Attractions and Places To See in East Devon - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in East Devon include a diverse array of sites, from ancient geological wonders to cultural landmarks. The region is characterized by its dramatic coastline, which forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, featuring red sandstone cliffs and white chalk formations. Inland, the East Devon National Landscape encompasses wooded combes, heathland, and river valleys, providing varied natural beauty. This area offers numerous opportunities to explore its unique geography and historical significance.
Best attractions and places to see in East Devon
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that is a mainly flat cycle route and walkway running around the entire Exe Estuary. It offers views along the River Exe and passes through riverside towns and villages.
- Another must-see spot is Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a natural monument recognized for its rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can observe significant populations of wintering wildfowl and waders.
- Visitors also love Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, a viewpoint marking the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. This site features rocks that are 185 million years old and is marked by the Geoneedle monument.
- East Devon is known for its coastal paths, nature reserves, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from geological formations to wildlife habitats and cultural heritage.
- The attractions in East Devon are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 215 highlights, 12 photos, and 217 upvotes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Exe Estuary Trail
Highlight • Trail
Well surfaced and ideal for any type of bike as well as walkers and runners. Be mindful of other users, especially when it's busier at the weekends and holidays.
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Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk
Highlight • Cycleway
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Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
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Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle
Highlight • Viewpoint
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River Otter
Highlight • Viewpoint
Otterton Mill is now a cafe but was once one of the biggest mills on the river, of which there were over 50.
Although it is called the River Otter, the most famous wildlife inhabitants are a family of around 15 beavers. Extinct in England in the 16th century, it is not known how they were released but were granted permission to remain after a five year trial.
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Ladram Bay Sea Stacks
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Beer to Seaton Coastal Path
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
The site spans 185 million years of geological history, coastal erosion having exposed an almost continuous sequence of rock formation covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. At different times, this area has been desert, shallow tropical sea and marsh, and the fossilised remains of the various creatures that lived here have been preserved in the rocks.
Natural features seen on this stretch of coast include arches, pinnacles and stack rocks. In some places the sea has broken through resistant rocks to produce coves with restricted entrances and, in one place, the Isle of Portland is connected to the land by a narrow spit. In some parts of the coast, landslides are common. These have exposed a wide range of fossils, the different rock types each having its own typical fauna and flora, thus providing evidence of how animals and plants evolved in this region.
The area around Lulworth Cove contains a fossil forest, and 71 different rock strata have been identified at Lyme Regis, each with its own species of ammonite. The fossil collector Mary Anning lived here and her major discoveries of marine reptiles and other fossils were made at a time when the study of palaeontology was just starting to develop. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides information on the heritage coast, and the whole length of the site can be visited via the South West Coast Path.
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Jacob's Ladder Beach
Highlight • Natural
Whilst the beach can be accessed via the steps it is also possible to walk around from the town's main beach via a level path.
Backed by steep cliffs, there is some shelter from the breeze, particularly at the western end of the beach where you will also find plenty of rock pools at low tide. This is a great spot for families but don't forget to leave the pebbles on the beach they are protected by law!
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Otterton Mill
Highlight • Monument
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Budleigh Salterton Beach
Highlight • Beach
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Popular around East Devon
Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty
East Devon Trail — wildlife spotting from coast to country
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Jurassic Coast – Long Distance Walking in the South of England
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Other adventures in East Devon
Tips from the Community
Forget the bucket and spade—at Budleigh Salterton, it’s all about the "Budleigh Buns!" These giant, smooth, oval pebbles are the beach’s signature, making it a paradise for stone-stackers and rock-pool explorers. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is framed by dramatic, red Triassic cliffs that look like they’ve been toasted. It’s a wonderfully "posh and peaceful" spot where you can swap noisy arcades for the gentle crunch-crunch of your footsteps. Grab a crab sandwich, watch the colorful fishing boats, and see if you can find a pebble with a hidden fossil. It’s geology, but make it fashion!
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Look out for an entrance onto a footpath on your right, which follows beside the railway tracks on your left, and the exe estuary on your right. The path is too narrow for cycling but great for walking and running.
