The setting to the National Landscape provided by surrounding areas of land, sea and urban settlement together with the inter-visibility between the National Landscape and these areas is of great significance.

Distant views from locations within the South Devon National Landscape include many significant features that are not located within the National Landscape boundary.

The inland boundary of the National Landscape is mostly not marked by a distinct change in scenery and the landscape character continues seamlessly into the neighbouring countryside. The hinterland of the National Landscape – particularly the rural largely undeveloped countryside, farmland and woodland – is particularly significant as a setting for the National Landscape.