Devon is awash with natural and historic attractions – great news for wildlife lovers and culture vultures heading here on a £9.50 Holiday.

Whether you’re fascinated by stories of the navy’s past, exhilarated by the sheer beauty of the coast or prefer to visit age-old market towns, there’s something to excite every type of traveller. 

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Devon is awash with natural and historic attractions – great news for wildlife lovers and culture vultures heading here on a £9.50 Holiday[/caption]

Of course, Devon is blessed with natural wonders such as its two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, complete with its dark sky status.

You’ve also got five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to explore: Blackdown Hills, East Devon, North Devon Coast, South Devon and the Tamar Valley.

These are packed with natural and historical attractions, like the Tamar’s rich mining heritage landscape and the North Devon Biosphere, England’s largest sand dune system located around Braunton Burrows. 

Among the top-rated historic attractions in Devon are Saltram, a Georgian house and gardens in Plympton, the 600-year-old Dartmouth Castle and Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s house with a grand garden in Kingswear.

We’ve spoken to local experts, plus Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world, to discover their recommendations for Devon’s best natural and historic attractions. Here’s what they said… 

Walk, coasteering and belly boarding at Baggy Point

Surrounded by Croyde’s crashing waves and spectacular cliffs, Baggy Point is an impressive headland in North Devon.

The 300-ft-high site has an interesting history.

During the Second World War, it was used by the American forces to train for the Normandy Landings (lookout for the telltale remnants of this past, including dummy pillboxes on the plateau). 

You can explore Baggy Point on foot, which Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends.

He says: “It takes about half an hour to get to the top, but you get incredible coastal scenery and some spectacular photo opportunities up there.”

Thrill-seekers can see the cliffs from a different angle with a coasteering session – or you can borrow one of the six wooden belly boards for free from the Baggy Point kiosk (during summer months) and leap into the sea of your own accord.

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Whether you’re fascinated by stories of the navy’s past, exhilarated by the sheer beauty of the coast or prefer to visit age-old market towns, there’s something to excite every type of traveller[/caption]

Meet Verity

Overlooking the Bristol Channel on Baggy Point in North Devon, a pregnant woman wields a sword overhead and holds the scales of justice while standing on a pile of law books.

This arresting sight is actually a 60ft bronze and steel sculpture called Verity.

It was created by world-famous artist Damien Hirst, who described it as a “modern allegory of truth and justice”.

Hirst, who lives in Ilfracombe, has loaned the statue to the town for 20 years, starting from when it was unveiled in 2012.

Tessa Lomas, owner of Sea Sauna in nearby Saunton recommends strolling to Stacc afterwards for cocktails and cake. Tessa, 31, said: “The pastry chef there is amazing and it’s all really good quality.” 

Wildlife spotting in the national parks

Devon has two national parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Both free to visit, they are incredible places to explore whether on foot, by bike or even on horseback (guided rides available).

While landlocked Dartmoor is famous for its granite “tors” and ponies, in north-east Devon, Exmoor meets the coast, and is also the UK’s first dark skies conservation area.

During the day, keep your eyes peeled for rare species, including butterflies and birds such as red grouse. The Valley of Rocks and Lynton circular walk offers plenty of wildlife spotting and coastal views. 

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Drakes Island has old cannons, mysterious tunnels and even seals on the rocks[/caption]

See shipwrecks in South Devon

The rocky coast of Devon has been the cause of thousands of shipwrecks (some estimates suggest up to 5,000).

And you can get a glimpse of some of them if you know where to look.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay, suggests Hope Cove in South Devon where the wreckage of Empire Harry is visible at low tide.

She said: “You can hire a paddleboard from Bigbury-on-Sea (try Discovery Surf) or just take your snorkel. You can sometimes see seals hanging out there, too.”

After, swing by Hope & Anchor for a pint near the beach. 

Park life 

Sun reader Richard Tilley visited Cockington Country Park during his recent £9.50 Holiday at Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

The park is a mix of manicured gardens and rural countryside and woodland, with a historic manor house, thatched cottages and 11th-century church.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It has a big old-fashioned cricket green and a little lake and stream. We had a cup of tea and visited all the little craft units.

“My partner watched the glass blowers and bought a bauble as a souvenir.”

Tip: Although the park is free to visit, you have to pay for parking (£1.80 per hour or £7 for four hours and over). 

Market madness

For a shopping trip with a historic twist, Sun reader Dawn Brannigan recommends heading to Barnstaple Pannier Market in North Devon.

The current Guildhall building dates back to 1826, but Barnstaple’s trading history goes back even further, to Saxon times.

Dawn, 54, from Wakefield, was staying nearby at Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe when she visited Pannier Market.

She said: “It’s an indoor market with a historic feel. There’s also the Pottington car boot sale where I picked up loads of bargains.”

