Things to do
There are plenty of exciting things to see and do locally and all are within easy reach of Harepath End. We’ve highlighted just a few of these below.
Seaton Wetlands
Explore Seaton Wetlands and enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks suitable for wheelchair, bike and pushchairs. A countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife.
Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.
Beer Village
Nestled along the beautiful Jurassic Coast is the picture perfect village of Beer. The village forms part of the England’s first natural World Heritage site and is most notable for its beach, which is popular among holiday makers, residents and fishermen. The village has won several accolades including being named Countryfile’s Top Picnic Spot.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is a pretty seaside resort, boasting beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, a fascinating history and a picturesque harbour.
Sidmouth
Axminster
The beautiful market town of Axminster is set on the River Axe within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is filled with traditional charm and character.
Beer Quarry Caves
Nestled along the beautiful Jurassic Coast is the picture perfect village of Beer. The village forms part of the England’s first natural World Heritage site and is most notable for its beach, which is popular among holiday makers, residents and fishermen. The village has won several accolades including being named Countryfile’s Top Picnic Spot.
Shute Barton
Dating back to 1380, Shute Barton is one of Devon’s most important old manor houses.. The historic building has one of the largest fireplaces in England as well as many other original features. It is open to the public four times a year.
The Gateway Theatre
The Gateway Theatre is an incredible home to live music, the performing arts, live streamed theatre, films and community activities.
Lower Bruckland
Since 1999, a former water meadow at Lower Bruckland Farm has been transformed into a 21 acre tranquil wildlife garden and nature reserve open to the public during the summer months. A series of landscaped lakes interspersed with native woodland have created a haven for an abundance of wildlife such as birds & butterflies.
Golden Cap
Golden Cap is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast at 191 metres and gets its name from a distinctive yellow sandstone. From its summit there are dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Bay – you can see right round to Start Point in South Devon a clear day. The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO for the outstanding rocks, fossils and landforms – a truly special place and a great insight into millions of years of geological history.
Donkey Sanctuary
No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth that hundreds of rescue donkeys call home, and they’re all waiting to meet you. The resident donkeys love to meet new people and their unique characters and stories are all ready to be discovered.
Activities
Walking
Short stroll or epic hike, summer or winter walk, take your choice of miles of Devon’s exhilarating views, gently rolling countryside, high moorland, river valleys and some of the finest stretches of coastline in Britain
Cycling
With miles of National Cycle Network, open heathland and woodland trails, cycling is a fantastic way to explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Fishing
There’s some great local fishing at Axmouth (5 minute’s drive away). Fish for Mullet, Bass, and Sea Trout (permits are available from Seaton Angling shop).
Kayaking
Seaton Bay and the River Axe are ideal locations to Kayak whether it’s learning, improving or just enjoying being on the water. Flat water paddling, moving water and small waves are all here waiting to be enjoyed.
Paddle Boarding
Come and try the fantastic activity of Stand Up Paddle boarding also known as SUP. Stand Up Paddle Boarding originated in Hawaii and is now one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world.
Swimming
Overlooking Lyme Bay and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Seaton Beach is a large pebble beach stretching over a mile long. Gently sloping, the beach is an ideal spot for swimming or water sports.
Angling
Devon Bass Pro Charters provides wreck fishing for Bass out of Axmouth Harbour, on the East Devon Coast. John Wallington, skipper of the Outcast III, specialises in catching bass – big bass off the wrecks of Lyme Bay.
Golf
There are some stunning local golf courses (all within easy reach of Harepath End) several of which offer beautiful clifftop views.
Fossil Hunting
As a treat for geology fans, Seaton is the only town on the Jurassic Coast where rocks from all three of the World Heritage Site’s geological periods – Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous – can be viewed in their natural environment. Ammonites, echinoids, brachiopods and bivalves can all be found here.
Dining
We are lucky enough to be blessed with some fantastic local pubs, bars and cafes and we’ve listed just a few of our favourites below.
The Harbour Inn
Axmouth
Devon is known for having some of the best food and drink in the UK – fresh, seasonal ingredients, the very best in fish and seafood and of course, cream teas to remember forever.
The Ship
Axmouth
Located in the beautiful ancient village of Axmouth, the Ship Inn is a family-run restaurant and pub featuring a sumptuously varied menu offering locally sourced meats, fresh fish from Lyme Bay, hand-picked crabs from Beer Village and vegetables from nearby farms.
The Wheelwright Inn
Colyford
Our ‘local’ pub is The Wheelwright Inn… a beautiful 17th Century, historic thatched inn, located just 14 minutes walk away in the pretty village of Colyford
Finn
Colyton
A small independent
studio, gallery,
and Coffee Shop
that celebrates the art of photography
in all its forms
Waffle
Seaton
The Waffle House is a 100% non-profit café and community space with a menu which centres around its trademark Liège waffles. It’s the perfect place for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon snacks! Enjoy some delicious waffles whilst supporting the local community!
Coast Cafe Bar
Seaton
Whether it’s delicious breakfast, homemade cakes, refreshing beverages, catch of the day or fresh local produce. Coast has you covered! A delightful independent cafe and bar.
Drinking
Axminster Cider
There’s been a cider house at Uphay Farm for hundreds of years. Way back then, the reputation of your cider would attract the best workers to help bring in the harvest. What could be more refreshing than a quart of cellar-cool cider at the end of a hard day in the fields?
Lyme Regis Brewery
Lyme Regis Brewery was founded in 2010 and is passionate about bringing unique, creative, and quaffable craft beers to the Jurassic Coast. Their taproom can be found in the courtyard of the Town Mill in Lyme Regis.
Lyme Bay Winery
The Lyme Bay Winery is in Devon’s beautiful Axe Valley and has an extensive Cellar Door shop, which is open every day and showcases their wide range of wines and and Jack Ratt ciders. Be sure to ask the helpful staff for a taster!