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Devon has produced tin, copper and other metals from ancient times. Devon's tin miners enjoyed a substantial degree of independence through Devon's stannary parliament, which dates back to the twelfth century. The last recorded sitting was in 1748.

Devon is one of the rural counties, with the advantages and problems characteristic of these. Despite this, the county's economy is also heavily influenced by its two main urban centres, Plymouth and Exeter.

Like neighbouring Cornwall to the west, Devon is disadvantaged economically compared to other parts of southern England, owing to the decline of a number of core industries, notably fishing, mining and farming. Consequently, most of Devon has qualified for the European Community Objective 2 status, particularly around Exmoor, Bideford Bay and the Hartland Point peninsula which is somewhat cut off from industrial Britain by road and rail transport - although these areas of North Devon are only 20 miles (32 km), by boat from Swansea in Wales. A proposal, which has the backing of both the Welsh Assembly Government and the South West Regional Assembly, as well as Devon County Council is to have a year-round ferry service from either Ilfracombe or Bideford to Swansea which would help stimulate and build economic growth for both South-West Wales and the North coast of Devon and Cornwall.

The 2001 UK foot and mouth crisis harmed the farming community severely. Nearly half of the holdings of the Duchy of Cornwall are in Devon, including a large area of farmland.

Since the rise of seaside resorts with the arrival of the railways in the 19th century, Devon's economy has been heavily reliant on tourism. The county's economy has followed the trend of British seaside resort decline since the mid-20th century, with some recent revival. This revival has been aided by the designation of much of Devon's countryside and coastline as the Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, and the Jurassic Coast and Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Sites. In 2004 the county's tourist revenue was £1.2 billion.

The attractive lifestyle of the area is drawing in new industries which are not heavily dependent upon geographical location. In 2003, the Met Office, the UK's weather service, moved to Exeter.

Ilfracombe is North Devon's premier holiday resort. There is such a vast range of things to see and do that the most active of visitors will be satisfied. Alternatively, simply relax, unwind and enjoy the Glorious North Devon Coastline and Countryside. The natural attractions are available and "open" all year round and provide a constantly altering vista with the changing seasons of the year.

Explore the seasonal wonders of the Exmoor National Park, the beaches and rugged coastline of North Devon where Exmoor dramatically meets the sea. The sandy beaches of the North Devon Atlantic coastline, which include the Blue Flag Beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde Bay where the crashing waves challenge the surfers, especially outside the summer season and Saunton Sands, backed by the natural beauty of Braunton Burrows. The coastline around Ilfracombe forms part of the South West Coastal Path encompassing spectacular walks around sandy estuaries and over towering rugged cliffs.

If you are looking for more than some of the best sandy beaches in the West Country, secluded coves, and spectacular coastline, then do not worry - there is an abundance of differing activities and attractions. Local centres provide traditional country based activities such as golf, shooting, fishing, riding and walking.