2 Bedroom East Devon cottages

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East Devon is often the first part of the county reached by visitors, and many of them may decide that they need go no further, as the area is a magical mixture of glorious vistas, with sea, beaches, and the only natural World Heritage designated site in England. The South West Coastal Path offers the most breathtaking of views to match anywhere else in the world. The landscape is characterised by intimate woodland, as well as vast areas of heathland, fertile river valleys and the most amazing cliffs and hilltops. It also includes the eastern section of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ – England’s first natural World Heritage Site.

Things to do in East Devon
With two-thirds of the district recognised as being nationally important for the fine quality of its natural landscape, and designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the East Devon AONB covers more than 270 sq km of stunning countryside, running between Exmouth, across to Lyme Regis and up to Honiton. It is an obvious choice for those visitors seeking a tranquil setting for a relaxing break.

In addition to the East Devon AONB, to the north of Honiton, lies the Blackdown Hills AONB, a relatively isolated landscape on the Devon/Somerset border. The steep ridges, high plateau, valleys and springs create a charming mosaic of countryside vistas, which have been attracting visitors for centuries to explore the local flora and fauna. There are numerous attractive walking and cycle routes and charming bridleways throughout the area, whilst birdwatchers and naturalists will find the region equally inspiring.

Top Destinations

Exmouth – One of the oldest holiday seaside towns, and the western gateway to the World Heritage Coast Site, Exmouth has more than two miles of family-friendly beaches and the amazing Exe estuary, meaning that both would-be sandcastle designers and keen bird-watchers can be catered for in this popular coastal resort.

Sidmouth – This picture-book Regency town has both coast and countryside to enchant visitors at any time of the year. It is an idyllic holiday setting, with an unhurried charm which attracts loyal tourists year after year.

Honiton – Known worldwide as a centre for lace-making, Honiton is now also a major centre for antiques, with an excellent selection of shops devoted to art, furniture, objets d’art and second-hand books.

Ottery St Mary – The birthplace of the Romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and one of the oldest and most historic towns in the area, Ottery St Mary offers visitors an ideal base, which is far enough away from the seaside crowds, yet close to the beautiful World Heritage Coast Site. In the town itself, the aptly-named ‘Tumbling Weir’ is an unusually designed circular weir, which allows the water from a man-made stream to reach the River Otter via a circular opening and cascading smaller rings, so that the power generated could be used first to mill corn, and later to assist the manufacture of silk.

Seaton – A mile-long beach makes Seaton the ideal location for lovers of water-sports; a unique tramway runs inland from the town, along the Exe estuary and the New Seaton Nature Reserve, to the medieval market town of Colyton, making it a perfect route for birdwatchers and transport enthusiasts alike.

Axminster – World-famous for giving its name to a type of carpet, the town of Axminster is built on a hill overlooking the River Axe. The town was the site of a Roman fort, as it lies at the crossroads between two major Roman roads: the Fosse Way, which runs from Lincoln to Seaton, and the Dorchester-Exeter road. In more modern times it has also become the home area of the celebrity cook, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, whose River Cottage empire continues to grow, with a shop and popular ‘canteen-style’ restaurant in the town.

Budleigh Salterton – Situated at the mouth of the River Otter, this historic seaside town nestles on the edge of a unique pebble beach with spectacular red cliffs.

The Axe Valley – The area between Sidmouth and Lyme Regis offers a fine selection of activities, whether you are into sailing, cycling, golf, walking or one of the other myriad of pursuits available to visitors.