Red Lion Inn
5 June 2026
Situated in the heart of the village, this traditional pub offers home cooked food on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There's a courtyard beer garden for warmer months and a warming log fire in the main bar.
Things to do near Ottery St Mary
1
Red Lion Inn
Situated in the heart of the village, this traditional pub offers home cooked food on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There's a courtyard beer garden for warmer months and a warming log fire in the main bar.
2
The Donkey Sanctuary
The focus here is on the animals, so there are no rides or play parks, just rescued donkeys to see and stroke. The Donkey Sanctuary is dog-friendly and admission is free.
3
Honiton
Once famous for lace-making, now renowned for its busy antiques trade. Georgian houses line the streets and give Honiton the perfect atmosphere for a spot of antique shopping.
4
Coombe Wood Walk
A gentle one mile circular walk around lovely woodland. If you visit in early May you will see the woodland at its very best when the bluebells are in bloom.
5
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
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.
6
Connaught Gardens
In a lovely setting overlooking Sidmouth and the bay, these gardens offer a fine range of plants which thrive in the temperate climate. A leafet with a guided walk is available from the attached Web site. The Clock Tower Cafe serves light refreshments throughout the day.
7
The Holt Bar and Restaurant
You will find a lovely relaxed area downstairs with comfy sofas and upstairs a light and airy dining area. Food is prepared in an open kitchen which adds to the vibrant and lively atmosphere!
8
The Golden Lion Sidmouth
In the heart of the pretty village of Tipton St John, this pub offers a warm log fire in winter and plenty of outside seating in summer in the beer garden. The menu blends classic British with rustic French, courtesy of the French owners.
9
Flaming Tar Barrels
17 wooden barrels are coated in tar, set alight and carted shoulder-high through the streets of the town. Yes, on fire. It's been a tradition since 1605-ish and probably started to brace the town for the imminent invasion of the Spanish Armada.
10
Sidmouth
Sidmouth has all the classic appeal of a traditional English seaside resort, with wonderful Regency architecture and a genteel atmosphere. Tourism has been kind to the town, leaving its character intact. At the beginning of August the town rocks to the rhythm of the Sidmouth Folk Festival, a week of music, singing, dancing and storytelling.
Things to do near Ottery St Mary
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.
The Donkey Sanctuary
19 April 2026
The focus here is on the animals, so there are no rides or play parks, just rescued donkeys to see and stroke. The Donkey Sanctuary is dog-friendly and admission is free.
Honiton
19 April 2026
Once famous for lace-making, now renowned for its busy antiques trade. Georgian houses line the streets and give Honiton the perfect atmosphere for a spot of antique shopping.
Coombe Wood Walk
19 April 2026
A gentle one mile circular walk around lovely woodland. If you visit in early May you will see the woodland at its very best when the bluebells are in bloom.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
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.
Connaught Gardens
26 August 2023
In a lovely setting overlooking Sidmouth and the bay, these gardens offer a fine range of plants which thrive in the temperate climate. A leafet with a guided walk is available from the attached Web site. The Clock Tower Cafe serves light refreshments throughout the day.
The Holt Bar and Restaurant
9 November 2020
You will find a lovely relaxed area downstairs with comfy sofas and upstairs a light and airy dining area. Food is prepared in an open kitchen which adds to the vibrant and lively atmosphere!
The Golden Lion Sidmouth
14 September 2019
In the heart of the pretty village of Tipton St John, this pub offers a warm log fire in winter and plenty of outside seating in summer in the beer garden. The menu blends classic British with rustic French, courtesy of the French owners.
Flaming Tar Barrels
10 January 2011
17 wooden barrels are coated in tar, set alight and carted shoulder-high through the streets of the town. Yes, on fire. It's been a tradition since 1605-ish and probably started to brace the town for the imminent invasion of the Spanish Armada.
Sidmouth
2 April 2009
Sidmouth has all the classic appeal of a traditional English seaside resort, with wonderful Regency architecture and a genteel atmosphere. Tourism has been kind to the town, leaving its character intact. At the beginning of August the town rocks to the rhythm of the Sidmouth Folk Festival, a week of music, singing, dancing and storytelling.