East Devon

From sandy beaches at Exmouth to the crunch of pebbles at Branscombe, East Devon's beaches will keep you and your family entertained for hours. 

The coastline of East Devon was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO becasue of its wealth of prehistoric remains, the Jurassic Coast is considered to be the only place in the world displaying unbroken evidence of 185 million years of evolution.

Cutting through the East Devon countryside to the coast are a number of dramatic valleys, including the Exe, Culm, Otter, Sid and Axe. Many idyllic villages can be found here, and wildlife diversity is high. The opportunity to walk, cycle and tour these valleys and the high ridges that seperate them should not be missed. Much of East Devon is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are several Local Nature Reserves to explore in this area.

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The villages and towns in East Devon allow you to experience and enjoy Devon life. Please click on the villages below for more information.

East Devon coastal villages

Beer - A picturesque fishing village with stunning coastal walks and a fascinating past that includes smuggling, lacemaking, and Beer stone.

Branscombe - One of the most relaxing and picturesque villages on the East Devon's Jurassic Coastline. Believed to be the longest village in the country, it sweeps down along a spectacular valley, past colourful cottages down to the sea.

Budleigh Salterton - A seaside town with an elegant atmosphere and a beach composed of unique pebbles.

Exmouth - The oldest seaside town in Devon, Exmouth boasts two miles of sandy beach, and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast - Stunningly beautiful, the Jurassic Coast reveals the Earth's story in unique geology stretching back over 185 million years.

Seaton - Famous for its heritage tram railway, Seaton lies at the centre of the East Devon Jurassic Coast and is an excellent walking base for the South West Coast Path and East Devon Way.

Sidmouth - An elegant Regency town, Sidmouth has a genteel Jane Austenesque ambience. It also hosts the internationally famous Sidmouth Folk Week.

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East Devon countryside villages

Axminster - Gateway to Devon's beautiful Axe Valley, this thriving market town is famous worldwide for Axminster carpets.

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - An area of unspoilt rural landscape of great beauty with an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna to discover.

Broadclyst - Situated in the heart of the National Trust Killerton estate, Broadclyst can boast of beautiful countryside and woodlands scattered with thatched cottages, steeped in local history.

Broadhembury - A well preserved medieval village situated between Cullompton and Honiton in part of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with several historic buildings.

East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Characterised by intimate wooded combes, vast areas of heathland, fertile river valleys and breathtaking cliffs and hilltops.

Honiton - A lively market town famous for Honiton lace and Honiton pottery, regarded as the antiques capital of the Southwest.

Ottery St Mary - With its glorious church and cluster of picturesque buildings, Ottery St. Mary has given literary inspiration to Coleridge, Thackeray - and JK Rowling!

"We had a glorious time in East Devon area last week and we would just like to say well done Devon on the cleanliness of the area, exceptional public toilets, very well signposted and kept public footpaths and walks. We will be back. Thank you". Comment received from a satisfied visitor, July 2010

Visit East Devon District Council - Car Parking to find out where to park in East Devon's towns.