25 Best Things to Do in East Devon
Some parts of the UK are very well known for attracting tourists, and although Devon is a popular destination, it is a large county. So what are the best things to do in East Devon and why should you put this to the top of your holiday list?
East Devon is a beautiful region. The countryside is stunning and fringed by an unexpected choice of beaches including secluded pebble coves to sweeping sand. Add in great food and drink ranging from gorgeous cafes to world class restaurants as well as a selection of tourist attractions for all ages and tastes and you have the makings of a great holiday.
Being locally born near Axminster I am well placed to know a lot about Devon as a whole. I have brought up a family in the area, love walking, cream teas are a weakness, as well as a good coffee. Add in my curiosity about local events and a family background in tourism makes me pretty knowledgeable. I have written posts about many of the days out listed so follow the blue links for more in depth content.
The Ultimate Guide to East Devon
In 2022 I was asked to get involved with tourism campaign to help promote the region. I was one of three ambassadors for the region. Alongside Michelin starred chef Michael Caine and an Olympic kite surfer Steph Bridge I was in very esteemed company. Each of us feature in a video which are a great summary of the area – take a look at the end of this post.
Starting in the East of the Region
bbbaton Seafront
Start your Devon adventures in the county’s most Easterly coastal town of Seaton. Flanked by the pretty Axe Estuary harbour and the Jurassic coast. Enjoy a gentle stroll in Seaton, soak up the fresh sea air along the town’s lovely mile long esplanade that is accessible, great if you have young ones on scooters, roller-skates and perfect for prams. There are independent shops in the town, cafes and a long pebble beach where you can easily find a space to call your own.
Hop aboard the Seaton Tramway
Everyone loves the roundtrip on the electric heritage Seaton Tram. This former branch line runs from Seaton to Colyford. There is also a hop off point for Seaton Wetlands or the chance for a cream tea or a light lunch at Colyford. Look out for family friendly events such as the enchanted Fairy Special and The Pirate Tram.
Seaton Wetlands
Seaton Wetlands is a beautiful local nature reserve with bird hides and lookouts. The wetland area consists of a mix of flat gravel, tarmac and boardwalk trails, so perfect for all the family. There are often nature events and seasonal family trails around the reserve. A new tram stop now allows you to hop off and explore.
South West Coast Path Undercliff
Axmouth has a pretty harbour with working boats and a is a popular place for going crabbing with the kids or walking the dog on the beach. Head up to the golf course and this is the start of the popular walk to Lyme Regis called the Undercliff. A fairly challenging up and down section of the coast path passes fern groves and over hanging trees, with glimpses of the sea before emerging at Ware Cliff in Lyme Regis.
Walk the Coast Path the other way and head to the cove at Seaton Hole for a spot of rock pooling. There is a seasonal cafe at the top or keep going for another mile following the South West Coast Path to Beer.
Beer
Known as Devon’s best kept secret, Beer has a sheltered pebble beach, places for rock pooling and you can even hire a small self drive boat for a trip around the bay. Try fishing off the beach or buy some fresh fish for your supper from the fish shop.
Beer Quarry Caves
These man-made caves are a must visit, open April to September if you’re staying during these months. The vast underground caves are awe-inspiring and are steeped in 2000 years of history. A guide will lead you through the cavernous quarry, whilst listening to thrilling stories and fascinating facts. Find out more here.
The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
A visit to East Devon wouldn’t be complete without spending time at The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of rescued donkeys. Get up close to the animals, explore the maze and let the kids loose on one of the family activity trails. It’s relaxing and fun for all ages. There are also lovely walks all around area joining in with the coast path.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
For a great day out, try Bicton Park Botanical Gardens which is set in the picturesque Otter Valley. Discover the beautiful gardens where there’s lots to keep the kids entertained as well as a woodland railway and outdoor play areas. If the weather is bad, you have an indoor play area and Countryside museum to choose from.
Otterton Mill
Nearby is the resorted working mill in Otterton. Check for milling days, enjoy a cream tea or a light lunch at the popular cafe.
River Otter Walk
From Otterton it’s a few miles walk alongside the beautiful River Otter to Budleigh Salteron. If you are luck you may even see some otters.
The walk takes you to the estuary nature reserve and wetlands restoration area with accessible paths and bird hides. Finally onto the long pebble beach with it’s pretty beach huts and ice creams. Budleigh Salterton is a pretty seaside town town and a great strop along the coast.
Exmouth
Exmouth is one of the most popular tourist destinations in East Devon and has plenty to offer for a family holiday or day out. With a lovely beach, lots of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Exmouth has a popular long sandy beach and due to the sand bars and tides around the mouth of the River Exe its popular for water sports. Find out more about the best things to do in Exmouth here.
Water Sports in East Devon
Why not try a spot of paddle boarding. Exmouth is a great place for this but it’s popular at all the seaside towns. Teens & older children will love giving this a go, paddling the waters around East Devon’s 26 mile coastline. You can hire paddle boards at all the coastal towns so pick your favourite spot and a calm day, see who can keep standing the longest!
Jurassic Coast Cruise
Take a cruise around the Jurassic Coast with the award-winning Stuart Line Cruises, which depart from Exmouth or Sidmouth. Even if it’s raining, you can take in the stunning views in the warmth and comfort of the heated lower deck. A perfect activity for a rainy day. There are also trips up the River Exe for bird watching.
Orcombe Point
The Geo Needle at Orcombe Point is the official end of the Jurassic Coast. It’s an easy walk up here from the beach promenade and gives great views up and down the coast. Extend the coast walk to Budleigh Salterton.
