There are loads of reasons we can think of to prove that East Devon and the Jurassic Coastline is the best part of Devon, but if you still need convincing, here are five of our favourite reasons for why east Devon is the best.
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
As the name suggests, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty – it stretches across 103 square miles and is full of unique landscapes full of wildlife, farm land and is full of walking and cycling trails so you can get the most out if this incredible natural resource.
The beaches
East Devon has some of the best beaches in Devon – several of them are Blue Flag award winners and are safe areas for the whole family. In Sidmouth, there is the Town Beach and Jacob’s Ladder beach, on the outskirts towards Ottery St Mary you’ll find Ladram Bay, a private beach with incredible rock formations. Other beaches in the area include Exmouth Beach, Budleigh Salterton Beach, Branscombe Beach, Beer Beach and Seaton Beach.
The Jurassic Coast
We can’t mention the beaches without talking about the Jurassic Coast. East Devon is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site that begins in Exmouth and continues for 95 miles over the border into Dorset. The coast is characterised by iconic red cliffs, amazing coastal walks and incredible, geological history.
The activities
East Devon is full of things to see and do. As well as the beautiful surroundings, there are a huge amount of activities, attractions and events. The region has some of the best festivals in the UK including the Sidmouth Folk Festival and Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival; heritage attractions, such as museums and country estates and family friendly attractions, like the Donkey Sanctuary, Seaton Tramway, Pecorama and Beer Quarry Caves.
The culture
If culture is what you’re after, East Devon is the place to be. The region is full of ancient traditions and culture. The town of Ottery St Mary is famous for its annual Tar Barrel Rolling – an event that takes place on bonfire night and involves residents running through the village carrying burning tar barrels. The village also celebrates Pixie Day where they celebrate the legend of pixies being banished. Each year, Ottery’s kids get to renact the events of the original pixie day. That’s not all, outside Sidmouth you can find Sidbury, every year during the fair, they continue the tradition of Hot pennies, where Pennies are thrown into the street for children to collect.
Obviously, there are way more than just five reasons why Sidmouth is in the best part of Devon, if you want to find out more about the region, click here.
Please remember that although lockdown restrictions are easing, the UK is still under a national lockdown, please do not visit Sidmouth until travel is permitted via the steps set out by government. You can find the latest updates on gov.uk/coronavirus.