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.
The Workshop, Fluxton, near Ottery St Mary, Devon, Honiton
These two 16th-century barn conversions, two of three, are situated in the grounds of the owner’s home. They were once stables of the Mayor of Exeter, then became a workshop, and now are two delightful holiday cottages. ...
The Old Post Office is situated in the quiet and peaceful East Devon village of Plymtree. The property is easily accessed from Junction 28 on the M5.
The Old Post Office is the perfect holiday retreat to unwind from ...
This wonderful holiday property is idyllically situated on the edge of the pretty village of Sidbury, with timeless views across the meadows to the village church and towards the surrounding hills. Standing detached, The ...
Set in the secluded Sweetcombe valley, and just 2 miles from Sidmouth, Boswell Farm offers seven spacious Devon holiday cottages, sympathetically converted from original period buildings, and each having its own private ...
We offer a newly-modernized, self-catering holiday cottage sleeping 2-6 guests (plus sofa beds for a further 2 guests). Woodhayes farm is tucked away up a private drive, the farm offers beautiful walks from your doorstep ...
In a glorious setting in the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and between Honiton and Chard, lie The Barns around a cobbled yard. Both detached holiday barn conversions are decorated and furnished to ...
In a tranquil setting, with superb rural views, situated off a quiet country lane in the beautiful Blackdown Hills, this converted detached holiday cottage in a ¼ acre enclosed garden makes a perfect retreat for those who ...
Ashley's, Whitwell Farm, Colyford, near Seaton, Devon
One of two holiday properties, this converted, semi-detached, single-storey Grade II listed barn has been awarded 4 stars by Visit Britain. Located on a sheep farm with views across the Axe Valley, it enjoys 150 acres of ...
Set in the secluded Sweetcombe valley, and just 2 miles from Sidmouth, Boswell Farm offers seven spacious Devon holiday cottages, sympathetically converted from original period buildings, and each having its own private ...
Situated only 2½ miles from Lyme Regis with its historic Cobb, harbour and sandy beach, and the market town of Axminster, this delightful and spacious, split-level rural cottage, with stable door entrance, is ideally ...
Chapel Cottage is a converted former chapel situated in the village of Smallridge in the Black Down Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Originally dating from 1797, the chapel formed a central part of life in the ...
This cottage is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views of the valley and close to the picturesque village of Gittisham. In a calm, peaceful rural location, with ducks roaming freely and chickens in their ...
In a stunning location, at the head of a valley, with country views and only 5 miles from Lyme Regis and the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast, these 15th-century Grade II listed, south facing, traditional stone built ...
These Grade ll listed, attractive, 16th century barn conversions have been completely renovated to a very good standard. They offer glorious views over the rolling Devon countryside, and are ideally situated on a 300-acre ...
Danoone, Maidendown, near Wellington, Devon, Tiverton
Superb viewsIn a country location, on the Devon/Somerset border and on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 8 miles east of Tiverton, is this single-storey, Canadian wooden holiday ...
Nestling in the spectacular Yarty Valley with its steep rolling meadows and ancient woods on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this converted Grade II, 500-year-old holiday property ...
Folly Cottage, Kentisbeare, near Cullompton, Devon, Tiverton
This Grade II listed, 17th-century, adjoining thatched holiday cottage makes an ideal touring base and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The kitchen is well-equipped and boasts an original brick floor. ...
Nestling in a unique valley which follows the stream as it meanders down to the sea on east Devon’s renowned Jurrassic Coast, this end terrace holiday cottage is set in one of England’s most picturesque villages, ...
Beach and harbour within 100 yardsSet on the edge of Seaton, this detached town house is in a superb location to enjoy walks along the South West Coastal Footpath (Jurassic Coast including Lyme Regis, 5 miles, Beer and ...
This pleasantly furnished detached chalet is located on a small, exclusive chalet site a mile from the beach, set in the Victorian town of Seaton on the mouth of the River Axe with a pebble Blue Flag beach. A perfect ...
Nestling in the village of Dunkeswell, in a rural area and off the beaten track, surrounded by farmland, this little detached lodge is a great location for couples or a small family looking for somewhere tucked away, yet ...
Nestling in the peaceful Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is Little Shelvin Farm Cottage. This wonderful detached cottage with entrance hall is set within the grounds of the owners’ 30-acre sheep ...
Rockenhayne Farmstead is situated on one side of a deep valley within 60 acres of woodland and meadowland. Experience natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife, all within 3 miles of Branscombe beach. Driving down the ...
Nestling in a stunning sea view location, in this AONB of the Jurassic Coast, Monks Thatch is only 500 yards from the Devon Heritage Coastal Path and is spoilt for choice with 4 beaches nearby. With private drive approach, ...
Nightingales, Kentisbeare, near Cullompton, Devon, Honiton
Conveniently located in the village centre, this lovely semi-detached, 16th-century barn conversion is an ideal holiday home for couples and small families. Nightingales is well presented and equipped, and has a ...
Located just 2 miles from the beach and situated on a small exclusive site, Lodge Number 12A is detached and decorated and furnished to a good standard, and has free Wi-Fi. This is the ideal place for a family holiday or ...
One Parkhayes, Woodbury Salterton, near Exeter, Devon, Exmouth
A charming red-brick holiday cottage built in the 1920’s, this property has quite a contemporary interior with a little enclosed lawn garden to the front. Located in the village of Woodbury Salterton, the lovely thatched ...
We offer a newly-modernized, self-catering holiday cottage sleeping 2-6 guests (plus sofa beds for a further 2 guests). Woodhayes farm is tucked away up a private drive, the farm offers beautiful walks from your doorstep ...
Rose Cottage is a Grade II listed, mid-terraced holiday retreat, situated in the centre of the small sleepy village of Stockland. Nestled next to the owner’s home, this property offers peace and quiet and is perfect for ...
100 yards from the beachIn an excellent seafront location, 100 yards from the beach with sea views, this ground floor apartment is well equipped for 4. A perfect base close to the marina and to enjoy the seaside resort of ...
Overlooking the seaA well appointed second (top) floor holiday apartment (partly shown, far left of picture), with a large south west facing balcony and a reserved parking space. Set in a premier location only yards from ...
Ideal touring baseThese three holiday cottages are beautifully located in the peaceful Axe Valley where Devon, Dorset and Somerset meet. They have been sympathetically converted retaining character and charm to give ...
Ideal touring baseThese three holiday cottages are beautifully located in the peaceful Axe Valley where Devon, Dorset and Somerset meet. They have been sympathetically converted retaining character and charm to give ...
Rural location with wonderful viewsThis single storey barn conversion is set on a 55 acre working cattle farm midway between Honiton and Cullompton in the beautiful Blackdown Hills. It is near the picturesque village of ...
In a glorious setting in the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and between Honiton and Chard, lie The Barns around a cobbled yard. Both detached holiday barn conversions are decorated and furnished to ...
In a glorious setting in the Blackdown Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and between Honiton and Chard, lie The Barns around a cobbled yard. Both detached holiday barn conversions are decorated and furnished to ...
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