WHERE TO EAT

The River Cottage Canteen Axminster Tel: 01297 631715

The River Cottage Canteen showcases the very best of what the South West has to offer. Meals made from the finest seasonal ingredients are served throughout the day.  Produce comes from local farms and fishermen so is constantly changing. 

Hix Oyster & Fish House Lyme Regis Tel: 01297 446910

The Oyster and Fish House opened its doors in June 2008. The food at the Fish House is simple but excellent. A blackboard of the day’s oysters and a small selection of dishes using fresh fish from sustainable sources make up the menu. A variety of seasonal oysters is always on offer plus there are also several meat dishes on the menu.

The Wheelwright Colyford Tel: 01297 552585

Seats up to 100 diners in four individual dining areas from the Axminster room to the cosy ‘lovers’ snug’.  The Wheelwright uses quality local produce and has an extensive range of new and old world wines.

The Harbour, Axmouth Tel: 01297 20371

Recently taken over by the same team that run The Wheelwright, the Harbour seems to be pleasing local people and visitors alike.  The pub is well run and friendly and there is an extensive lunchtime and evening specials menu.  The food is consistently excellent. 

PLACES TO VISIT

Axminster – world famous carpet town

Surrounded by open fields and meandering rivers, this is the gateway to the Axe Valley. The world’s very first Axminster carpet was woven here by Thomas Whitty in 1755. A good little market town with some good shops and a small street market in the church square on Thursdays.

Axmouth – bird watchers’ paradise

Thatched cottages and farmhouses, pubs, popular harbour and a sailing club.  The harbour marks the start of the world famous Undercliff Walk to Lyme Regis.  This can be reached by climbing the steep hill near the bridge across the estuary. If you’re lucky you can see avocets, kingfishers, egrets, herons, curlews, waders, ducks and geese on the estuary.  Even spoonbills have been seen here.   

Beer – home of many a smuggling tale

Beer is a fishing village nestling in a small valley which opens into a sheltered bay fringed with white chalk cliffs. There are shops, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and three pubs. There is still a small but very active fishing fleet, whose boats are launched directly from the shingle beach, as they have been for centuries.  The fishermen land their catches on the beach, and fresh fish and shellfish are sold in a small shop literally yards from the waters’ edge.

Branscombe – a step back in time

The beautiful village of Branscombe dates back to pre-Saxon times and is reputed to be the longest village in the West Country.  It is full of ‘chocolate box’ cottages, with hanging baskets and colourful gardens.  There is also a 12^th century church nestling in peaceful surroundings with a glorious wooded hill as a backdrop.  There are public footpaths in all directions and stunning clifftop walks.  

Colyton – the most rebellious town in Devon

Once the fourth most wealthy town in Devon, Colyton is a fascinating medieval settlement with a Saxon street pattern often referred to as a maze.  There are riverside walks and lots of interesting shops, character inns and restaurants.  There is also an historic and beautiful 12^th century church. 

Lyme Regis – writer’s inspiration

Just a 10 minute drive away, Lyme is an historic unspoiled seaside resort and fishing port on the world-famous Cobb harbour.  Surrounded by beautiful coastlines and countryside, the area has now been awarded World Heritage Site status.  Lyme is famous for its geology and fossil finds.   

Beer Quarry Caves - Vast man-made complex of underground caverns, created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer stone.  Conducted one hour tours by trained guides.  

Donkey Sanctuary - Home to more than 400 rescued donkeys, with beautiful walks and picnic areas.  Free admission and open 365 days a year from 9am until dusk.

Forde Abbey & Gardens - Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of award winning gardens. 

Pecorama  - Situated on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer, Pecorama has something to offer every member of the family. The attractions include a fascinating indoor exhibition of railway modelling in various popular scales, whilst the charming gardens are home to the famous Beer Heights Light Railway powered by miniature steam and diesel locomotives.

Seaton Tramway -  This tram line runs through the glorious Axe Valley from Seaton to Colyton.  Popular with all ages, the trams provide an unrivalled vantage point from which to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of this unspoilt area.  The tram ride takes 25 minutes and passes through two nature reserves – Seaton Marshes and Colyford Common.

Walking - In Sidmouth, you’re on the doorstep of Britain’s longest and most popular National Trail – the South West coast Path.  Along the path, whether you take a short stroll or stride out on the cliff tops, you can find your own piece of this special coastline.  Picturesque harbours, stunning Beer Head, tranquil estuaries and secret coves you’ll discover for yourself lie on the route of the South West Coast Path. East Devon Way, another beautiful walking trail, is very close.