Axe Valley View Guidebook
Nearby Towns
We are located between Axminster in Devon and Chard in Somerset, with the nearest supermarket located in the market town of Axminster (approximately 10 minutes drive away). There is a local market there each Thursday morning.
Axminster is 4 miles away (10 minutes drive) and has excellent rail links to London and Exeter with a station located in the town.
The market town of Axminster is located on the River Axe within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Saxon princes were once buried at the Minster in the centre of the town. Nearby is Axminster's Heritage Centre and Museum in Thomas Whitty House where you can find out more about the town's carpet industry.
The famous Axminster Carpets were first made by Thomas Whitty in 1755. Each time a carpet was finished the bells at the Minster were rung in celebration.
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Axminster
Axminster is 4 miles away (10 minutes drive) and has excellent rail links to London and Exeter with a station located in the town.
The market town of Axminster is located on the River Axe within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Saxon princes were once buried at the Minster in the centre of the town. Nearby is Axminster's Heritage Centre and Museum in Thomas Whitty House where you can find out more about the town's carpet industry.
The famous Axminster Carpets were first made by Thomas Whitty in 1755. Each time a carpet was finished the bells at the Minster were rung in celebration.
Lyme Regis - The charming, picturesque coastal town of Lyme Regis is about 20 minutes drive away.
The views along the coast are wonderful and the historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features.
It is an ancient town featured in the Domesday Book and has many historic landmarks. You can go fossil hunting or visit one of the educational attractions to find out more about palaeontology.
There is a thriving creative community, an attractive harbour, lots of places to eat and drink as well as being great for shopping.
There are four beaches to visit at Lyme Regis - Town Beach, Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff Beach and East Cliff Beach.
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Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis - The charming, picturesque coastal town of Lyme Regis is about 20 minutes drive away.
The views along the coast are wonderful and the historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features.
It is an ancient town featured in the Domesday Book and has many historic landmarks. You can go fossil hunting or visit one of the educational attractions to find out more about palaeontology.
There is a thriving creative community, an attractive harbour, lots of places to eat and drink as well as being great for shopping.
There are four beaches to visit at Lyme Regis - Town Beach, Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff Beach and East Cliff Beach.
The nearby town of Charmouth is about 20 minutes drive away on the Jurassic Coast. The beach is renowned for its excellent fossil hunting. The Heritage Coast Centre is packed with information about fossils and fossil hunting and also runs guided fossil trails.
The small village of Charmouth also has shops, cafes and pubs.
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Charmouth
The nearby town of Charmouth is about 20 minutes drive away on the Jurassic Coast. The beach is renowned for its excellent fossil hunting. The Heritage Coast Centre is packed with information about fossils and fossil hunting and also runs guided fossil trails.
The small village of Charmouth also has shops, cafes and pubs.
Bridport - The attractive and lively market town of Bridport is about half an hours drive away and is close Burton Bradstock and West Bay and their beaches with impressive sandstone cliffs.
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Bridport
Bridport - The attractive and lively market town of Bridport is about half an hours drive away and is close Burton Bradstock and West Bay and their beaches with impressive sandstone cliffs.
The coastal town of West Bay is about half an hours drive away on the Jurassic Coast and has fantastic views of the sandstone cliffs and of Golden Cap. A seaside destination for family holidays, with opportunities for coast and countryside walks, fossil hunting, fishing / angling trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing and river boating.
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West Bay
The coastal town of West Bay is about half an hours drive away on the Jurassic Coast and has fantastic views of the sandstone cliffs and of Golden Cap. A seaside destination for family holidays, with opportunities for coast and countryside walks, fossil hunting, fishing / angling trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing and river boating.
Beer - The beautiful coastal fishing village of Beer is about 30 minutes drive away. There are several cafes, restaurants and pubs and it is a great location for accessing the South West Coast Path.
