A picturesque beach stretching for just over a mile between Boat Cove and Langstone Rock, Dawlish Beach is the perfect escape from the town. With a long promenade extending the length of the beach, Dawlish provides an idyllic spot for a stroll. Wave to all those aboard the train running parallel to the promenade, then cast your gaze back to the deep blue sea.
Budleigh Salterton lies on the very western tip of the Jurassic Coast and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by open countryside and woodlands, with rich red cliffs rearing up either side of the town, Budleigh Salterton is a blissful escape from the 21st century. The pebbly beach has room for everyone with two and half miles of seafront with beachside cafes and even some classic beach huts available to hire.
There's plenty to keep you busy here, with 63 acres of stunning gardens, historic glass houses and a woodland railway. Not to mention an Italian garden, Mediterranean and rose gardens, fernery, hermitage garden, pinetum and arboretum. Bicton also boasts 25 champion trees - the tallest/largest of their kind in Britain. At a dizzying 41m, the Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded. Outdoor and indoor play areas, mini golf, a restaurant, shop and garden centre make it a great day out for all the family. Accepts Tesco Clubcard Days Out Vouchers.
In the heart of the Otter Valley, this pub has a chequered history and is full of character and charm.
A fabulous traditional village pub with cosy interior and roaring log fire to keep you warm in winter, and a lovely vine patio for al fresco dining. Food is freshly prepared using seasonal produce and locally sourced where possible.
In a splendid position on the seafront in Exmouth, this pub has fabulous views across the River Exe from the terrace. Enjoy the view and dine al fresco from the Burger Shack. Open daily, food is served throughout the day.
If location is what you're after then this is the place to go. Right on the harbourside, you can sit and watch the world go by all day. The Anchor Inn specialises in seafood but you'll also find lots of other options.
This sandy beach is easily accessed from Exmouth seafront, with plenty of parking and facilities nearby. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore and the forbodingly-named Conger Rocks. It's dog-friendly October to end-April and there are donkey rides and swing boats in the summer - a perfect beach for young families with calm, shallow waters and soft sand.
The village of Holcombe is a short walk away so park in the village and walk down Smugglers Lane under the railway line to the cove. It's a quiet spot made up of shingle and sand with the dramatic red cliffs above. Dogs are welcome year round.
Some of the buildings here wouldn't look out of place in Amsterdam. The Dutch influenced architecture is a legacy from Topsham's days as a major cotton port trading with Holland. This pretty town on the Exe estuary has some lovely shops and restaurants and a large antique centre on the quayside. Walk along the estuary, visit the nature reserves and enjoy watching birds along the river from the bird hides.
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
4 June 2025
A picturesque beach stretching for just over a mile between Boat Cove and Langstone Rock, Dawlish Beach is the perfect escape from the town. With a long promenade extending the length of the beach, Dawlish provides an idyllic spot for a stroll. Wave to all those aboard the train running parallel to the promenade, then cast your gaze back to the deep blue sea.
4 November 2024
Budleigh Salterton lies on the very western tip of the Jurassic Coast and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by open countryside and woodlands, with rich red cliffs rearing up either side of the town, Budleigh Salterton is a blissful escape from the 21st century. The pebbly beach has room for everyone with two and half miles of seafront with beachside cafes and even some classic beach huts available to hire.
4 November 2024
There's plenty to keep you busy here, with 63 acres of stunning gardens, historic glass houses and a woodland railway. Not to mention an Italian garden, Mediterranean and rose gardens, fernery, hermitage garden, pinetum and arboretum. Bicton also boasts 25 champion trees - the tallest/largest of their kind in Britain. At a dizzying 41m, the Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded. Outdoor and indoor play areas, mini golf, a restaurant, shop and garden centre make it a great day out for all the family. Accepts Tesco Clubcard Days Out Vouchers.
20 October 2024
In the heart of the Otter Valley, this pub has a chequered history and is full of character and charm.
29 September 2024
A fabulous traditional village pub with cosy interior and roaring log fire to keep you warm in winter, and a lovely vine patio for al fresco dining. Food is freshly prepared using seasonal produce and locally sourced where possible.
16 September 2024
In a splendid position on the seafront in Exmouth, this pub has fabulous views across the River Exe from the terrace. Enjoy the view and dine al fresco from the Burger Shack. Open daily, food is served throughout the day.
7 April 2024
If location is what you're after then this is the place to go. Right on the harbourside, you can sit and watch the world go by all day. The Anchor Inn specialises in seafood but you'll also find lots of other options.
8 April 2023
This sandy beach is easily accessed from Exmouth seafront, with plenty of parking and facilities nearby. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore and the forbodingly-named Conger Rocks. It's dog-friendly October to end-April and there are donkey rides and swing boats in the summer - a perfect beach for young families with calm, shallow waters and soft sand.
18 September 2022
The village of Holcombe is a short walk away so park in the village and walk down Smugglers Lane under the railway line to the cove. It's a quiet spot made up of shingle and sand with the dramatic red cliffs above. Dogs are welcome year round.
1 December 2019
Some of the buildings here wouldn't look out of place in Amsterdam. The Dutch influenced architecture is a legacy from Topsham's days as a major cotton port trading with Holland. This pretty town on the Exe estuary has some lovely shops and restaurants and a large antique centre on the quayside. Walk along the estuary, visit the nature reserves and enjoy watching birds along the river from the bird hides.