Explore East Devon and Beyond

Discover the Jurassic Coast – From Exmouth to West Bay

8.3 miles by car to Seaton.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive away from your holiday stay at Hawley Farm. Stretching from Exmouth in Devon to West Bay in Dorset and Devon. This 95-mile Jurassic coastline offers breath taking scenery, charming seaside towns, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

These beaches are close by each for a lovely day out .

Exmouth A large sandy beaches, a lively promenade, and boat tours showcasing the dramatic cliffs and coastal wildlife. You can catch the boat tours here with Stuart line cruises or at Sidmouth. A dog friendly sandy beach.

Budleigh Salterton A peaceful spot with a pebble beach, ideal for relaxed strolls and quiet sea views.

Sidmouth This elegant regency town is nestled between striking red cliffs, offering lovely gardens, coastal walks, and a family-friendly beach. Jacobs ladder beach is just right for little ones when not a high tide as sand goes out a long way, and some rocks to play in. The Sidmouth folk festival is very popular. August 1st-8th 2025. The famous clock tower tea rooms and the Connought gardens.

Beer & Branscombe

Quintessential Devon fishing villages with cliff-top paths, cosy cafés, and lots of charm. These are firm favourites are not to be missed!

Seaton

Enjoy the scenic Seaton Tramway, visit the wetlands, and explore the seafront with its beautiful views and nearby nature trails. Don't forget to see the trains gardens and models at PECORAMA in their 50th year at 50% price for 2025

Lyme Regis

Known as the "Pearl of Dorset", Lyme Regis is a favourite for fossil hunting, boutique shopping, and soaking up local history and gardens. Very famous place.

Charmouth

One of the best spots for fossils! Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or join a guided walk to discover real prehistoric treasures.

I will also add Seatown, just around the corner and the anchor Inn, you can walk to the golden cap from here and not so far!

West Bay

Famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and TV fame (Broadchurch), West Bay is perfect for coastal walks, seafood, and sunset views.

Whether you’re after a relaxing beach day, a scenic walk, or a family fossil hunt, the Jurassic Coast offers something for everyone. From rugged cliffs to hidden coves, it’s the perfect day trip from Hawley Farm.

4.9 miles by car.

This a small and friendly zoo situated in the beautiful countryside of the Axe Valley in East Devon. We are just off the A35 close to Axminster.

Our small zoo is an excellent day out for families and we pride ourselves on being child-friendly! They believe that any age group will love our animals, however, we are primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years of age.

Come visit and get involved with our daily activities such as Guinea Pig fishing, keeper talks and enrichment sessions and a morning & afternoon meet and greet session (animals will vary)

6.5 miles by car to Colyton tram pickup.

Discover Seaton Tramway – A Journey Through East Devon’s Beautiful Countryside

Step back in time and enjoy a unique ride on the Seaton Tramway, a charming heritage tram that runs along a 3-mile route between Seaton, Colyford, and Colyton. This family-friendly attraction is perfect for all ages and offers a relaxing and scenic way to explore East Devon’s stunning Axe Valley.

Open year-round with extra services during school holidays and special seasonal events like Halloween Trams and Santa Specials.

1.3 miles by car.

Burrow Farm gardens are close. So a visit not to be missed. 13 Acres of heaven, now in their 50th year.

If you come in a gardening group of 10 or more Mary can arrange a tour, around the different design styles that make up the colour

from 1st April to the end of October. Wild flower meadow, Azalea Glade, Terrace, Rose, The Millennium Garden and more to see. There

is a Cafe and a Nursery, dogs are allowed on leads. Open 10am - 6pm.

21 miles by car to Bicton

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens are 45 minutes drive. Open every day from 10.00am. At 63 acres, there is lots to see and explore for all the family. Italian garden, American and Stream gardens, Mediterranean and Rose gardens. The Fernery and Shell House. The Hermitage garden. the Pinetum and Arboretum, and much more. Children's outdoor and indoor play, a woodland railway, a countryside museum, this is a full day out for all. Dogs should be kept on leads.

If you would like to see the smaller local gardens there are many that open up for the National Garden Scheme, it is really worth going as they may only open for a few days in the year when they are at their best, all the money goes to good charities

Stargazing at Hawley Farm – A Dark Sky Delight

Escape the city lights and experience the wonder of the night sky at Hawley Farm, perfectly positioned on the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With minimal light pollution and wide open skies, it’s a fantastic spot for stargazing.

• Brilliant views of the Milky Way on clear nights
• Constellations, shooting stars, and even the International Space Station
• Ideal conditions for astrophotography or simply enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars

Tips:

• Bring a blanket or reclining chair and let your eyes adjust to the dark
• Use a stargazing app to help identify stars and planets
• Best viewing on clear, moonless nights

Whether you're a keen astronomer or just love a quiet moment under the stars, Hawley Farm offers a truly magical night sky experience.

4 miles by car.

Lyme Bay Winery is the a small, dedicated drinks company, producing delicious and award - winning English Wine, Fruit Wine, Mead Liqueurs and Spirits from our home in Devon's beautiful Axe Valley.

Here we combine our knowledge and love of flavours and ingredients with our wine - making skills to craft award-winning traditional drinks, tailored to the 21st century palate. Each of these amazing products is fermented, blended and aged at the Winery.

12.6 miles by car.

Ford Abbey and Gardens are just over the border into Dorset, but only 30 minutes from Hawley farm holiday cottages, founded by monks 800 years ago. Thirty acres of all year round interest. From 1st March, the fountain is on three times a day, 12noon, 1.30 and 3pm. A working kitchen garden, spring bulbs, herbaceous borders along the canal, a bog garden and arboretum. Good autumn colours.

A plant Nursery and a food and gift shop. Dog friendly on leads and mobility scooters for hire if booked. The House and Gardens are open all days except Mondays and Saturdays.