East Devon Self Catering Cottage Breaks

East Devon Beaches

When it comes to a day at the beach, you're really spoilt for choice.  From the sweeping crescent of Exmouth's two miles of golden sands to the red sandstone cliffs of Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth and the delightful sheltered coves and chalk cliffs of Beer and Seaton, you'll find beaches of every kind.

Sir Walter Raleigh Country

Why not visit the thatched village of East Budleigh, the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous adventurer.  Then travel just a few miles to Budleigh Salterton and see where Millais painted the famous Boyhood of Raleigh, using the ancient wall which stands on the beach today.

East Devon Walks

One of the most rewarding ways to enjoy East Devon's spectacular scenery is on foot. Choose from walks along the coast, country or in the historic towns and villages.

There are numerous walks and marked footpaths that reveal the history and heritage of country towns such as Ottery St Mary, Axminster and Honiton.  Be sure to visit some of the villages too, set deep in the countryside like Colyton, Broadhembury and Gittisham. Stroll along the elegant promenades of resorts in Exmouth, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton.

The long beaches and cliff tops provide further walking opportunities along the South West Coastal Path while the East Devon Way combines a fascinating inland route with a coastal path.

If you prefer to be down by the riverside, there are local walks in the Otter, Sid and Axe Valleys.  Whichever walk you choose, you'll enjoy the fact that East Devon is un-crowded and un-commercialised. 

East Devon Gardens

There are some delightful gardens in East Devon to explore.  Killerton House and Gardens, Broadclyst, is a National Trust property that has 15 acres of beautiful gardens surrounding a charming house that was home to the Acland family since the Civil War.

Further along in Dalwood, near Axminster, is Burrow Farm Gardens with beautifully landscaped gardens in a superb countryside setting.

Exploring Historic Houses and Churches

East Devon has a remarkable number of beautiful historic churches including the magnificent collegiate church in Ottery St Mary which was modelled on Exeter Cathedral and is where the poet, Coleridge, was born in the vicarage.

Visit Cadhay Manor nearby and don't miss the National Trust property 'A la Ronde' in Exmouth, an extraordinary 16 sided house built in 1796.

Festivals, Market Days and Craft Fairs

Many of the towns hold annual Festivals, including the famous International Festival of Folk Song and Dance at Sidmouth, held during the first week in August.  For something unusual, come along to Ottery St Mary in November, where you can see men, women and childrens carrying flaming barrels of tar through the streets.

In Axminster on a Thursday, you'll find traders stalls and livestock clustered around the ancient church of St Mary's and in Honiton there are street markets on a Tuesday and Saturday.  It's also worth seeing the antique shops while you are there.

Westpoint Show Ground is also close by where you can find agricultural shows, craft shows and entertainment held throughout the year.

During the week, visit an inland market town on a market day for a bustling fun time.

East Devon Museums

Learn about the fascinating local history and culture by visiting the museums in Sidmouth, Exmouth, Axminster and Seaton.  In Budleigh Salterton at the Fairlynch Museum, you can view an excellent display of historic costumes. If you're interested in lace making, then visit Allhallows Museum in Honiton which houses one of the finest lace collections in the World.

Sports

If you're feeling energetic, in Exmouth you can enjoy waters ports including wind-surfing, water-skiing and sailing with tuition available for most of the year.  From here you can also plan a day deep sea fishing or inland there's some coarse fishing and game fishing too.

If a leisurely round of golf is more your thing, choose from clubs at Axmouth, Sidmouth, Woodbury and Budleigh Salterton.  Woodbury and Budleigh Salterton have stunning views.

There's also tennis, horse riding, bowls and cycling routes.

Bird watching in East Devon

East Devon is a birdwatchers paradise. The Exe Estuary supports over 20,000 wildfowl and waders including the largest flock of Avocets in the country.

Many species make their home at various times of the year and other rivers, the Sid, Axe and Otter, are all teeming with birdlife, just remember your binoculars.

A Taste of East Devon

Call in to one of the many traditional inns and sample home-cooked food and a glass or 2 of real ale. Learn about making cider at Green Valley Cyder at Clyst St George or Lyme Bay Cider Co in Seaton and some genuine Devon Cider home.

Enjoy a Ride on the Seaton Tramway

Enjoy a trip back in time aboard a double deck open-top tram car. Travel from Seaton to Colyton and enjoy the beauty of East Devon's countryside and wildlife.

Especially for Children

See how a working farm operates at Crealy Country, rediscover sounds and sights of days gone by at the World of country Life and ride the Miniature Railway at Pecorama, a must for train enthusiasts. At Escot Aquatic Centre and Gardens you can see a variety of tropical fish a well as otters, wild boars and other animals.  If the kids want to go wild, visit Jungle Fun on Exmouth seafront, with ball pools, fun play areas and crazy golf.

One of the most unusual attractions is the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary where over 700 donkeys, rescued from a life of extreme hardship are cared for amid delightful surroundings.

Devon County Show

One of the unmissable events each year is the Devon County Show. A fun family day out, learn about the Great British Countryside and, of course, discover lots more about Devon. Find out more about the Devon County Show.

Below are some selected self catering cottages and apartments in East Devon.