The Hidden Places of Devon

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Don't bother - Rated
Most entries in this book are actually hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and pubs rather than actual tourist attractions. They are plastered distractingly as boxes in the middle of the main body of text in the style of those "advertising features" which are the ubiquitous bane of all magazines these days, and likewise are paid adverts written by the places themselves rather than independent reviews (a fact only admitted in the book's index when listing "index of advertisers"). I bought this book before moving to Devon, ending up for a while living virtually next door to one of the pubs listed here, and I was totally unable to recognise the glowing description contained herein (for example, the so-called "extensive collection of real ales" actually being, er, John Smith's Extra-Smooth and Directors - and no, the landlord hadn't changed since publication). I subsequently discovered the text of the "review" to be identical to one apparently provided by the pub itself on an online resource.

The main text contains brief, not much more than one or two line descriptions of tourist attractions themselves, which are virtually useless. Don't even bother with this book.

A book written to make your exploration of Devon enjoyable. - Rated
This book is aimed at the Devon visitor who wants to explore the area away from the main tourist trappings.

Each region of Devon has a chapter to itself complete with map. Colour photographs punctuate the text, drawing the reader to discover more for themselves. Natural features are described as well as architectural significant edifaces or just quaint scenes.

The visitor may well like to tarry a while, admiring such views, so inns and restaurants are recommended near to places they are visiting or for longer stays many charming guesthouses and hotels are similarly mentioned.

The book is a must for the discerning traveller to Devon.