Ottery St Mary

Experience Devon's hidden gem with a trip to Ottery St Mary

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area with an array of countryside walks, hikes, and cycle routes that traverse through the captivating landscape. Discover the tranquillity of riverside strolls along the enchanting River Otter, where you can take in the serene surroundings and embrace the peaceful ambience. 

Things to do in Ottery St Mary

With a focus on traditional events, there are plenty of things to see and do when in Ottery St Mary. Like many of the towns in East Devon, there is a wonderfully charming high street that teams with nostalgia. The high street features just about everything you could think of from butchers, bakers, fishmongers, book shops and more independent fare. The independents have a great variety of eateries, including cafés, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and a couple of familiar high street names too. If shopping isn’t your thing, there are a whole host of sports and activities taking place throughout the town for you to join in with, including some wonderful walking trails. One popular route is to follow the River Otter down to the estuary in nearby Budleigh Salterton.

History and magic in Ottery St Mary 

As we’ve already established, Ottery St Mary is known for having a focus on tradition, with a nostalgic high street and continuing to run the Tar Barrel Rolling and the annual Pixie Day, there is also lots of history to discover. Fans of a certain boy wizard may also recognise the town as they explore – J K Rowling used the town as inspiration for Ottery St Catchpole, where the Weasleys, Diggorys, Fawcetts and Lovegoods live in her famous book series.

J K Rowling isn’t the only literary connection here, poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born in Ottery St Mary – so bibliophiles need to stop by after visiting nearby Budleigh Salterton’s Literary Festival.

Coming for half term? Book a cosy B&B or cottage and enjoy the changing of the seasons in Ottery St Mary.