Attractions and Places To See in East Devon AONB - Top 20

The East Devon National Landscape is characterized by its dramatic coastlines, ancient landscapes, and rich geological history. Key features include the iconic Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, marking the start of the Jurassic Coast, and the awe-inspiring red sandstone Ladram Bay Sea Stacks. The region also boasts vast heathlands like Woodbury Common, intimate wooded combes, and fertile river valleys such as the River Otter.

The East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast offers stunning geological insights and opportunities for fossil hunting. You can visit Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, the most westerly point of this World Heritage Site, to see 185-million-year-old rocks. The dramatic red cliffs at Budleigh Salterton and the sea stacks at Ladram Bay are also prominent features of this ancient coastline.

Yes, the East Devon National Landscape offers several family-friendly attractions. The River Otter footpath is a peaceful area known for its resident beaver population, offering an enjoyable walk for all ages. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth allows visitors to meet and interact with donkeys, and the Seaton Tramway provides a unique journey through the Axe Valley, popular with families.

East Devon is rich in history. You can explore the vast man-made Beer Quarry Caves, which supplied stone for Exeter Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The region also features several Iron Age hill forts, such as Blackbury Camp and Berry Camp, and Bronze Age Barrows near Farway, offering glimpses into ancient civilizations.

For excellent wildlife spotting, visit the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a brilliant place for birdwatching with significant populations of wintering wildfowl and waders. The River Otter is famous for its resident beaver family. Seaton Wetlands also offers nearly 4km of trails through marshland and reed beds, ideal for observing diverse birdlife and fauna.

The East Devon National Landscape offers numerous walking opportunities. The South West Coast Path traverses many coastal highlights, including the scenic Beer to Seaton Coastal Path. For inland exploration, the East Devon Way is a long-distance route covering 40 miles. You can find easy hikes like the Otter Valley Walk or the River Otter loop from Budleigh Salterton in the Easy hikes in East Devon AONB guide.

Yes, the area provides various routes for cycling and running. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk or the East Devon Way loop from Colaton Raleigh, detailed in the Gravel biking in East Devon AONB guide. Runners can enjoy trails such as the South West Coast Path & Otter Valley loop or the Woodbury Common loop, found in the Running Trails in East Devon AONB guide.

East Devon boasts several picturesque beaches. Beer Beach is a charming shingle beach sheltered by limestone cliffs, known for its historic quarry caves. Sidmouth Town Beach offers a shingle expanse backed by elegant Regency architecture, while Budleigh Salterton Beach features distinctive red cliffs and white pebbles. Branscombe Beach is appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.

The East Devon National Landscape is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit often depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches and coastal activities. Wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, can be rewarding in autumn and winter when migratory birds arrive.

Beyond natural beauty, East Devon offers unique cultural experiences. Honiton is renowned for its lace-making history, which you can learn about at the All Hallows Museum. Otterton Mill, once a significant mill, now operates as a cafe and is a great starting point for walks along the River Otter. The Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton also showcases contemporary art.

Yes, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is a significant attraction, spanning 64 acres with a 300-year history. It features many rare plant species and an impressive Palm House, offering a tranquil and educational experience for garden enthusiasts.

The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for wildlife. It's particularly noted for its significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The footpath along the River Otter is also famous for its resident beaver family, which has successfully re-established itself in the area.