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Harnessing the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of human ingenuity, whose origins can be traced back to ancient times. Thanks to such a design, a watercourse – natural or artificial – made it possible to simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of natural elements, for example, to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit. There are essentially two drive variants for watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel – usually through a so-called "mill channel" – and falls onto the blades. This design utilizes natural gravity to achieve greater efficiency.
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.
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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.
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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural wonders can I explore along the East Devon coastline?
East Devon is home to a significant section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. You can visit Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle in Exmouth, marking the westernmost point of this ancient coastline. Further east, discover the distinctive sea stacks at Ladram Bay Sea Stacks, the dramatic cliffs of Sidmouth, and the chalk cliffs near Beer. The Beer to Seaton Coastal Path offers stunning views of these geological formations.
Where can I experience East Devon's inland natural beauty?
Beyond the coast, the East Devon National Landscape (formerly an AONB) offers diverse scenery including wooded combes, heathland, and river valleys. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and the River Otter itself are havens for wildlife, particularly birds and even wild beavers. You can also explore the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and Woodbury Common for expansive views and unique lowland heath habitats.
Are there good spots for birdwatching in East Devon?
Yes, East Devon is excellent for birdwatching. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a vital site, supporting significant populations of wintering wildfowl and waders like redshank, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. Seaton Wetlands is another recognized nature reserve offering superb opportunities for observing diverse birdlife.
Which beaches are recommended in East Devon?
East Devon offers a variety of beaches. Exmouth is known for its golden sands and water sports. Budleigh Salterton features a tranquil pebble beach. For a picturesque setting, Seaton Beach and Cliffs provides a lovely pebble beach backed by cliffs. Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth is also a popular choice.
What historical sites can I visit in East Devon?
East Devon is rich in history. Explore the 2,000-year-old Beer Quarry Caves, which supplied stone for many famous buildings. Visit A La Ronde in Exmouth, a unique 16-sided National Trust property. Branscombe Village, one of England's oldest villages, offers thatched cottages and the historic Branscombe Forge. Otterton Mill provides a glimpse into the region's milling heritage.
Are there any unique cultural experiences in East Devon?
For a unique experience, ride the Seaton Tramway, a narrow-gauge electric tramway offering scenic views of the Axe Valley. Honiton, known as the antiques capital of the South West, is famous for its lace-making history, which you can learn about at the Allhallows Museum. Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum preserves Victorian textile machinery and offers insights into industrial heritage.
What family-friendly attractions are available in East Devon?
Families will enjoy The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, offering a heartwarming experience with sea views. The Seaton Tramway is also a fun outing for all ages. For outdoor activities, the mainly flat Exe Estuary Trail is suitable for families, as is exploring the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. Many beaches like Exmouth and Jacob's Ladder Beach are also great for families.
What walking and cycling trails are available in East Devon?
The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular, mainly flat route for cycling and walking around the entire estuary. The South West Coast Path offers extensive opportunities for coastal walks, including the scenic Beer to Seaton Coastal Path. For more options, you can find various running, road cycling, and mountain biking routes in the area. Explore more trails in our Running Trails in East Devon, Road Cycling Routes in East Devon, and MTB Trails in East Devon guides.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible viewpoints or trails?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk section is noted for being wheelchair accessible, offering fantastic views along the River Exe. This trail is predominantly off-road and well-surfaced, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.
What do visitors enjoy most about East Devon's attractions?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic coastal scenery of the Jurassic Coast and the tranquil river valleys. The diverse wildlife, especially birdwatching opportunities at places like the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, is a highlight. The well-maintained trails, such as the Exe Estuary Trail, are also highly appreciated for their accessibility and scenic routes.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the attractions?
Many attractions and towns in East Devon offer cafes and eateries. For instance, Otterton Mill features a cafe. Coastal towns like Exmouth, Sidmouth, and Beer have numerous options ranging from pubs to restaurants. Along popular routes like the Exe Estuary Trail, you'll find places to stop for refreshments in riverside towns and villages.
Most popular routes in East Devon
Most popular attractions in East Devon
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