Holiday Cottages in East Devon

Why choose East Devon?

The area of East Devon stretches from the south coast of Exmouth to Charmouth and up to the northern boundary of Silverton and Yarcombe. It includes two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: The East Devon AONB and Blackdown Hills AONB. There is a diverse range of wildlife such as bats, butterflies and beavers, and many great walking and cycling trails through the countryside and along the coastal paths.

The whole coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, the entirety of which runs from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset. A UNESCO world heritage site, explore 185 million years worth of history in one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains. 

Where are the best places to visit in East Devon?

From coast to countryside there are many beautiful spots to visit in East Devon. The port town of Exmouth is one of the largest towns in Devon and is a vibrant hub of shops, pubs and restaurants. Its long, sandy beach makes it a perfect spot for water sports and you can try your hand at pretty much everything - kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing to name a few. Further along the coast is the town of Sidmouth, dominated by red sandstone cliffs which date back to the Triassic period. 

Set on the River Axe is the market town of Axminster. Famous for its carpet making heritage, Axminster carpets are still made today and are regular suppliers to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The town still has many thatched buildings which adds to the charm and character. Another market town with manufacturing heritage and pedigree is Honiton. The town is famous for its finely crafted bobbin lace, used to make Queen Victoria’s wedding dress and other royal items. Visit Allhallows Museum to view a lace collection and see lace-making demonstrations.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in East Devon?

Duck’s Ditty bar - One of the more unusual spots to visit; this may be the only canal barge bar in Devon. Permanently moored at Tiverton wharf, the bar is fully licensed and also serves tea, cakes and pasties. Enjoy one of the best beer gardens in Devon at this tranquil spot on the canal.

Saveur - Located on a quiet side street in Exmouth, Saveur serves modern cuisine with a particular focus on seafood. You can expect friendly and attentive service as well as lovingly prepared food and an impressive wine list.

Red Panda - This asian street food café might be small on space but it is big on flavour. Serving Vietnamese and Chinese style buns, baguettes and sticky rice dishes, the emphasis is on fresh ingredients and honest cooking. You may have to queue for a couple of minutes due its popularity but it is definitely worth the wait.

Lympstone Manor - Previously head chef at Gidleigh Park, where he held two Michelin stars, Michael Caines took on a new challenge at Lympstone Manor in 2017. A sign of the calibre of the chef and his team is that Lympstone Manor was awarded a Michelin star within the first 6 months of opening. You can expect innovative and inventive cooking of the highest quality.

What are the best attractions in East Devon?

From relaxing on the beach to walking one of the many countryside trails, East Devon has something to suit everyone. 

One of the best ways to explore East Devon is on foot. The East Devon Way is a 40 mile trail that runs slightly inland between Exmouth and Lyme Regis. It passes through numerous towns and villages, as well as crossing rivers, woodland and valleys. The Jurassic Coast is part of the South West Coast Path and has some of the best scenery on the whole trail. You can walk as much or as little as you like starting or ending at one of the many beautiful coastal towns.

Discover the history of The Jurassic Coast at the Sidmouth Museum. Learn what life was like during the Triassic period and see rare reptile fossils and bones that have been found nearby on the beaches. 

Fancy a day at the beach? This area of Devon has some great spots to sit and relax. Visit Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton or Branscombe Beach; all are family-friendly with safe bathing areas and amenities nearby.

Enjoy a family day out at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. Admission is free and you can even take your dog! The centre helps in locations all over the world and provides a permanent home to unwanted or neglected donkeys. Another popular family tourist attraction is the Devon Railway Centre. Hop on board and drive your own train or explore the model railway exhibition.

What is the weather like in East Devon?

The weather in East Devon has a higher annual temperature than that of the average for the UK. You can expect average summer temperatures of 21°C with cool winter temperatures between 1 and 2°C.

Types of holiday cottage in Devon

With over 450 holiday retreats, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to our holiday cottages in Devon. Choose a large holiday home so you can invite all of the family or a luxury property for an extra special break.