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Beer
Beer - The beautiful coastal fishing village of Beer is about 30 minutes drive away. There are several cafes, restaurants and pubs and it is a great location for accessing the South West Coast Path.
The coastal town of Seaton is about 25 minutes drive.
Visit Seaton for the Seaton Tramway's narrow gauge heritage trams, which run through the countryside or Seaton Jurassic, Devon Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre.
The beach is great for swimming and there kayaks or Stand up Paddleboards for hire.
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Seaton
The coastal town of Seaton is about 25 minutes drive.
Visit Seaton for the Seaton Tramway's narrow gauge heritage trams, which run through the countryside or Seaton Jurassic, Devon Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre.
The beach is great for swimming and there kayaks or Stand up Paddleboards for hire.
The tiny hamlet of Seatown has a lovely beach and The Anchor Inn serves delicious food with a beautiful sea view in the summer or a warm cosy log fire in the winter. Great access to the coast path and a nice walk to Golden Cap from here.
Seatown
The tiny hamlet of Seatown has a lovely beach and The Anchor Inn serves delicious food with a beautiful sea view in the summer or a warm cosy log fire in the winter. Great access to the coast path and a nice walk to Golden Cap from here.
Branscombe Village's streets sweep down through the stunning valley to the sea, lined with colourful cottages and thatched buildings.
There are pretty rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets and climbing roses decorating the outside, a picturesque dovecote and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county.
The village has a number of historic buildings, the Old Bakery and Forge, both National Trust properties, are just some which can be found in the beautiful streets. Inside the Old Bakery you will find yourself surrounded by baking tins and storages jars as well as open fires, while the compact forge is thought to be the oldest working thatched forge of its kind in England.
From the village, the beach is a short walk following the path along the river. The beach is a pebble beach with pretty painted beach huts nestled in the hills. There is a cafe on the beach.
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Branscombe Beach
Branscombe Village's streets sweep down through the stunning valley to the sea, lined with colourful cottages and thatched buildings.
There are pretty rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets and climbing roses decorating the outside, a picturesque dovecote and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county.
The village has a number of historic buildings, the Old Bakery and Forge, both National Trust properties, are just some which can be found in the beautiful streets. Inside the Old Bakery you will find yourself surrounded by baking tins and storages jars as well as open fires, while the compact forge is thought to be the oldest working thatched forge of its kind in England.
From the village, the beach is a short walk following the path along the river. The beach is a pebble beach with pretty painted beach huts nestled in the hills. There is a cafe on the beach.
Seaside town with beautiful gardens, leisurely walks, clean beaches and Regency history. Nestled beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the Sid Valley.
There is kayak and paddleboard hire at the beach, plenty of cafes to savour a cream tea, good access to explore the South West Coast Path or discover a new passion at one Sidmouth’s regular festivals.
Queen Victoria spent several of her childhood holidays enjoying the sun and sand here. This is just one of the town’s many royal connections. Queen Victoria’s love affair with Sidmouth continued throughout her life and reign and the beautiful Connaught Gardens are named for her son, the Duke of Connaught.
The Connaught Gardens are one of the town’s highlights, along with the seafront, Jacob’s Ladder and the regular events and festivals that take place all year around. These along with Sidmouth’s location, the grand Regency style hotels, stylish eateries and bustling town centre is why it is such a popular destination.
Sidmouth’s beach is the perfect spot for sun catching, rockpooling, swimming and playing, it’s a safe coastal area to explore and the beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful place to visit all year around whatever the weather.
Being part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sidmouth is incredibly scenic and is ideal for anyone who loves being outside and enjoying the natural world, whether that is walking, cycling, hiking or photographing the region.
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Sidmouth Sea Front
Seaside town with beautiful gardens, leisurely walks, clean beaches and Regency history. Nestled beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the Sid Valley.
There is kayak and paddleboard hire at the beach, plenty of cafes to savour a cream tea, good access to explore the South West Coast Path or discover a new passion at one Sidmouth’s regular festivals.
