Our recommendations in and around Beer village

Great places to eat and drink

For hearty pub grub try the Dolphin, for bistro dining specialising in local meat and fish go to Steamers Restaurant or the Seafood Platter all in Beer; in nearby Branscombe, you can't beat the award-winning Mason's Arms or stop off at the Harbour Inn in historic Axmouth. The River Cottage Cafe in Axminster (5 miles) has the best coffee in Devon, plus try something yummy from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's restaurant and deli. If it's a taste of the London scene you're after, head to Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis (5 miles), brainchild of Mark Hix, former chef director of the Ivy and Caprice. We can also recommend Combe House at Gittisham, The Anchor Inn, Beer, Otterton Mill in Otterton or Darts Farm and the cafes/pubs of Topsham

Things to see and do

The East Devon coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the SW Coastal Path into Beer, carry on to Branscombe (one of Britain's best walks, according to The Times) or try the East Devon Way. In Beer, visit the Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama  model railway and gardens, go on a fishing trip or just sit on the beach and take it all in. Another lovely walk is Salcombe Hill including the Donkey Sanctuary, then carry on to Otterton Mill or the botanical gardens and kids activities at Bicton Park. Stargazers will love the Norman Lockyer Obervatory, take a sightseeing cruise from Sidmouth or explore the nature reserve and bluebells in Holyford woods

The Tramway from Seaton town centre takes you through a lovely nature reserve to Colyton. Attend an event at Hugh’s HQ at Park Farm, which is only 3 miles from Upcott. On the way take a look at Shute Barton manor house. Head north-east to Forde Abbey, east to Abbotsbury swannery and Chesil Beach or west to Exeter and Dartmoor

Recreational Activities

All manner of watercraft are available for hire from Beer beach. East Devon riding school is nearby. Enjoy a round of golf above the cliffs at Axecliff Golf Club. Play a spot of tennis or mini-golf at Seafield Gardens in Seaton. On a rainy day, why not go to the indoor ozone pool in Sidmouth or chloring-free swimming and hydrotherapy pool in Axminster. However, if it's pure indulgence you're after, then we highly recommend the Hydra-Spa at the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel in Sidmouth. A wide range of organic treatments can also be booked on site at our three properties through MyPersonalSanctuary. Plus holiday pool and gym memberships available from Leisure East Devon

Villages and towns to visit

Beer and Brancombe are a must. Further on is Sidmouth (5 miles) with its lovely Regency architecture and seafront promenade. Lyme Regis (5 miles) has amazing views of the Jurassic coast and the famous Cobb. Inland, head for historical Bridport and its bustling market every Wednesday and Saturday, then pop down to the famous Hive Beach Cafe for a bite

Beaches

East Devon beaches are some of the cleanest (and surprisingly uncrowded) in the SW. Beer beach is gorgeous but if you want to build sand castles then head 15 mins east to Lyme Regis (park at Holmbush car park just before Cobb Road on the A3052 as you drive in, £1.80 all day) or west to Sidmouth