Popular Family Days out in East Devon
World of Country Life
You can find lots of family fun and animal antics at the World of Country Life in Exmouth. Feed the deer and llamas on the Deer Train Safari, walk the pygmy goats and let the kids run wild indoors or outdoors with acres of play area.
Wildwood Devon
At Wildwood near Honiton you can go really wild watching their amazing animals such as native European wolves, bears, the arctic fox and many more. Explore the Saxon village, the beech hedge maze and discover the tranquil woodland. For the adrenaline junkies, stop off at the adventure play park and try the terrifying tree-top drop-slide, traverse the walls and ride the 30 meter zip wire.
Crealy Theme Park
Crealy Theme Park is the biggest family theme park in Devon, with over 60 exciting rides and attractions. It’s an amazing day for all ages and guaranteed fun whatever the weather. In the summer watch the special shows and there are always seasonal events to take part in. Find out about our day out here.
Wonderful Walks in Devon
The stunning South West Coast Path is a real draw to the area and absolutely worth the effort. Inland there are enchanting woodland walks many miles of wonderful footpaths in East Devon. The East Devon Way is a 40 mile national trail from Exmouth to Lyme Regis taking the country route through Colyton, Farway and across Woodbury Common. You can find many walks to suit your ability and timescales here on this website.
Two National Landscapes and a World Heritage Coastline
Formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region has both East Devon and the Blackdown Hills National Landscapes. These beautiful areas cover a huge parts of East Devon with it’s stunning countryside, traditional villages and rolling hills. Add in the Jurassic Coast you won’t fail to be reaching for the camera throughout the day as you travel around the area.
Devon Market Towns and History
East Devon has a number of pretty market towns such as Axminster, Honiton and Ottery St Mary. Search out the many antiques, vintage and bric a brac shops and lovely independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
The area is steeped in history from the Romans to the Tudors and Axmister Carpets with it’s connections to Rolyalty across the world.
Colyton has the title of the most rebellious town in East Devon. Join in with a weekly history walk to learn all about the Monmouth Rebellion and explore the village by foot.
Parks, Gardens and Country Houses
With it’s mild South West climate there are many lovely gardens to enjoy. Look out for the National Open Garden Scheme to get a peak inside some glorious and often private locations.
For a special day out head to Burrow Farm Gardens, an award winning hidden gem that has been developed over 50 years. Popular attraction Bicton Park also has beautiful botanical gardens. Cadhay House near Ottery St Mary is open to the public.
National Trust
Killerton near Exeter is East Devon’s most popular National Trust property. With a fascinating house to explore, a church and bear house, formal gardens and acres parkland and woods, there is plenty to keep you exploring.
A La Ronde is an unusual property in Exmouth or visit Shute Barton to hear about it’s links with royalty (open on only a few weekends for guided tours).
Devon’s Fabulous Foodie Culture
It’s food heaven here – from a simple crab sandwich on Beer beach or a classic Devonshire cream tea to a Michelin starred meal, you can find it all in East Devon. Add in amazing English wine and cider, you can even find locally produced gin and rum.
Take a look at the video presented by Michael Caines who shares details about the fabulous food you can try in East Devon.
The Best Devon Cream Teas
Of course no visit to Devon is complete without a cream tea. Check out the many places offering this traditional afternoon tea and it really is treat enjoyed by locals as well, it certainly high up on my list of things to do in East Devon.
Adventure and Activities in East Devon
For anyone who loves to keep active the area will keep you entertained. Find out more from kite surfing champion Steph Bridges who has ideas for active things to do in East Devon.
Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing and Sea Swimming
There are many opportunities all along the East Devon coast for water sports. From beginners lessons to advanced courses and everything in between. If the extreme sports are not your thing then try a gently swim. There are many local swimming groups out at all times of the year who would be pleased for you to join them.
If you like the idea of coasteering then you’ll need to take a day trip to South Devon or try coasteering in North Devon where you’ll find the perfect rocky coves.
Kayaking
Another popular activity and one that it more suited to beginners. Try a gently paddle in a river or around Ladram Bay. Again there are courses and local guides trained to help you whatever your skill level.
Cycling
There so much to choose from such as gentle off road flat routes like the Exe Estuary trail to a choice of Sustrans National Cycle Networks following our country lanes. Route 2 runs from Exmouth to Axminster and is a great way to explore the area. If off roading is more your thing them take to the woods on a mountain bike or explore the great Woodbury Common.
Walking
The South West Coast Path is well known, but there are many wonderful inland routes to walk through beautiful countryside. There are two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (East Devon and the Blackdown Hills), numerous nature reserves, rivers, woodlands and hill top viewpoints. There are many lovely walks to choose from.
Where is East Devon?
The area is one of the less well know regions of the county and borders Dorset and Somerset. It’s roughly in a square South from the M5 between Taunton and Exeter with the coast to the South. East Devon is easy to reach being just a short drive off the M5 or A303 (1.5 hours from Bristol and less than 3 hours from London).
Places to Stay in East Devon, visit more than once!
The choice of accommodation is as varied as the things to do in East Devon. From 5 star hotels to award winning B&Bs, family run holiday parks and hidden glamping sites. Independent businesses are blazing the trail for sustainable ways of working and making being green a genuine part of their day to day operations there are many great reasons to visit.
There really are so many things to do in East Devon – even those of us lucky enough to live here don’t get round to seeing everything on offer. Feel free to ask me questions about the area and I will do my best to help.
Clare
