Your East Devon Autumn Bucket List

Autumn in East Devon is one of the most magical times of year. The crowds have eased, the landscapes are brushed with gold, and the coast paths feel fresh with crisp sea air. Whether you’re planning a cosy getaway or you’re lucky enough to live locally, here’s a little inspiration for making the most of this season in our beautiful corner of Devon.

Woodland Wanders

• Mutters Moor & Fire Beacon Hill– just outside Sidmouth, both offer stunning walks with russet leaves underfoot and far-reaching views of the coast.
• Killerton Estate (National Trust)– a classic autumn day out, with vibrant woodland trails and plenty of space for kids to crunch leaves.
• Don’t forget to keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and the flash of autumn berries along the hedgerows.

Seasonal Flavours

• Apple Festivals – October is cider-pressing season! Join Tom from Adam’s Apples Nursery at Glebe House for a day of cider making and lunch on 24^th October.  Join a guided walk and Apple press demonstration at Killerton on the 8^th-9^th October, along with Apple Antics through half term.
• Farm Shops & Markets – Branscombe’s award-winning bakery, Darts Farm near Topsham, and Ottery St Mary’s, Topsham and Honiton Farmers Markets are perfect for picking up seasonal treats.
• Tuck into hearty pub grub after a coastal walk – The Masons Arms in Branscombe and The Golden Lion in Tipton St John are favourites of ours.

Autumn Events

• Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary (5th November) – one of Devon’s most famous traditions, with flaming barrels carried through the streets. Not for the faint-hearted, but a must-see spectacle.
• Pumpkin Party at The Donkey Sanctuary– Join the spooktacular pumpkin hunt for Drizzle’s birthday.
• Pumpkin Picking at Gittisham Farm– Enjoy a trip to this working farm where you can pick your own pumpkins from 11-2th, 18^th-19^th, 25^th-31^st October and opportunities to meet the cows and calves.
• Halloween at Bicton Park – perfect for families with pumpkin trails and spooky fun.

Coastal Adventures

• Autumn is a brilliant time to explore the South West Coast Path, with fewer walkers and dramatic skies.
• Try a wild swim (for the brave!) at Branscombe followed by Jurassic Sauna or Budleigh’s pebble beach – the cooler water is invigorating, and nothing beats wrapping up afterwards with hot chocolate in a seafront café.

Cosy Evenings In

Of course, one of the best things about an autumn break is coming home to comfort. Light the fire, pour a glass of red, and enjoy a board game. Cook up seasonal recipes with local produce – think roasted squash, apple crumbles, or a classic Devon cream tea (cream first, of course!)

Whether you tick off just one or two of these, or plan a whole weekend around them, East Devon in autumn is a feast for the senses. We’d love to welcome you to one of our holiday cottages, where you can crunch through the leaves by day and curl up in comfort by night.