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Things to do in East Devon this winter

12th November 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Sometimes there is nothing better than stepping out of your normal life and experiencing something different. If you fancy watching waves crashing and rambling in beautiful countryside, then why not take a look at visiting East Devon post lockdown? Not only do you have the Jurassic Coast which looks even more dramatic in the wintery weather, but you also have the chance to explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its many walks and cycling routes.

Of course, we urge that you do not make unneccessary journeys until lockdown ends and once lifted, we would urge you not to travel if you are currently in a Tier 3 area and to stay within your family group or support bubble if you’re visiting from Tier 2 and 1. We recommend that you don’t travel at all if you feel unwell and that you follow all the guidelines and regulations in place at the time of your visit. Many of the accommodation providers and attractions here will require you to prebook and to use only contactless payments, as well as to social distance and wear a mask in enclosed areas, please check with the individual establishments before you visit for their latest updates.

Once you’ve checked the latest guidance, here’s a rundown of the sorts of things you can expect to see and do while in East Devon post lockdown.

Things to do

Whether you’re travelling as a family or a couple or just on a little solo excursion, there is plenty to do in this part of Devon. The attractions and activities on offer are as diverse as the landscape itself, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.

If you fancy bracing those waves and diving into refreshingly cold ocean, the coast has plenty of organisations offering watersports and wild swimming among other excursions out into the water. You can really see the beauty of the coastline from the water – if you can brave the cold that is!

If you’d rather spend your winter break relaxing, book yourself in for a session at the Victoria Hotel’s spa . This Sidmouth based hotel has two pools, a tennis court, a putting green and a luxury spa that you can use, regardless of whether you’re staying there or not.

Alternatively, if you want something the whole family can get involved with, take a trip to the Donkey Sanctuary . Also in Sidmouth, this is one of East Devon’s largest attractions, it is home to hundreds of rescue donkeys all of whom love meeting new people, it’s free to visit and there is a wonderful onsite café where you can get a stunning Sunday roast. If you’ve based yourself in Sidmouth, make sure to check out the Sidmouth toy and model museum which is home to a range of vintage toys, perfect for reminiscing.

Nearby is the town of Budleigh Salterton, well known for its literary connections, including the annual Literary Festival which is headed up by best selling author Hilary Mantel who lives in the area. Aside from the annual festivals, the town is also home to Bicton Countryside Musuem which is a great place to spend a few hours learning more about life in Devon in years gone past.

Not really up for a history lesson? That’s fine, you can enjoy Bicton Park’s Botanical Gardens where you will find over 60 acres of beautifully planted gardens, a range of children’s play areas and the magnificent Palm House which dates back to the 1800s. Even outside the summer months, this is a truly spectacular place to visit, full of stunning colours and is a chance to relax among the greenery.

Image: Bicton Park

If you liked the idea of visiting the donkeys, you can get acquainted with some more animals during your trip to East Devon by heading to World of Country Life in Exmouth. At World of Country Life you can hand feed a whole host of animals from llamas, deer and goats! The site is located in Sandy Bay, so you can also explore more of the Jurassic Coast before you leave! More animal experiences can be had at Wildwood Escot, which is in Ottery St Mary, a fascinating place where you can still witness many of Devon’s long forgotten traditions including tar barrel rolling. The residents also take part in an annual Pixie Day, where they celebrate the removal of pixies from the area! Wildwood Escot is just as fun, you’ll find an authentic Saxon Village, loads of amazing animals, adventure play areas and even a zip line! Whatever your age, there is something here to entertain!

For a chance to tour the wider area, why not book a cruise with Stuart Line Cruises? These cruises run from Exmouth all over this area of Devon offering a diverse range of cruises, including river trios, bird tours and trips along the whole South Devon coastline. It’s a wonderful way to see the Jurassic Coast in all its glory and to find out more about the local area at the same time. Plus, they run all year around, so even in the winter, there are cruises available.

Another premier town in east Devon is Seaton, where the legendary Seaton Tramway is located. This is the perfect chance to experience a tram ride, whatever the weather! The site also offers a range of experiences, including allowing you to drive the tram yourself! Get in touch with them to find out the latest updates. The village of Beer is just along the coast from Seaton and has the historic Beer Quarry Caves where you can unpick over 2,000 years of history. The stone mined in Beer has been used on important buildings all across the UK including St Paul’s Cathedral in London! The site is ideal for anyone who’s kids are learning about the Romans, as the method of quarrying hasn’t changed since then!