Queen Victoria spent several of her childhood holidays enjoying the sun and sand here. This is just one of the town’s many royal connections. Queen Victoria’s love affair with Sidmouth continued throughout her life and reign and the beautiful Connaught Gardens are named for her son, the Duke of Connaught.
The Connaught Gardens are one of the town’s highlights, along with the seafront, Jacob’s Ladder and the regular events and festivals that take place all year around. These along with Sidmouth’s location, the grand Regency style hotels, stylish eateries and bustling town centre is why it is such a popular destination.
Sidmouth’s beach is the perfect spot for sun catching, rockpooling, swimming and playing, it’s a safe coastal area to explore and the beautiful surroundings make it a wonderful place to visit all year around whatever the weather.
Being part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sidmouth is incredibly scenic and is ideal for anyone who loves being outside and enjoying the natural world, whether that is walking, cycling, hiking or photographing the region.
Food and Drink
There are plenty of places to go for a delicious lunch or dinner, from award-winning country pubs to seafront bars and restaurants. These are a few that we would recommend, but if you are looking for something specific let us know.
The award-winning Tytherleigh Arms is about 10 minutes walk, serves fantastic food with great service. Booking is essential as they get very busy
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The Tytherleigh Arms
The award-winning Tytherleigh Arms is about 10 minutes walk, serves fantastic food with great service. Booking is essential as they get very busy
The George Hotel
George StreetRecently refurbished hotel, bar and restaurant in the heart of Axminster.
The famous River Cottage HQ is just 20 minutes drive away and offers unique dining experiences and cookery courses. Booking ahead is essential.
The River Cottage Kitchen and shop is also located at River Cottage HQ for casual dining at breakfast and lunchtimes with amazing view of the surrounding countryside and seating outside for the summer.
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River Cottage
Trinity Hill RoadThe famous River Cottage HQ is just 20 minutes drive away and offers unique dining experiences and cookery courses. Booking ahead is essential.
The River Cottage Kitchen and shop is also located at River Cottage HQ for casual dining at breakfast and lunchtimes with amazing view of the surrounding countryside and seating outside for the summer.
Cinnamons
10 South StNice local Indian Restaurant and Take Away in Axminster.
Fantastic pub food - a bit further afield but worth the drive.
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The Tuckers Arms
Fantastic pub food - a bit further afield but worth the drive.
Waffles, Coffee and more in a bustling cafe in Axminster
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The Community Waffle House
Waffles, Coffee and more in a bustling cafe in Axminster
Newly refurbished, award-winning pub in a rural location in nearby Wambrook. Very friendly staff and really good food. Booking recommended.
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The Cotley Inn
Newly refurbished, award-winning pub in a rural location in nearby Wambrook. Very friendly staff and really good food. Booking recommended.
Great food in a beautiful location on the beach.
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Hive Beach Cafe Burton Bradstock
Beach RoadGreat food in a beautiful location on the beach.
Food Cabin selling take-away breakfasts and lunches or outdoor seating is available too.
Tytherleigh Farm shop
Food Cabin selling take-away breakfasts and lunches or outdoor seating is available too.
Danny's Garden
Local Fish and Chips and Chinese take away.
thecow&thebean
Local burger take away. Very tasty meat, vegetarian and vegan burgers!
Swim
Marine ParadeLively bar/restuarant along the seafront at Lyme Regis
Walks, Wildlife and Outdoor Activities
There is a great network of footpaths from the doorstep for local walks or you can go further afield to find countryside or coastal walks a short drive away.
If you are interested in wildlife, Seaton Wetlands or Trinity Hill are great places to visit, or if you want to go further afield you may catch a glimpse of the beavers on the River Otter by taking a walk along the river at Otterton or around Otterhead Lakes.
Seaton Wetlands is about 25 minutes drive away.
Here you can enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks. A countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife.
