Things to do

East Devon and Dorset is a really great place to visit on holiday and there are loads of things to see and do. Have a look at Axminster Online or Lyme Regis tourist Information for events happening in August or visit when you are in town.

Here are just a few things that we have enjoyed doing over the years and hope you will find fun too:)

Best beaches:

Charmouth- long stretch of flat beach which has good facilities  and you can go on guided fossil hunts or learn more about fossil hunting!
Lyme Regis- Usually very busy but has good family friendly sandy beach and beautiful harbour to explore. Parking tricky, but you can catch the bus from Axminster.
Beer- steep pebble beach with good food ( fresh crab sandwiches are a must)! Nice art galleries to explore too. We got engaged on the beach here!
Burton Bradstock- accessible only by car, it's remote but really good if you want a more quiet place to relax and sunbathe. Free parking for National Trust members. Steep bank so be wary if swimming.

Family Activities:

Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth. Rated no.1 on Trip Advisor for best things to do in the whole of Devon, it is worth going to this FREE donkey sanctuary. Pet and feed loads of rescued donkeys and learn more about this great trust. You can easily spend 3 or more hours here exploring. Nice cafe.
Seaton Tramway:
Go along the estuary on a tram and watch all the wildlife on the natural reserve.
Regent Cinema:
Go see a film at this 1920s cinema for a true cinematic experience.

Historical places to explore:

 

Maiden Castle, Dorchester: Explore this huge Iron Age hill fort which is the size of seven football pitches for free.
Exeter Cathedral and Exeter in general- inspiring Medieval castle and city with great shopping as well!
Lyme Regis Cobb- historical harbour which features in the film French Lieutenants Woman and Persuasion. Visit Lyme Regis museum or the aquarium to learn more about Lyme Regis and its history.
Dinosaurland, Lyme Regis- Great to explore and learn more about the dinosaurs and Mary Anning who discovered a fossilised ichthyosaur in Lyme Regis.
Tutankhamen Exhibition, Dorchester- Strange but true, explore the Tutankhamen tomb and get up close to replicas of artefacts found in the tomb.

Food:

Fish and Chips: best fresh fish and chips are found at Herbies Dinos on the Cobb in Lyme Regis. West Bay is also really good for fish and chips.

Must try: Crab sandwiches at Beer, Cream Tea from Branscombe, Minted Lamb pasty from Mulberry Manor in Lyme Regis, American style ice cream sundae from Route 66 and a curry at Cinnamons in Axminster.