Royal William Yard and Drake’s Island

Plymouth has a fascinating naval history – after all, this is where the English fleet left in 1588 to confront the Spanish Armada.

The regenerated Royal William Yard area is steeped in history, having kept the naval fleet afloat in the 19th century.

Today, the restored Grade I and II Listed buildings are home to pulsing restaurants, galleries, shops and events such as live music and food markets.

Gem Krupa recommends the ferry to Drakes Island for history buffs, saying: “You can get a ferry through Plymouth Sound and do a tour of the island. You will see old cannons, mysterious tunnels and maybe even seals on the rocks.”

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Barnstaple Pannier Market in North Devon dates back to 1826[/caption]

Wild swimming 

Around a 35-minute drive inland from the South Devon coastline is a fantastic wild swimming spot on the River Dart.

Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide South West, said: “It’s one of the most beautiful wild swimming rivers in the UK.

In a deep gorge far upstream of Newbridge, you can lie out on the flat hot rocks above the serene beauty of Horseshoe Falls, a natural horseshoe-shaped water”fall.

“Below a deep pool, perfect for a refreshing swim, with opportunities for jumps from the surrounding rocks. From here a picturesque footpath leads up to the perfect village of Holne with a pretty pub.”

EMILE Heskey has landed a shock new job as a security firm director.

The move is the culmination of a lifelong friendship between Heskey and Nottingham-based Octavian founder Sukhi Ghuman.

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Emile Heskey has landed a new job as a director at a security firm[/caption]

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Heskey won multiple trophies with Liverpool and Leicester[/caption]

Heskey, 47, said: “The company is a real route for progression for me.

“I first met Sukhi at school and we’ve really worked on this relationship for the last 15 years.  

“It’s my mission to encourage more athletes into the business world to not only learn, but also share their winning mindset and help businesses grow.”

Octavian Security works alongside blue chip and public sector organisations to manage risk, provide manpower resource and protect their operations and interests.

The former England striker will juggle his new job with his role as the Head of Football Development at Leicester City Women.

Ghuman said: “This is a move that has been long in the making.

“Emile understands from his days at the top of football that you need inner strength and determination to succeed.

“I can’t wait to watch him make a huge impact on Octavian.”

Heskey enjoyed a professional football career spanning more than two decades.

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Making his debut as a 17-year-old, Heskey won the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup and Uefa Super Cup with Liverpool.

He also lifted four League Cups across spells with Leicester and the Reds and played 633 club career games, scoring 130 goals.

He also won 62 England caps, scoring seven goals for his country.

He has two sons Jaden, 19, and Reigan, 17, who both play as forwards for Man City’s under-21s.

Heskey Snr also enjoyed spells with Birmingham City and Aston Villa in his club career.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

IF you’re in the market for a new motor, you’ll want to know the best time of year to buy a car.

The cheapest time to buy a car depends on a range of factors, including the type of car you’re buying, its age and condition.

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Find a used car with Sun Motors

As we emerge from the depths of winter, dealers are seeking to take on new stock so the spring is often the best time to get a great deal on a new car, say the experts at the AA. 

Whatever the time of year, Sun Motors makes it easier than ever to buy a used car.

With a simple online platform that connects you to a huge range of used car dealers offering the best deals, it makes it one of the easiest ways to secure the car you want at a price you can afford all year round.

What month is the best to get the best deal on a used car?

If you’re searching for a nearly-new car, then there’s no question that March and September are the cheapest times to buy a used car. 

Why? The change in registrations brings an influx of trade-ins and more competition could mean bigger savings for you. 

Franchised dealers may also be able to offer good deals on used-approved vehicles in February and August as they make space for new vehicles and plate changes.

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.

Budget buyers can use this knowledge to their advantage. Dealers don’t like to have stock lying around, so even if you’re not buying a nearly new car, there could be deals to be had.

Car dealers need to turn around stock to make a profit, with most sales figures – and bonuses – calculated by quarter.

You may find there’s a little more wiggle room in the price at the end of March, June, September and December as salespeople seek to maximise bonuses. 

What time of year is best to buy a used car?

The prices of older used cars are less likely to be impacted by plate changes, but they are impacted by seasonality.

Overall, car sales are lower in winter and higher in summer, says Carzuu.

Summer vehicles like camper vans and convertibles tend to be cheaper in colder months, Autotrader states. On the other hand, SUVs and 4x4s are often more expensive in winter. 

Understanding how seasonality drives demand could be the key to bagging a bargain.

Find a used car with Sun Motors

While this won’t help you make savings on a standard saloon, there are better times of the month to buy a used family car. 

January can be a great time to grab as cash-strapped customers are too busy paying off their credit cards than shopping for a new car, says Honest John.