Seaton Wetlands is made up of four main sites - Seaton Marshes, Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/our-reserves/seaton-wetlands/
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Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve
Colyford RoadSeaton Wetlands is about 25 minutes drive away.
Here you can enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks. A countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife.
Seaton Wetlands is made up of four main sites - Seaton Marshes, Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh.
https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/our-reserves/seaton-wetlands/
Golden Cap is about 25 minutes drive away and is the highest point on the south coast.
You can walk to the top of Golden Cap from Langdon Hill Car Park or From Seatown, or walk around the woodland and Langdon Hill.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/golden-cap/lists/highlights-of-the-golden-cap-estate
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Golden Cap
Golden Cap is about 25 minutes drive away and is the highest point on the south coast.
You can walk to the top of Golden Cap from Langdon Hill Car Park or From Seatown, or walk around the woodland and Langdon Hill.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/golden-cap/lists/highlights-of-the-golden-cap-estate
There are many places within easy reach along the Jurassic Coast with access to the South West Coast Path. This is an excellent walking trail with incredible views of the Jurassic Coast and plenty of coastal towns and villages to enjoy along the way.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
South West Coast Path
South West Coast PathThere are many places within easy reach along the Jurassic Coast with access to the South West Coast Path. This is an excellent walking trail with incredible views of the Jurassic Coast and plenty of coastal towns and villages to enjoy along the way.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
The East Devon Way is a waymarked 40 mile walking route which takes you through the East Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
https://eastdevonway.org.uk
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East Devon područje izvanredne prirodne ljepote
The East Devon Way is a waymarked 40 mile walking route which takes you through the East Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
https://eastdevonway.org.uk
Colmer’s Hill is an iconic part of the West Dorset landscape and one of the most recognisable places around. This pretty hill, sitting at 417 feet high, perches above the village of Symondsbury on the edge of Bridport. The hill inspires special affection among the townspeople of Bridport.
The hill has a conical shape with a number of trees at the summit, as well as a trig point and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From Symondsbury Estate, where there is parking, shops and food, it is a 45 minute stroll (steep to the summit) to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the Marshwood Vale, ideal for photo opportunities. Look out for buzzards and deer along your walk.
Colmer's Hill, Bridport DT6 6HF, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo
Colmer’s Hill is an iconic part of the West Dorset landscape and one of the most recognisable places around. This pretty hill, sitting at 417 feet high, perches above the village of Symondsbury on the edge of Bridport. The hill inspires special affection among the townspeople of Bridport.
The hill has a conical shape with a number of trees at the summit, as well as a trig point and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. From Symondsbury Estate, where there is parking, shops and food, it is a 45 minute stroll (steep to the summit) to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the Marshwood Vale, ideal for photo opportunities. Look out for buzzards and deer along your walk.
Nearby great place for a walk with great views on a clear day
Lambert's Castle Hill, Bridport DT6 5QL, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo
Nearby great place for a walk with great views on a clear day
Stonebarrow Hill, Bridport DT6 6RA, Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo
National Trust car park and walks.
Tytherleigh and Chardstock
We are located in the small hamlet of Tytherleigh. A lovely quiet place with the Tytherleigh Arms Pub and the Tytherleigh Farm Shop. The neighbouring village of Chardstock is approximately half and hours walk or less than 5 minutes drive away.
A lovely small village on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset, surrounded by farmland and woodland, with a fantastic pub (The Tytherleigh Arms) and Farm Shop (The Farm Shop Tytherleigh). Just 4 miles from Axminster (10 minutes drive) and 1.5 miles from the neighbouring village of Chardstock (5 minute drive or half an hours walk).
Tytherleigh
A lovely small village on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset, surrounded by farmland and woodland, with a fantastic pub (The Tytherleigh Arms) and Farm Shop (The Farm Shop Tytherleigh). Just 4 miles from Axminster (10 minutes drive) and 1.5 miles from the neighbouring village of Chardstock (5 minute drive or half an hours walk).
