Offering the perfect family holiday or a romantic break for two, East Devon is a luxurious location awash with picturesque countryside, 18 miles of stunning sand dunes and fun filled attractions: all ready to explore at your leisure. With all this going on in just one spectacular county, it’s no surprise that it has been designated as one of just 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK.
Holiday cottages in east Devon
Fabulous seaside holiday destination
The accolades keep on coming for East Devon…as its Jurassic Coastline running from its gateway in vibrant town Exmouth to Lyme Regis in Dorset has been rewarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first of its kind in the whole of England. Consisting of dramatic cliffs, hidden caves and a series of rocks which provide an educational walk through time through the Triassic (in Exmouth), Jurassic (Ladram Bay) and Cretaceous periods (to the East of Sidmouth), this incredible coastline mirrors 185 million years into the past. A super treat for families and a real life look into the wonders of ancient history!
Jurassic Coastline
The ideal walking wonderland, the Jurassic Coastline also forms part of the popular and award winning South West Coast Path which includes casual, moderate and exerting walks like the stunning 5-mile dog friendly stroll over Salcombe Hill. The question is what part of the walk will you enjoy most? The free-flowing River Sid, the 19th century Alma Bridge, the tree-mendous woodland areas or the breath-taking panoramic views over Lyme Bay and beyond from the hills peak? If you’re looking for a post walk treat…or two, treat the family and of course yourself to Devon’s only canal barge café bar, The Ducks Ditty Bar, located on the banks of the Grand Western Canal in Tiverton. With a wide selection of wines, real ales, lagers, ciders and soft drinks such as Devon’s Sandford Orchards and Fentimens Old-Fashioned Soft Drinks, you can relax, unwind and de-stress with your favourite drink in hand. It wouldn’t be the South West without a hot Cheddar and Onion or Pork and Scrumpy pasty so why not grab yourself an award winning “Chunk of Devon” as you watch the world go by?
A ’must see’ - the coastal town of Beer in east Devon
Beer in East Devon is another must see in this part of the world. Recently named as the Top Picnic Spot in the UK by BBC1 flagship show Countryfile, Beer is a village that may be small in size but monumental in its stunning views from Jubilee Gardens at the top of the headland. Renowned for its long mackerel and crab fishing heritage, a leisurely walk along the shingletastic Beer Beach under its famous white cliffs and a guided tour around the manmade limestone Quarry Caves is a necessity for the whole family…if only to hear about the life of notorious Devon smuggler Jack Rattenbury!
East Devon at its best in the summer
Summer in East Devon is a delight to behold and with outdoor festivals like Sidmouth Folk Festival, the Devon County Show, Exmouth Festival and Beer Rhythm and Blues Festival, you’ll never be short of options in which to enjoy the sunny British weather. Seeking something a bit more thrilling in the sunshine? How about going on an outdoor adrenaline rush with Avalon Adventure in Bovey Tracey where you can book courses from rock climbing and mountain biking to canoeing and abseiling? It’s not just summer though where East Devon shines. The chillier winter weather gives you the chance to get cosy and sit by the roaring fire in one of the area’s many crowd-pleasing pubs and restaurants. The dog friendly Mason’s Inn in Branscombe for example, is not just charming with its thatched roof and prime beachside location, but also offers local produce such as Branscombe crab, River Exe mussels, Hawkridge cheese and Salcombe dairy ice cream in its array of tantalisingly tasty dishes.
Exmouth is a good place to spend a few days holiday
As well as being the gateway to the fossil friendly Jurassic Coastline, Exmouth is the beating heart of East Devon. It’s largest and arguably most picturesque town, the local shops and indoor and outdoor markets are a sight to behold and ones that tourists are drawn to in huge numbers each day. Why not head to the Magnolia Centre and peruse around Porky Down, an independent butcher mastering in locally sourced pies and sausages? The ideal food for your perfect picnic in nearby Beer. Exmouth sits beautifully on the banks of the River Exe and kids of all ages will love building sandcastles and wallowing in the rockpools on Exmouth Beach before playing a round of crazy golf or roaming around the flower laden parks. If you’re an animal lover, then Exmouth can also provide you with some of your wildest wildlife dreams. Exmouth Local Nature Reserve, one of the biggest and most impressive in Devon, is a muddy sand filled haven for rare feathered friends such as dark-bellied brent geese and pintail ducks. A great way to encounter East Devon in another light!
With so much to do and so much to see, East Devon is a place where you can pack all your city troubles away and escape to one of the shining lights in the UK for a fun filled countryside and coastal break. What a way to celebrate this year!