Image: Seaton Tramway.

If you’re visiting the Jurassic Coast because you want to know more about the fascinating geology of the coastline, make sure to take a quick trip over the border to the Lyme Regis Museum where you can find out more about the region’s fossil finders and the ancient beasts that used to live there. Don’t dally in Dorset too long though, there are still plenty of things to enjoy in East Devon!

Many of Devon’s top attractions can be found in this part of the county, you can find out more about a whole host of different attractions and activities that suit everyone here.

If you want to see more of East Devon in general, you’ll love being able to explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is full of nature reserves, walking trails and more. No matter where you choose to base yourself in this part of the county, you’ll be able to easily access the stunning countryside and you’re never too far from the South West Coast Path either. Being here really is the best of both worlds!

Places to stay

East Devon was particularly popular during the Regency period, so wherever you look you’ll find incredible hotels, b&bs and guesthouses that still feature much of the original Georgian architecture. In fact, Queen Victoria lived in Sidmouth for a time and you can even stay in the same accommodation she did!

Image: Ladram Bay

For those of you looking for a family friendly place with stunning views and plenty of facilities, book a stay with Ladram Bay Holiday Park . With a choice of accommodation options, plus access to a private cove and entertainment whatever your age and the chance to sample all the delights of local cuisine, it’s a good option for those wanting flexibility and space.

Another one to look at is Andrewshayes Holiday Park which is just 15 minutes from the coast and well placed for visiting the popular spots in both Devon and Dorset. Plus, dogs are welcome, so you can bring the whole family with you!

For a park close to Sidmouth, Beer and Lyme Regis, take a look at Oakdown Holiday Park , which offers a range of holiday homes including glamping units and touring and camping pitches, so you can really create the perfect holiday for you. The site even has its own 9 hole golf course for guests to enjoy!

Image: Oakdown Holiday Park.

If glamping sounds up your street, Jurassic Glamping has incredible views over the Axe Valley and gives you the chance to stay in a large safari tent with all the luxuries you would expect from a hotel. It’s just ten minutes from the coast and is ideally located for exploring the whole of East Devon.

Like the idea of self catering but want something a little more homely? You’re in luck, East Devon is full of lovely cottages, offering a real home from home experience and giving you plenty of opportunity to socially distance and enjoy the privacy of your space. Situated in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Higher Wiscombe, where you’ll find several properties, so you can pick the perfect one for you. The site is a regular recipient of environmental awards, which is even better!

In the Sidmouth area, there are the Littlecourt Cottages, a complex of five comfortable and luxurious cottages that form as part of a historic Regency house which was built for the Duke and Duchess of St Albans – how’s that for luxury? The cottages are within walking distance of Sidmouth town centre and easy access to all the attractions East Devon has to offer. The cottages here include Cherry Tree , The Couch House, Magnolia, Courthaye, and Hemphaye.

There are of course a number of beautiful Regency style hotels in the region too including The Victoria Hotel, which is part of the Brend Hotels brand. The hotel still has many of its original Victorian architecture that has been preserved and combined with the rest of the décor to create something really quite special. The hotel has a number of facilities, including a popular restaurant and incredible views across the bay, which can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Another of the Brend Hotels in the region is the Belmont Hotel with its beautiful gardens and its uninterrupted view of the sea. It was originally the summer residents of a Victorian family that would visit the town during the warmer months – imagine having this as a holiday home!

Image: Royal York and Faulkner Hotel

Right on the seafront is the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel, which is on the Esplanade, so you are right in the centre of the action. Guests can enjoy four course dinners, brilliant views across the bay and a range of leisure facilities including their spa.

Where to eat

Thanks to the diverse landscape, the food and drink in East Devon is incredible. You can find a range of local produce on the menus at restaurants, cafes and other eateries across the region. From fresh fish and seafood straight out of the bay to locally reared meat and homegrown veg, it is a delight for the taste buds.

Find out more about the things to see and do in this wonderful area of Devon here.