An attractive village in the Blackdown Hills AONB on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset with a village Post Office and shop and church (St Andrews).
Chardstock
An attractive village in the Blackdown Hills AONB on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset with a village Post Office and shop and church (St Andrews).
Local Shops
For local and fresh produce, The Tytherleigh Farm Shop and take away Food Cabin is just at the top of the road (10 mins walk). The Chardstock Shop and Post Office is located in the neighbouring village of Chardstock (30 mins walk or 5 mins drive).
Tytherleigh Farm shop
Just at the top of the road (10 mins walk). Fresh and local produce.
A great farm shop near Axminster with a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and other supplies and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating in the summer.
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Millers Farm Shop
Gammons HillA great farm shop near Axminster with a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and other supplies and a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating in the summer.
Lyme Bay Winery
Shute RoadExcellent local wine growers
Local Attractions
There are a variety of local attractions in the area from National Trust Houses and Gardens to local heritage museums and fossil hunting along the Jurrassic Coast Word Heritage Site.
Donkey Sanctuary
Donkey Sanctuary and Cafe near Sidmouth
Axminster Heritage Centre
Local museum about the history of Axminster
Full of fascinating information about fossils and Jurassic Coast heritage. A fun activity for a rainy day!
Lyme Regis Museum
Full of fascinating information about fossils and Jurassic Coast heritage. A fun activity for a rainy day!
Great fossil collections and information about how to find your own fossils on the beach.
Guided fossil hunting walks available to explore the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
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Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Lower Sea LaneGreat fossil collections and information about how to find your own fossils on the beach.
Guided fossil hunting walks available to explore the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary Charity
300 resident animals and visitors very welcome.
Beautiful historic house and gardens.
Home to the stunning Mortlake tapestries, woven from the internationally famous Raphael cartoons, now housed in the V&A, the Abbey has a rich and varied history spanning 900 years. Walk in the actual footsteps of the monks, and explore the exquisite interior featured in the latest Hollywood adaptation of ‘Far From the Madding Crowd.’
Nominated for Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year’ award 2019, the garden continues to evolve with sustainability very much at the heart of its aesthetic. An Asian woodland and prairie garden are just a few of the new designs turning the page on the next chapter of the garden.
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Forde Abbey House and Gardens
Beautiful historic house and gardens.
Home to the stunning Mortlake tapestries, woven from the internationally famous Raphael cartoons, now housed in the V&A, the Abbey has a rich and varied history spanning 900 years. Walk in the actual footsteps of the monks, and explore the exquisite interior featured in the latest Hollywood adaptation of ‘Far From the Madding Crowd.’
Nominated for Historic Houses ‘Garden of the Year’ award 2019, the garden continues to evolve with sustainability very much at the heart of its aesthetic. An Asian woodland and prairie garden are just a few of the new designs turning the page on the next chapter of the garden.
Dalwood Vineyard
Excellent local wine growers and also vineyard tours in the summer.
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.
The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as “Devon’s Most Rebellious Town” for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.
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Seaton Tramway
Harbour RoadSeaton 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.
The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as “Devon’s Most Rebellious Town” for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.
Symondsbury Estate
Mill LaneWalks, shop and cafe. Close to Colmers Hill.
Burrow Farm Gardens
Old Taunton RoadGardens, tea room and nursery
National Trust Branscombe
Mill LaneOld Forge and Bakery at Branscombe
Beer Quarry Caves are a vast man-made complex of underground caverns created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone. The underground quarry, first worked by the Romans, supplied stone for 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St.Pauls, parts of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.
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Beer Quarry Caves Ltd
Quarry LaneBeer Quarry Caves are a vast man-made complex of underground caverns created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone. The underground quarry, first worked by the Romans, supplied stone for 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St.Pauls, parts of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.
Supermarkets
Tesco
Tesco Superstore
Co-op Food - Axminster
West Street