Brambly Trails Family Staycation Guide: Devon

Liz's summer days in Devon

South East Devon has historically been the quintessential British Summer time retreat. Think striped deck chairs on the beach, ice-cream with a flake and paddling in the sea.

I had the pleasure of living in South East Devon when my daughter was little. And what a glorious place it was to be with a little one. So much to do, see and inspire her.

Now often overlooked for the more flashy Salcombe, there are some hidden gems just a little along the coast which are well worth exploring.

Top things to do

• Walk - Coastal walk from Branscombe to Beer
• Visit - the Donkey Sanctuary - https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/
• Find fossils on Branscombe beach - there’s lots to find on the Jurassic coast
• Explore - the Beer Quarry Caves - https://www.beerquarrycaves.co.uk/
• Try - Paddle boarding on Sidmouth Beach - https://jurassicpaddlesports.co.uk/
• Go - Crabbing, on Axmouth Harbour, Seaton
• Ride - the mini train at the Pecorama in Beer, https://www.pecorama.co.uk/
• Enjoy - Branscombe Festival, usually the end of July

Best places to eat

• Masons Arms, Branscombe - https://www.masonsarms.co.uk/
• The Pig at Combe - https://www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/
• Tom’s Lyme Regis - https://www.tomslymeregis.com/
• Buy fresh crab meat from Sidmouth Trawlers and make your own crab sandwiches! - https://www.sidmouthtrawlers.co.uk/

Best places to stay

• Branscombe beach chalets - https://www.sweetcombecottages.co.uk/holiday-types/coastal-beach-chalets/
• Harbour Hotel Sidmouth - https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/devon/harbour-hotel-sidmouth
• Camp - Combe View Farm - https://www.branscombecamping.co.uk

5 things to know about the area

• It’s really beautiful, but can get very busy during the school holidays, so always book ahead
• It’s great to just leave some days clear, and go exploring
• Local coffee shops are quieter than the tourist hubs, so if you are a serious coffee lover, bring your own brew kit for slow mornings overlooking the coast
• Early morning walks are beautiful - hit the coastal path before everyone else does
• It’s not all about the coast - there are plenty of National Trust sites to explore in Branscombe such as a working forge and water mill

Conclusion

We had the most wonderful few months living in such a beautiful area. There were so many things to do with children, and the ever changing nature of the countryside meant that there were always new adventures to be had. Eventually we moved back to London (for work), but it still holds a place in our hearts, and we always recommend it to our friends as the perfect UK staycation.