If you are a fan of autumn, there are plenty of places to see the season take hold in and around Honiton. With a host of nature reserves, woodlands and places like the East Devon Way, the Pebblebed Heath, the Blackdown Hills and nearby places to join the South West Coast Path, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the russet leaves.
Here are some of our favourite spots for seeing the seasons change and enjoying an autumnal stroll.
- Venn Ottery
A heathland nature reserve, near Honiton, is part of the Pebblebed Heaths area of East Devon. It’s a large area, that features a wet and boggy area to one side and a dry heath the other, which is managed by the RSPB, because of this, it is easier, to access the reserve via the RSPB side. The whole site is picturesque and in the autumn, you can catch sight of heather and gorse, which makes each season take on a new atmosphere.
Venn Ottery is particularly famous among bird watchers and wildlife lovers and is home to over 40 species of bird, even in the colder months. Because of this, though dogs are welcome, they are to be kept on a lead during your visit. - Hembury Fort
Hembury Fort is an iron age hill fort within the Blackdown Hills. Though most people visit in the spring, when the whole area is carpeted with blue bells, it also makes for a lovely autumn walking route. The area is covered in beech trees and you can still see evidence of the fort that was once here. There is a circular walking route, which is signposted and offers some lovely views across the Otter Valley. - Jacobs Ladder to Peak Hill
If you fancy a coastal walk, make your way to Sidmouth and enjoy this short, steep walk with unparalleled views of the Jurassic Coast. Sidmouth is less than half an hour by car and there are multiple places to park around Jacobs Ladder beach, which is famous for its white steps. If using public transport, there are regular buses between Sidmouth and Honiton which take around 45 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, the route between Jacobs Ladder and Peak Hill is signposted. - Mutter's Moor
While we’re talking about nearby places like Sidmouth, Mutter’s Moor is another good option for an autumnal adventure. This walk also forms part of the Pebblebed Heath and features a flat, level trail through woodland and to a Bronze Age site, which is known locally as the Seven Stones. Mutters’ Moor has a nearby car park and is another trail known for its picturesque views, in the autumn, you can enjoy the heather and gorse that sprouts around the heathland. - River Otter
Another popular spot for seeing the seasons change is around the River Otter, which can be picked up at various points. The river begins in the Blackdown Hills and then flows through East Devon, into the Otter Valley. Join the river walk in Ottery St Mary, Budleigh Salterton or one of the towns in between, if you’re lucky you might spot one of the beavers or otters that call the river home.