of life. With its bustling high street full of independent shops and cafes, and the chance to take a dip in the Dart, it's easy to see why Totnes is a top place to live.

What do you think? Have we missed a beautiful Devon location? Let us know in the comments below.