7 reasons not to miss exploring the East Devon AONB

Outdoor enthusiasts will certainly be in their element with a visit to the East Devon AONB. From its dramatic coastline and intriguing natural features to its charming towns and villages, this is an excellent place for holiday makers.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is precisely what it sounds like: a region of countryside that is protected and conserved for having an exceptional natural beauty. An AONB can be valued for a variety of aspects, from the flora and fauna within it to its history and cultural towns and villages, and the East Devon AONB has plenty to intrigue and delight curious visitors. Here are 7 reasons not to miss a trip here…

1. Explore the Jurassic Coast

The East Devon AONB includes part of the Jurassic Coast, which is also a World Heritage Site. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient natural wonders, the Jurassic Coast can be explored in a variety of ways. The most popular way is to walk along it but, in order to see it from a different perspective, visitors can leave the land completely and take to the sky or the sea. Boat trips and glider flights can provide unforgettable views of this globally important coastline.

2. Discover the beautiful beaches

Visitors who are keen to check out the lovely beaches in the area won’t be disappointed. In addition to relaxing in the sun or taking a gentle stroll along the sand, there are also many fun watersports to try out such as kayaking and sailing.

3. Visit the Beer Quarry Caves

The wonders of the East Devon AONB extend further than just the surface landscapes. A visit to the Beer Quarry Caves offers a delightful underground journey and the chance to discover where Beer stone that was quarried by ancient Romans as well as utilised in the likes of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London came from. The caves also serve as a winter hibernation home for Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats.

4. Discover the treats of the region’s towns and villages

While many people are drawn to the East Devon AONB for the natural landscapes, it would be a shame to overlook the wonderful towns and villages to explore here. Sir Walter Raleigh lived in Budleigh Salterton for a period of time, which is the biggest town in the area, while the picturesque village of Beer is a charming choice for visitors who want to explore a historic fishing village.

5. Enjoy a selection of wonderful walks

One of the best ways to see the East Devon AONB is courtesy of the 40-mile long walking route known as the East Devon Way The route leads from Exmouth to Lyme Regis and is divided into six stages. There is also public transport if walkers fancy a break en route.

Another popular landmark that can be explored on foot is an undercliff known as the Underhooken. The path that passes through the Underhooken leads up to a cliff top that provides excellent views.

6. Seek out the local wildlife

The East Devon AONB incorporates a number of county wildlife sites and is home to a wide range of wildlife. Visitors to Fire Beacon Hill Nature Reserve may see the likes of Dartford Warblers, Nightjars, Stonechats and Grayling butterflies, while Peak Hill visitors who have sharp eyes may spot badger tracks.

7. Participate in exciting events

Visitors who are eager to experience local events will have a variety to choose from within the East Devon AONB. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Heath Week, a festival celebrating the Pebblebed heathland of the region that incorporates attractions such as a Devon Wildlife Trust Open Day, cycling trails and wildlife walks which all provide great insight into this beautiful area.

One visit just won’t be enough!

This spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty has an abundance of attractions to satisfy visitors with diverse tastes. From fun local events to catching glimpses of the area’s wildlife, discovering its intriguing towns and villages and of course exploring its stunning landscapes, one visit is just scraping the surface of what this region has to offer.