Our recommendations
Local tourist links
Great places to eat and drink
For hearty pub grub try the Dolphin Hotel in Beer or for bistro dining specialising in local fish go to Steamers Restaurant also in Beer; in Branscombe (2 miles) you can't beat the award-winning Mason's Arms or for somewhere quieter and very local then try the Fountain Head Inn. The River Cottage Cafe in Axminster (4 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 Salty Monk in Sidford and Joshua's Harvest Store near Ottery St Mary
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, or for a longer walk carry on to Branscombe (one of Britain's best walks, according to The Times). 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. Nearby is the Donkey Sanctuary, then carry on to Otterton Mill or the botanical gardens and kids activities at Bicton Park. We also recommend taking a sightseeing cruise from Sidmouth
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 the swannery at Abbotsbury, Chesil Beach or west to Exeter and Dartmoor
Recreational Activities
All manner of watercraft are available for hire from Beer beach. Devenish Pitt horse 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 new indoor ozone pool in Sidmouth. But if it's pure indulgence you're after then we highly recommend the Hydra-Spa at the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel also in Sidmouth. A wide range of organic treatments can also be booked on site at Upcott House through MyPersonalSanctuary. Holiday pool and gym memberships available at £40/week for 5 people from Leisure East Devon
Villages and towns to visit
Beer and Brancombe are a must. Further on is Sidmouth (4 miles) with its lovely Regency architecture and seafront promenade. Lyme Regis (5 miles) has amazing views of the Jurassic coast and the famous Cob. Inland, head for historical Bridport and its bustling market every Wednesday and Saturday, then pop down to West Bay for a dip
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 10 mins east to Lyme Regis or west to Sidmouth
devonretreat
Stylish self-catering on the beautiful East Devon Jurassic Coast
