About The Area

See and do near Old Orchard Cottage...

Out & About...

Colyton and the surrounding area has much to offer all year round, with something for the whole family. It is a step back in time where you can unwind and enjoy life at a leisurely pace, enjoying a magical vista of rivers, sea, beaches and countryside with unspoilt natural beauty and the nearby breathtaking Jurassic Coast – the only natural World Heritage designated site in England.

Axminster

Home of the famous carpets since 1755 is also home to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River cottage’s canteen and Deli

Axmouth

Axmouth is the starting point for the famous Undercliff Walk to Lyme Regis and the estuary is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Branscombe & Beer

Beer - Once a haven for smugglers is a quaint and charming fishing village with a pebbly beach surrounded by white cliffs and it is famous for it’s fish, crabs and lobsters. You can take to the water yourself for an angling trip or a sight seeing tour of the amazing Jurassic coastline, or even hire a boat for your own pleasure. A pretty stream runs alongside the main street through the town with its many fascinating shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants.

Branscombe - Branscombe is a truly picturesque village, situated in a wooded valley behind high cliffs with pretty slate roofed and thatched colour-washed cottages lining its winding single track road. There is an ancient 12th century church, an old working forge which is home to Branscombe vale brewery and a great thatched Inn. Branscombe is believed to be the longest village in the country and is a great walking destination with stunning cliff top walks to Sidmouth to the west or Beer to the east. Those keen on fishing can take mackerel fishing trips and there is an abundance of rock pools waiting to be explored.

Exmouth

Exmouth forms the western gateway to the World heritage Coast site and is one of England’s oldest holiday seaside-towns, a great spot for ‘bucket and spade’ family fun on this safe stretch of golden sand. There are various water sports on offer and the area is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.The long wide promenade is lined with a selection of traditional shops and cafes.

Honiton

A lively town with interesting shops, cafes and galleries and renowned for it’s many antique shops. There is a street market every Tuesday and Saturday.

Lyme Regis

Boasts breathtaking scenery and a special mystique, making it a sparkling resort for all seasons. Its historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features, set against moody blue cliffs yielding fossilised evidence of life on earth millions of years ago. The sandy beaches are good for swimming and fossiling.

Seaton

Seaton is the gateway to the Jurassic coast and has a sand and shingle beach which is bordered by a broad promenade. From here you can take up the South West Coastal Path or take the Undercliff walk to Lyme Regis. Walk along the River Coly that runs through our land into Colyton and then take an open top electric tram to Seaton. You will pass through the beautiful Axe Valley with superb views of the estuary, popular with bird watchers.

Sidmouth & Budleigh Salterton

Sidmouth is an elegant and distinctive town full of regency charm.There are a nice selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. The beach has sand and pebbles with rock pools at the eastern end to explore. Sidmouth hosts the International Folk Festival in August each year, when this sedate town comes to life.

Budleigh Salterton situated at the mouth of the River Otter, is an historic traditional seaside town. It is situated on the edge of a unique pebble beach sheltered between spectacular red cliffs making it a calm safe place for swimming.

What to do...

The coastal landscape of the Devon Dorset borders with its surf, estuaries, rivers and coves makes it a haven for water-sports enthusiasts. Surfing, wind-surfing, water skiing, or fishing are all available.

The region also enjoys fine golf courses with sea views in addition to excellent golfing greens. There are many picturesque National Trust walks leading to historic country houses and parks and children love the many working tourist farms offering animal petting, conservation activities and falconry alongside outdoor activity centres. Whatever the weather there is a variety of interesting and exiting things to do for the whole family.

Bicton Botanical Park

Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley. The superbly landscaped park combines 18th century tranquillity with modern amenities to provide all year round enjoyment for everyone of all ages including historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, nature trail, maze, mini golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, restaurant and shop.

Burrow Farm Gardens

East Devon’s secret garden is situated in the idyllic countryside between Axminster and Honiton. The 10 acre garden has colour throughout the year from the spring flowers through to the stunning Azaleas and Rhododendrons in May.

Crealy Advenure Park

The park has the most exciting rides, 100 acres of adventures, 75,000 sq ft undercover fun and animals to feed, groom, ride, milk and cuddle. Escot House and gardens – enjoy the natural historical gardens and fantasy woodland which surround the ancestral home of the Kennaway family. Escot is a place for people who love Nature – here are paths, trails, vistas, places to picnic, things to enchant and delight, and everywhere beautiful flowers, shrubs and specimen trees.

Pecorama

Great for railway enthusiasts. Ride on the Beer Heights Light Railway and see the model railway exhibition There is a play area, crazy golf and fitness trail and you can enjoy a meal in a real railway dining car. Seaton Electric Tramway – The three-mile route runs through East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, between the coastal resort of Seaton, the small village of Colyford and the ancient town of Colyton. The journey takes 25 minutes from end to end. You must alight from the tram on arrival, but may return on any tram thereafter. Open toppers or enclosed saloons operate according to weather conditions.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Donkeys of all ages are resident in the rolling countryside surrounding Slade House Farm and they love the attention they are given by visitors. Free entry. Beer Quarry caves – View the vast underground chambers on a guided tour and see where the vast blocks of stone that have built many cathedrals came from. Meet the beer quarry bats who live there, some of whom spend their summers at Heathayne Farm.