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7 Beautiful Places to Explore Near Honiton Before Summer Ends

Aug 10, 2026

​With long days, warm weather and the school holidays still in full swing, there’s no better time to get out and explore East Devon.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure, a countryside walk or a charming village to discover, there are plenty of spectacular places just a short drive from Honiton.

Here are seven of our favourites.

1. Sidmouth Beach & Connaught Gardens

Sidmouth is one of Devon’s most popular seaside towns and it’s easy to see why.

Spend the morning strolling along the Esplanade, enjoy panoramic views from Connaught Gardens and take in the stunning red cliffs that form part of the Jurassic Coast.

There are plenty of independent shops, cafés and ice cream stops along the way, making Sidmouth a fantastic day out for couples and families alike.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 15 minutes.

2. Branscombe

Often described as one of Devon’s prettiest villages, Branscombe is famous for its thatched cottages, peaceful valley setting and beautiful beach.

Take a gentle walk through the village before heading down to the coast where you’ll find breathtaking views and a quieter alternative to some of Devon’s busier beaches.

It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the countryside.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 20 minutes.

3. Blackbury Camp

If you’re looking for a walk with a bit of history, Blackbury Camp is a hidden gem.

This ancient Iron Age hill fort is surrounded by woodland and offers an easy circular walk suitable for most abilities. During summer, the woodland provides welcome shade while the peaceful setting makes it a favourite with dog walkers and nature lovers.

It’s one of East Devon’s best-kept secrets.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 10 minutes.

4. Beer

The fishing village of Beer has been attracting visitors for generations.

Its sheltered beach, working fishing boats and charming streets create a traditional seaside atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find.

Take a walk along the coast, enjoy fresh seafood and browse the independent shops before heading back inland.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 25 minutes.

5. The Donkey Sanctuary

A perfect choice for families, The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is home to hundreds of rescued donkeys and offers free admission throughout the year.

Children love meeting the animals while adults enjoy the beautiful countryside setting and walking trails.

It’s one of the most popular attractions in East Devon and for good reason.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 15 minutes.

6. Peak Hill & Salcombe Hill

For some of the best views in East Devon, head to Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill above Sidmouth.

The walk offers spectacular panoramic views across the coastline and countryside, with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the scenery.

Visit on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with some truly memorable photographs.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 20 minutes.

7. Honiton

Sometimes the best places are right on your doorstep.

Honiton is famous for its antiques, independent shops and fascinating history. Spend an afternoon browsing the town’s unique collection of antique centres, gift shops and cafés, or simply enjoy exploring one of Devon’s most characterful market towns.

It’s the ideal destination for a relaxed summer afternoon.

Distance from The Hare & Hounds: Approximately 10 minutes.

Make a Day of It

One of the best things about East Devon is that you can easily combine several of these destinations into a single day out.

Spend the morning on the coast, enjoy an afternoon walk through the countryside and finish the day with great food and a drink while sharing stories from your adventures.

With so much to explore on our doorstep, it’s easy to see why East Devon remains one of the South West’s favourite destinations for summer days out.

 

One foggy night, during a full moon, werewolves howled to call the witches for their special hour. This meeting was held at midnight, the witching hour. For miles around, up in the open, cloudless sky there were swarms of witches flooding towards the extraordinary, mystical stone that stood in the middle of heathland at a cross roads in East Devon. Tuna, Sweetcorn and Peanut Butter were the three head witches at the meeting. They carried staves each with lights on the end and when these lights touched together the other wacky witches cackled while they brewed the most evil potions and spells on earth.

Once they had finished brewing and chanting, Peanut Butter, Tuna and Sweetcorn poured the evil smelling potion into a hole in the top of the stone. With a loud explosion it instantly broke open and formed a thirty metre tall witch. She was the most powerful witch of all time and immediately ordered the others to kill all those people who stayed out after midnight.The witches cheered, danced and celebrated. Meanwhile, little did they know that nearby a young man was hiding behind a tree.

During the day he had been wandering across the common when it began to rain and he had decided to shelter under the branches of a huge oak tree. He was so tired that eventually he dropped off to sleep. The noise of the exploding stone stirred him from his slumbers. Unfortunately he gave his hiding place away by sneezing loudly. The witches questioned him as to what he had seen. The boy said nothing so they turned him into a witch and he was used as a slave for the head witch.

It was three o’clock and the witches took to the sky and returned to their castle. The powerful witch stayed behind and beheaded the young man and turned him into a smaller stone which was placed beside the “Witches stone.” The enormous witches stone then rolled down the hill to the River Sid where it washed itself clean of all the blood and poison and then made its way back up the hill to its resting place before dawn broke.

If you ever visit Gittisham common at 3 o’clock in the morning perhaps you will see the stone move.

Retold by Year 5 and Year 6 at Farway Primary School.