Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill which has amazing views of the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs. Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, partially eroded resulting in a cliff face on the coast.
For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Dunscombe.
In Sidmouth you can take a stroll along the Byes, a pleasant riverside walk or visit the popular National Trust shop on Fore Street.
Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, look out for the carved stepping stones through the Trust – owned woodland and more great views.
Livestock may be grazing the cliffland, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sidmouth-countryside
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Follow a clifftop walk with breathtaking views of the Jurassic coast with a night under the stars at Prattshayes caravan and campsite.
Exmouth countryside includes the impressive headland walk at Orcombe Point, the warm and friendly campsite and bunkhouse at Prattshayes run by Exmouth Watersports and the farm at Lower Halsdon on the River Exe. An easy, level path above the beach at Exmouth is a peaceful haven from the holidaying crowds.
Livestock may be grazing in areas, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/exmouth
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A tranquil woodland teeming with wildlife, ideal for a family outing.
Holyford Woods is a beautiful woodland, nestled in a picturesque valley near Seaton. The site is managed by Wild East Devon.
The site was purchased in 2001 with funds raised by the local community. In 2020 a new management partnership was established between Wild East Devon and the Axe Vale & District Conservation Society.
Oak, Ash and Hazel abound at Holyford Woods where birds nest in tree holes, Bats roost in handy crevices and tangled roots can provide nest sites for Weasels and Wood Mice. A goyle, or sunken stream runs through the heart of the woodland, feeding the Stafford Brook which runs into the Axe Estuary at the nearby Colyford Common Local Nature Reserve.
The site offers great walking throughout the year with various routes available using the public and permissive footpaths around the site.
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An area of lowland heath offering a sensational panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and coast.
As its name suggests, Fire Beacon Hill was the site of one of the beacons used to inform Elizabethan London of the approaching Spanish Armada. At that time the entire East Hill escarpment would have been covered in lowland heath vegetation, similar to that found here. Unfortunately, just this small patch remains, as lowland heath has disappeared due to forestry plantation and agricultural improvement, making this habitat increasingly uncommon.
The nearest bus stop is at the The Boyd Inn
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Exmouth Local Nature Reserve is a massive area of tidal sand and mud at the southern end of the Exe Estuary. It is a globally important area of overwintering waders and waterfowl. In the autumn thousands of birds fly from the freezing Arctic to spend the winter months on the estuary, one of Devon’s most impressive natural spectacles.
Dark-bellied brent geese make their way to this place every year in September. During the winter months, other wildfowl crowd into the estuary to feed - look out for huge flocks of wigeon and graceful pintail ducks.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/wild-east-devon-nature-reserves/exmouth-local-nature-reserve/
The Local Nature Reserve is very close to both Exmouth railway and bus stations and is easily accessed from any bus or train service to the town. The nearest postcode is EX8 1DG.
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Ideal for a quiet stroll just away from the busy sea front and a secret haven for wildlife.
The warm, sandy soil at the Maer provides a haven for insects. Many unusual solitary Bees and Wasps make their nest tunnels in the sand and get on with raising their larvae out of sight of the casual observer – look for tiny Bees flying out of holes in the ground.
Skylarks are a species of British bird that have suffered a massive decline in recent years. However, there are still a handful of pairs that regularly use the Maer in the summer months for breeding. If disturbed a skylark will fly up singing loudly, filling the air with its beautiful call.
The harsh soil conditions mean that specialised and rare plants can grow on this site. Many small, unobtrusive plants, including a number of tiny grasses, survive on areas of bare soil eroded by visitors. Sea Holly is locally rare, but grows very well on the seaward side of the nature reserve. Looking like a small blue-grey thistle, Sea Holly is actually a member of the carrot family! There are many different species of Clover growing here, including several nationally important species. Look out for the fluffy flower heads of Hare’s Foot Clover between June and September which, as its name suggests, resemble little rabbit feet – unmistakable.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/wild-east-devon-nature-reserves/the-maer-local-nature-reserve/
On the A376 to Exmouth, follow signs to the seafront. Drive towards the eastern end of the esplanade and park. The Local Nature Reserve lies behind the large sand dunes.
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Hillcrest is Wild East Devon’s newest acquisition, a 1.3 hectares woodland reserve in the heart of Exmouth.
The first record of the woodland appears in 1952. It is probable that the woodland started to establish in the aftermath of the WWI, when there would have been a shortage of labour to manage the grounds and prevent the northward encroachment of the woodland south of Withycombe Brook.
Species known to be present in the woodland include: badger (there is a several-hole sett present in the northwest corner of the wood and badger trails throughout) as well as a number of common bird species; blackbird, blackcap, chaffinch, chiffchaff, dunnock, robin, wood pigeon and wren.
Hillcrest Community Nature Reserve Exmouth EX8 4DX
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Honiton Bottom Community Nature Reserve is about a mile from the bustling centre of the market town of Honiton. Situated at the southernmost tip of the town, this site offers close up views of some common but none the less enthralling species of wildlife.
The stream which runs along the eastern edge of the nature reserve is called the Gissage, and here you may see Dippers, Grey Wagtails and even a Kingfisher if you're lucky!
Small birds feed on the insects and seeds which thrive in the rough grassland. Tawny Owls hunt regularly over the nature reserve at dusk and in the early morning, Foxes are also frequent night time visitors.
The reserve has a surfaced path, allowing access for those with limited mobility, and buggies.
Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve is about a mile from the town centre, at the junction between Honiton Bottom Road and Battishorne Way.
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Tranquil wildflower meadow with breathtaking views over Sidmouth and across the bay to Portland on a clear day.
Just a stone’s throw from the coastal path, Delderfield is a great place to stop off for a peaceful picnic. While away a quiet hour on a sunny day, enjoy the wild flowers in the meadow and the hum of insects in the air.
The nature reserve was named after the novelist and dramatist RF Delderfield, best known for his novels ‘To Serve Them All My Days’ and ‘A Horseman Riding By’ which were later adapted for television. The little thatched house up on the hillside looking south west from the nature reserve was Delderfield's home; it is called ‘The Gazebo’ and he commissioned it to be built in 1962.
Delderfield Community LNR, Peak Hill, Sidmouth
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Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK having been in continuous production since 1797. Originally owned by world-renowned textile producers Fox Brothers, the Mill took fleece from all over the world and transformed it into yarn, cloth and textiles. Today the rich heritage lives on as one of the finest working wool museums where visitors are not just able to relive the sights and sounds of the industrial revolution but also see crafts men and women making traditional textiles, beautiful knitting yarn and hand woven rugs.
"probably one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country." - Historic England
Important Notice
Coldharbour Mill Museum is currently closed to the public. In light of the current situation, the Trustees and Staff of Coldharbour Mill believe that we need to continue to focus on reintegrating our volunteer teams into the Mill and aim to complete some of the ongoing projects whilst raising funds to enable the safe return of visitors.
The decision has been made not to re-open for the remainder of 2020 as we are beyond halfway through our season, and to come back in a stronger position in 2021. We are aiming to be open for Easter 2021.
We want to thank everyone who has supported Coldharbour Mill through this difficult time and we hope that you will all continue to support the Mill into the future.
https://www.coldharbourmill.org.uk/
Coldharbour Mill Uffculme, Cullompton EX15 3EE
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