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The days are longer and the sun is finally shining, we look forward to welcoming many new and returning guests to Devon this summer. East Devon is the perfect destination for your UK Summer Break, enjoy stunning countryside, beautiful beaches and delicious local food & drink, all from the door step of one of our Devon holiday cottages. Our friendly local team love exploring East Devon, we are delighted to share our personal favourite summer activities & restaurants for you to visit on your holidays.
Beaches
When the sun’s out, one of the best things to do in summer is a day at the seaside. East Devon boasts a range of beautiful beaches for all. The beaches at Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Budleigh and Exmouth are all accessible by car, there are public toilets and shops to treat yourself to post-swim ice cream! The accessible prom at Sidmouth is perfect for a stroll by the sea, whilst Exmouth has adapted beach wheelchairs for hire so everyone can enjoy time by the sea.
If you prefer somewhere off the beaten track, the remote beaches at Weston & Salcombe Regis are not to be missed. Please note there are no toilets or facilities at either of these beaches, just peace and serenity!
Places To Eat & Drink
Devon’s lush landscape and seas supply an array of the finest local produce, there are many independent eateries and venues which showcase these fine foods, below are some of our favourite places to go in the summer.
Heron Farm, Honiton – A small, family run Vineyard, Kitchen, and Shop on the outskirts of Honiton in East Devon.
The Pea Green Boat, Sidmouth – Relaxed seaside dining overlooking the Lyme Bay. Open for lunch and dinner, offering the best locally sourced, fresh produce.
Otterton Mill, Otterton- An idyllic setting beside the River Otter, enjoy the mill, bakery, cafe-restaurant, local food shop, gift and craft shop, art gallery, live music, and other events.
Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke – Inspired by the South West’s finest larder, the kitchen offers an innovative menu designed to bring you quality and exciting food without the pomp. Their ‘Secret Garden’ is open at weekends, offering relaxed family friendly alfresco dining.
Jack in the green, Rockbeare – Award winning gastro pub on the outskirts of Exeter.
River Exe café, Exmouth – Devon’s only floating Gastro Shed, they work to create the best dining experience from carefully chosen ingredients. They serve the freshest local food, wherever possible, maximising the use of some of the finest food & drink producers in Devon.
The Pig at Combe, Combe Nr Honiton – Nestled in the Otter Valley and just 15 minutes from the coast; this is a secluded, honey-coloured Elizabethan Gem.
The Point Bar & Grill, Exmouth – Award-winning restaurant and bar on Exmouth Marina, family friendly and pets are welcomed!
Dukes, Sidmouth – Pub classics, fresh seafood, local meats, and interesting plant-based options are on offer.
Golden Lion – the delightful Golden Lion Inn is in the heart of Tipton St John, a picturesque village set in the glorious countryside of East Devon on the River Otter.
Activities & Places to visit
There are a wide range of fun and exciting things to do in summer holidays in Devon. From summer activities for kids to couples’ days out, here are a few of our family favourite recommendations.
Darts Farm – From the humble beginnings of the farm shop hut nearly 50 years ago, Darts Farm has organically evolved in to the unique lifestyle shopping destination it is today, with a working farm at the heart.
Stuart Line Cruises – All weather, family-friendly, dog-friendly, value for money boat trip experience from Exmouth, accessible for wheelchair users.
Seaton Tram – Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between along East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.
Donkey Sanctuary – A free and educational day out of fun for all the family, spend time with these gorgeous animals and enjoy everything the site has to offer.
Sidmouth Museum– View interesting displays for all ages, along with an educational quiz for the kids.
Pecorama – One of Devon’s leading tourist attractions – set high on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer.
Lyme Bay Winery – The Cellar Door is open every day and showcases a wide range of award-winning English still and sparkling wines, spirits, fruit wines, ciders, meads, and liqueurs. There is always a selection of English wines and other award-winning products available to taste – just ask their helpful staff.
Crealy – The biggest family Theme Park in Devon
World of country Life – This all-weather, family day out attraction has an eclectic mix of museums, animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and undercover.
Nature Reserves – There are a stunning selection of nature reserves across East Devon.
Sideshore – A new water sports development in Exmouth, offering a range of activities from water sport hire and lessons, shopping and dining.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking at Sidmouth or Budleigh – Offering equipment hire, lessons and tours.
Events
Sidmouth Eats Boutique– On the second Friday of each month, enjoy alfresco dining with the most delicious street food on the green at Kennaway House.
Sidmouth Folk Festival – Founded in 1955, the festival continues from 29th July. The town comes alive with music, dance and song with many free and ticketed events throughout the week.
Budleigh Lit Fest – From 14th-18th September, enjoy leading contemporary fiction authors, poets, travel writers, sports journalists, scientists, food writers, historians, economists and current affairs commentators.
Sidmouth Classic Car Show– On the 17th September, enjoy a day of live music from the popular City Steam Jazz band and The Liberty Sisters, a 1940s-style singing group. Entries to this year’s car show are now fully subscribed and 300 classic cars will be on show. The variety of cars on show will be as impressive as ever, with cars dating from 1914 to 2001. The show is free to enter, donations will be welcomed.
Taste East Devon – A 16-day food fest from the 3rd September across a range of fantastic eateries.
Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have a range of holiday cottages in East Devon, from dog friendly countryside retreats to stunning sea view boltholes. Our new properties have some brilliant availability and special offers to be snapped up. We look forward to welcoming you to Devon and hearing all about your adventures!
