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A Perfect Day Out Near the Hare & Hounds, Honiton

May 2, 2026

If you’re visiting the Hare & Hounds near Honiton, you’re ideally placed to enjoy some of the very best that East Devon has to offer. From stunning coastal views and countryside walks to charming market towns and unique attractions, there’s plenty to fill a perfect day (or even a long weekend).

Here’s how to make the most of your time in the local area.

Start Your Day in the Countryside

Begin your day with a peaceful walk in the beautiful East Devon countryside. The area is part of a nationally protected landscape known for its rolling hills, woodland and wide-open spaces.

There are plenty of options depending on how energetic you’re feeling:

  • Gentle countryside strolls through fields and woodland
  • Scenic routes along the East Devon Way, linking coast and countryside
  • Dog-friendly trails with plenty of wildlife to spot

It’s the perfect way to slow down, take in the fresh air and experience Devon at its most natural.

Head to the Coast for Sea Views

Just a short drive away, the coastline around Sidmouth offers a completely different but equally beautiful setting. Sitting on the famous Jurassic Coast, this area is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sea views.

Highlights include:

  • Walking along Sidmouth’s esplanade and beach
  • Exploring rock pools and spotting fossils
  • Taking in panoramic views from the surrounding cliffs

The South West Coast Path runs right through the area, making it ideal for a scenic coastal walk.

Discover Local Attractions & Experiences

There are plenty of unique attractions nearby that make your visit even more memorable.

A must-visit is The Donkey Sanctuary, a free attraction where you can meet hundreds of rescued donkeys in a peaceful countryside setting.

For something a little different:

  • Try a llama or alpaca experience in the countryside
  • Visit local gardens or nature reserves
  • Explore family-friendly spots like riverside parks and museums

You’ll find a great balance of relaxing and hands-on activities for all ages.

Explore Honiton’s Market Town Charm

In the afternoon, take some time to explore Honiton itself – a traditional Devon market town full of character.

Known for its history and antiques, Honiton offers:

  • A long Georgian high street with independent shops and cafés
  • Antique centres and hidden gems to browse
  • Local museums that tell the story of the town’s famous lace-making heritage

It’s the perfect place for a slower-paced wander and a coffee stop before the evening.

Embrace the Outdoors

If you’re keen to stay outdoors, the area surrounding Honiton is full of hidden natural gems.

You can:

  • Explore the nearby Blackdown Hills, known for their scenic beauty and walking routes
  • Follow riverside trails and peaceful woodland paths
  • Visit nature reserves filled with wildlife and birdlife

Whether you want a short walk or a longer hike, there’s something here for every level.

End the Day at the Hare & Hounds

After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than returning to the Hare & Hounds.

Relax with:

  • A well-earned drink
  • A hearty meal or carvery
  • A warm, welcoming atmosphere

It’s the perfect place to reflect on your day and enjoy some classic Devon hospitality.

Make a Weekend of It

With so much to see and do in the local area, one day might not be enough. From coast to countryside, the variety packed into East Devon makes it ideal for a longer stay.

Whether you’re here for walking, relaxing, family fun, or good food, you’ll find everything you need right on the doorstep.

 

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.