As one of the most ecologically fascinating places in the county, East Devon is a great place to spend the May half term. If you’re coming to the area to visit, here are some of the ways you can experience the very best of East Devon.
Get on your bike
East Devon has miles of the National Cycle Network, much of which takes you through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Other popular routes include the East Devon Way and the Buzzard Route, which will take you around Sidmouth, Seaton, Honiton and beyond.
Find some fossils
East Devon is the home to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, so is the perfect location for a spot of dinosaur hunting! The whole of the East Devon coastline offers great opportunities for hunting down fossils, just remember that it is illegal to take pebbles from the beach!
Grab some fish and chips
Is there anything better than eating fish and chips out of the wrappers while looking out to sea? All over East Devon you can find incredible fish and chip take aways as well as restaurants with an incredible sea view. Why not stop off in Sidmouth and sample some of the amazing menus on offer? Find out more about local food and drink here.
Go back in time
Much of East Devon has retained its historical charm. In Sidmouth, there are a host of former Georgian buildings now operating as hotels and giving the town a real regency atmosphere. On top of that, you have the fossils from the Jurassic Coast that dates back millions of years and elsewhere, there are museums, Tudor-era stately homes and more to explore.
Be at one with nature
East Devon has some beautiful surrounding countryside to explore. Not only is there the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but you can also find nature reserves and other areas of open space to discover. In Seaton there is Seaton Wetlands which has a host of hides and accessible pathways that are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, while in Sidmouth you can enjoy places like Knapp Copse and the Byes.
The festivities
This part of Devon really knows how to party, coming up to half term, Sidmouth is hosting its famous Sea Fest and later in the year you can expect the Folk Festival, the Science Festival and other top events. It’s the same all over the region, with Pixie Day and Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary and the Literature Festival in Budleigh Salterton among others.
Make a splash
Why not see a whole new side of the Jurassic Coast by getting out on the water? There are a series of boat trips that will take you around the coastline, as well as chances to enjoy some watersports like kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding all along the shore.
Enjoy a spot of shopping
East Devon is one of those rare places that manages to combine modern, eclectic high streets with tradition. Exploring the high streets around this part of the world will introduce you to well known brands, familiar names, traditional traders and just about everything in between. It’s a great place to find unique and alternative gifts.
Feeling inspired for your trip to East Devon? Check out places to stay in Sidmouth here and other suggestions for things to do here.