The local Tourist Information Centres will supply both resident and visitor alike with information relating to the countryside in general and the Jurassic Coast nearby, as well as other more specialised interests such as birdwatching, fishing and other rural pursuits.
- Axminster (Heritage Society)
- Seaton
- Jurassic Coast
- Lyme Regis
- Lyme Regis (2)
Some local villages have their own websites:
Attractions
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ is in Musbury parish at Park Farm. Tel: 01297 630302. There is an associated Local Produce Store and Canteen in Axminster (see the restaurants section for details).
Trill Farm is also in Musbury parish, consisting of a 300 acre mixed organic farm with an Education Centre and a community of small businesses based on the farm. As well as the farm shop, they run many educational courses throughout the year.
Axminster Heritage Centre, Silver Street, Axminster, EX13 5AH. Tel: 01297 639884. The Axminster Heritage Centre tells the story of the town’s past with a special focus on the town’s carpet industry founded by Thomas Whitty in 1755. The story moves from pre-history to the present day with special temporary displays and a range of events. The Centre is to be found in Thomas Whitty House, site of the original carpet factory. FREE ENTRY. Open Easter to October Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm,Saturday 10am – 1pm ; Closed on Sundays.
Lyme Bay Winery, Shute, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7PW. Tel: 01297 551355. An award-winning business some 2 miles from Musbury. It produces draught and bottled ciders, as well as traditional country wines and fruit liqueurs. All the drinks are hand-made using locally sourced produce as far as possible. The shop is open to the public.
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. Tel: 01297 20375.
Seaton Jurassic Exhibition Centre and Cafe, The Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD. Tel. 01297 300390. Now CLOSED.
Seaton Museum, Top Floor, Seaton Town Hall, Fore Street, Seaton, EX12 2LD. Tel: Seaton TIC on 01297 21660. The museum has a large collection of photographs and documents illustrating life in Seaton in past days. Displays illustrate the history of the Axe Valley, including archaeology, natural history and geology. There are special displays of tradesman’s’ tools, Honiton lace and Victorian costume. The Axe Valley Heritage Association holds a series of informative lectures each winter.
Pecorama at Beer, home to the famous PECO Model Railway Exhibition, PECO Gardens and the Beer Heights Light Railway. Peco, Beer, Nr. Seaton, Devon EX12 3NA. Tel: 01297 21542.
Beer Quarry Caves, Quarry Lane, Beer, Seaton. Tel: 01297 625830. A vast complex of underground caverns created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone . They were once a refuge for persecuted Catholics and a hideaway for smugglers’ contraband. Today they are home to a bat colony. Guided tours give visitors an insight into working methods and the dangers faced daily by generations of local quarrymen.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 7BJ. Tel: 01395 568465. Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley, between the ancient city of Exeter and southwest England’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The superbly landscaped park combines 18th century tranquility with modern amenities to provide all year round enjoyment for everyone of all ages including historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, nature trail, maze, mini golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, ice-free skating, restaurant and shop.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, EX10 0NU. Tel: 01395 578222.
Crealy Theme Park, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 1DR. Tel: 01295 233200.
Links checked/updated 25 Aug 2021.