Summer is also a wise time to buy as parents are too busy dealing with kids to shop for a new car, says Autotrader and lower competition brings lower prices.

Tips on when to buy a used car

• Plan early:  The average car buyer spends three months planning a new car purchase, Car Dealer Magazine found. Think as much about what to buy as when to buy to make the most significant savings.
• Focus on finance: Car dealers make money from finance agreements, so signing up for one with a dealer may help you make savings on the list price. (But be sure to calculate the total cost of borrowing before making a deal.)
• Understand margins: Car dealers aim to make about £1000 profit on a used car. Grab your calculator and crunch the numbers to understand what a reasonable offer might be.
• Avoid weekends: Another tip is to head to your dealership mid-week, says Autoexpress. You’ll get better service as it’s less busy.

How does Sun Motors offer a fair price all year round?

Buying a used car can be a frustrating process which can leave you wondering whether you’re truly getting the best deal.

Sun Motors can take away the stress, giving you access to a handpicked selection of the best-used car dealers in the UK.

Every Sun Motors car is tested and checked to ensure it’s safe and ready for the road and it’s easy to search for the make, model and age of your car.

Alternatively, you can search by monthly repayment – ensuring you only see the cars you can afford.

Find a used car with Sun Motors

When you’re ready to buy, you can speak with your dealer online or even through WhatsApp. Even better, you’ll be able to access fantastic finance deals.

How do different seasons affect the worth of different models?

In the middle of winter, summer vehicles like sportscars, convertibles and campervans are less desirable.

This fall in demand can mean a drop in price.

On the other hand, SUVs, 4x4s and other all-terrain vehicles are more in demand as the temperature drops. 

Understanding how the seasons affect prices can be powerful if you’re searching for a new car bargain.

How do economic factors impact the buying/selling market of used cars?

We all know that the cost of living crisis continues to bite, impacting our ability to spend money on everything from carrots to cars.

Competition for family cars can be lower around school summer holidays and January when families are under pressure to pay large expenses.

It’s not just seasons that can send prices up or down. Things like the Autumn Budget can hit consumer confidence – causing a drop in used car sales.

Ultimately, the used car market – like any other – is based on confidence. People are only willing to buy if they’re able to afford it.

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here.

Are used car prices generally declining in the UK?

The COVID-19 crisis (remember that?) caused used car prices to spiral as a lack of production caused a spike, as this Autotrader graph shows. While average used car prices are higher than before, we’re seeing drops – with a 4.1% fall in December 2024. 

Part of this is the ups and downs of any market, but overall, we can see used car prices falling from their peak to more affordable – and realistic – levels. That means you can secure more car for your money.

For all things used cars, head to sunmotors.co.uk.

MARVEL has been forced to deny The Fantastic Four: First Steps poster was made with AI – as fans spotted NINE errors.

Earlier this week, the movie’s first trailer dropped alongside a promotional poster.

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps dropped its first trailer and poster earlier this week[/caption]

Marvel and Universal Studios

Two women seemed to have the same face[/caption]

Many fans were left confused after spotting apparent glaring inconsistencies.

The poster depicts a group of people holding up flags and banners for the Fantastic Four.

Fans pointed out two women with seemingly the same face and people with only four fingers.

One wrote on X: “Anyone notice the same lady’s face twice next to each other in #TheFantasticFour poster?

“Huge fan of the trailer but this poster is screaming AI.”

Another added: “am i going crazy or does person holding the flag on the left side only have four fingers? meaning…… ai generated?”

A third remarked: “Marvel dropped an amazing trailer for #TheFantasticFour and then immediately and brutally murdered the hype with those AI generated posters.”

While a fourth penned: “Sorry to point it out but the fantastic 4 poster has ai use in it lmao. So fun.”

Following the backlash, a a spokesperson for Marvel Studios told IndieWire: “AI was not used in the creation of these posters.”

The upcoming film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the heroic quartet.

Unlike previous iterations, First Steps will not tell the group’s origin story.

The Fantastic Four must protect their world from Galactus, a planet-devouring cosmic being.

Actor Ralph Ineson – who has appeared in Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Nosforeatu – will be playing the supervillain.

Meanwhile, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 25, 2025.

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Pedro Pascal stars as Mr Fantastic[/caption]

President Donald Trump's administration has pulled almost all US Agency for International Development workers off the job and out of the field worldwide

Jim Chalmers has reassured big business leaders he wants to slash red tape, boost productivity and sieze the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in a second term Labor government.

South Africa have named six uncapped players for the tri-series against Pakistan and NZ, in the build-up to the Champions Trophy.

Humor

"O que estamos garantindo é um processo de julgamento altamente democrático, em que eles têm todo o direito de defesa", disse o petista

Petista alertou que "as pessoas precisam parar de falar aquilo que vem na cabeça e começar a falar aquilo que é razoável"