Places to visit:

Choose a place to visit from the list below for a brief guide to the area.

East Devon Holiday Guide

Seaton

• The beach at Seaton. Ref: 28-04-2802TI Seaton Beach

Enjoying a wonderful setting at the mouth of the lovely River Axe, and sheltered by the white cliffs of Beer Head and the red sandstone of Haven Cliff, the town of Seaton appeals to all ages, and is a very popular holiday venue.

Overlooking Lyme Bay and surrounded by beautiful countryside, it also has a large pebble beach, a pretty harbour, and a long walled promenade.

There is a relaxing and interesting pedestrianised town centre featuring many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, beautiful gardens, and a whole range of shops and entertainment.

Among the perfect places to relax are the Windsor Gardens, featuring lovely scented rose gardens, and the Jubilee Gardens with its striking clock tower, built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and an imposing 52 feet high. And don’t miss a visit to Cliff Field, equipped with picnic tables and offering superb views.

Shopping and dining

The shopping centre spreads out from the promenade in several directions, and much of the town is free of traffic so you can browse at your leisure. There are many fascinating small shops, many privately owned, offering eveOrything from books and antiques, bric-a-brac and gifts, to fashion and footwear. There are larger stores too, and you can buy anything you will need for your holiday, from basic essentials to top quality fresh meat, fish, groceries and much more.

There is also a very popular farmers’ market held monthly on a Friday, offering the finest local produce from the area – contact the TIC for dates and times.

When you are ready to relax, Seaton has many cafés, pubs, licensed restaurants and night spots, offering everything from a warming cuppa or a cream tea to a takeaway, light snack or a full meal, often featuring locally caught seafood, a treat not to be missed.

Tramway

There is no doubt that one of Seaton’s main claims to fame is its unique and famous Seaton Tramway which runs from Seaton alongside the beautiful Axe estuary with its abundance of wildlife including herons, ducks and waders, cormorants and kingfishers.

The route takes you to Colyford, then on to Colyton, where there is a super Tram Stop restaurant and the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride into the town to explore.

Entertainment and events

Seaton has a whole range of entertainments and events. For those rainy days and even sunny days there is an amusement arcade, and at lunchtimes and evenings the pubs and restaurants offer you a really friendly atmosphere. The town’s busy social calendar offers everything from coffee mornings and wine and cheese evenings, to flower shows and fetes.

The St Claire’s Adult Education Centre in Fore Street is the venue for a range of events, from story telling, mime and music sessions, to appearances by popular bands and artistes. More details are available from the box office on (01297) 21904 or from the TIC.

There is also a very popular Film Club – for their programme call the box office on (01297) 265628.

For a special experience visit the Sea Discovery Centre with its Marine Aquarium, situated at the Harbour at nearby Axmouth, a short stroll or drive from Seaton town centre. The centre is designed as an old schooner, so you actually feel you are standing on the side of a boat when you view the exhibits.

Another great annual event is Seaton Carnival week, climaxing with the grand procession through the streets on September 3, and preceded by a week of fun-filled events for all the family to enjoy. Once again, the full details will be available from the TIC.

There are also many extra special events staged by the Seaton Tramway, including bird-watching, photographic, and children’s trips, and its Bus & Vintage Vehicle Rally on June 11 and Gala Day on June 12.

Sport and leisure

Seaton’s wide expanse of bathing beach makes it popular with both visitors and locals. The mile-long stretch of pebbled beach, with a wide esplanade running most of its length, is perfect for a stroll and offers views of some magical sunsets.
The bathing is good, though shelving in places, and Seaton Hole is ideal for keeping the children entertained for hours, with sand at low tide and rock pools to explore.

Either on or close to the beach is a variety of activities and sporting facilities, including a children’s play area at the side of the public car park in Harbour Road.
Sea fishing from the main beach and river angling are both relaxing diversions, perhaps producing a perfect supper.

A friendly welcome is also offered at the Axe Yacht Club, situated at the mouth of the lovely Axe estuary.

Sporting activities are available on land too, including putting and bowling greens and tennis courts, and there are some excellent golf clubs nearby, plus horse riding, cycling and walking opportunities on the newly-designated Jurassic Coast. A new skateboard park – situated on Harbour Road car park near the children’s play area – is very popular too.

There are dozens of lovely walks in the area, and for those with energy a walk along the South West Coastal path to Lyme Regis via the Undercliff nature reserve provides some spectacular scenery.