East Devon Guide

East Devon is in the south-west corner of England, sitting on the coast of Lyme Bay and sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic weather by the imposing bulk of Dartmoor. It’s a roughly triangular area with the sea on one side, Dartmoor on the next side and the Blackdown Hills on the third side.

East Devon has a unique coastline that is now part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To walk along the South West Coast Path takes you through countless years of geological history. The stunning views from the red sandstone cliffs between Sidmouth and Seaton are well worth the climb.

The peace and tranquillity attracts many visitors to the area and with in East Devon you can roll back the years for a truly refreshing holiday. Exeter is the major town on the western edge of the area and is also the County Town of the whole of Devon. Visitors to Exeter can enjoy a modern shopping precinct, the ancient cathedral or a walk around the Roman walls.

The rest of the area comes under the jurisdiction of the East Devon District Council. The towns here are smaller: Axminster, Budleigh Salterton, Colyton, Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, and Seaton.

Some of these names will be familiar to people from around the world. Axminster carpets and Honiton lace are well known. Slightly less familiar are East Budleigh as the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh. Queen Victoria’s father the Duke of Kent, died in Sidmouth. The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet and critic was born in Ottery St Mary.

Families with children can spend a day at Pecorama, Crealy Seaton Tramway, Bicton Gardens, Farway Country Park, the list just goes on and on. Then there are the beaches – sandy at Exmouth, secluded at Ladram Bay, historic in Sidmouth; the choice is yours.

There is something for everyone in East Devon. If you want to walk in the country, visit museums, enjoy beautiful gardens, buy farm-fresh food in the farmer’s markets, delight in stunning seascapes, shop for antiques, laze on the beach or simply take time out for yourself you can do it.

The National Trust has a number of properties: Killerton House, A la Ronde, Shute Barton to name just three. The village of Branscombe, reckoned to be the longest village in the country, is in a most beautiful valley. There’s a beach at the bottom where you can sit and enjoy the sea air. While you’re there have an ice cream from the shop, it’s made in the West Country and believe me it’s delicious. You will not be disappointed in East Devon; it truly is a green gem!

About the author:Lesley and her family have lived in East Devon since the early 1990s. They are regular visitors to many of the places mentioned in this article. You can find out more by visiting their website, East Devon Guide covering also hotels in East Devon and cottages.