Well what a summer that was! There were times when we thought those sweltering hot days would never end, but all of a sudden, they did and now it’s autumn. It goes to show how we get used to things quickly and take them for granted. One thing we never take for granted is just how beautiful it is here in East Devon in the autumn – the scenery, the colours, the feels, we love it all so much. It’s a lovely time of year for a break with friends and family – and here are some of the reasons why.
The Scenery is Fantastic
Isn’t it just?? That National Landscape status (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is not for nothing! Even from the bigger roads like the A30 and the A35 there are glorious views, stretching out for miles and miles, so you can imagine how beautiful it is when you get out in the sticks. You’ll find pretty villages and sleepy hamlets set amidst silent rolling hills, wooded valleys and wide open fields. And then there are the coastal areas with stunning clifftop vistas over Lyme Bay and the Exe estuary. It’s all so achingly beautiful.
The Autumn Colours
Autumn is always a beautiful time of year here in East Devon, but this year is set to be extra special with a spectacular show of colour as the leaves start to turn. That’s because we had a prolonged spell of hot and sunny weather – the leaves produced more sugar which, with cooling temperatures and the breakdown of chlorophyll, will mean more vibrant colours – expect fiery reds, oranges and golds. It’s going to be amazing. Good spots will be Dumpdon Hill, Blackberry Camp, Firebeacon Hill and of course, Killerton and Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.
The Roads Are Quieter
The summer holidays are over, the crowds have all gone home, so inevitably, East Devon is considerably quieter. Less traffic on the main roads means it’s easier to get here and to get about on the faster routes, less people out exploring and visiting attractions means the lanes are quieter. It takes the stress out of driving, and you really notice how the pace has slowed down. What’s nice is that you can pootle about at your own pace, noticing more, stopping to admire a view or take a stroll.
The Beaches Aren’t Crowded
The beaches in East Devon are a much visited part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, so yes, in the summer, they can, like most seaside places, get very busy. In the autumn it’s so much different, but it’s still lovely. Some days are warm enough to while away an afternoon on the beach and certainly for a dip in the sea; when it isn’t, there’s something almost soul nourishing about wrapping up in coats and scarves for a stroll along the shore. Even when the wind is up and the waves are breaking with more force, it can be so bracing, so positive to feel the elements and breathe in that sea air. And of course, you can still round it all off with fish and chips, or a drink at a seafront bar…
The Exciting Seasonal Events
We love how the events of this time of year big up the autumn vibe – the harvest festivals, food festivals illuminated carnivals, funfairs, and of course, Halloween trails and pumpkin picking. The events we’ve got to look forward to this year include:
- Sidmouth Science Festival (Oct 10th-19th)
- Pumpkin Party Halloween Trail at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth (Sept 30th-Nov3rd)
- Spook Fest at Crealy Theme Park & Resort (18th-31st Oct)
- Herons Farm Pumpkin Trail, near Honiton (22nd-30th Oct)
- Pecorama’s Witch and Wizard School Trail, Beer (Oct 28th-Nov 1st)
- Halloween Half Term at World of Country Life, Exmouth (Oct 27th-Nov 1st)
- Ferne Animal Sanctuary Christmas Festival Animal Blessing, near Chard Nov 30th
- Honiton Carnival (Oct 25th)
Peaceful Countryside Walks
Got to love an autumn walk in the countryside, and East Devon is just the place. You can wander for miles along winding country lanes, follow footpaths through the fields, and amble through woodlands. This is such a beautiful time of year to get outdoors, with all the beautiful colours, and the views. It’s like Mother Nature has spread a mantle of glorious reds and golds for all to see. We love the crunch of fallen acorns beneath our feet, strolling ankle deep in fallen leaves, and catching them as they come drifting down on the breeze. A lovely way to get your daily exercise and put a rosy glow on your cheeks! Blackbury Camp, Dumpdon Hill, Woodbury Common and the South West Coast Path are all great for country walks anytime of year, but especially so in autumn.
Good Country Pubs
What better way to round off an autumn county walk than with a stop off at a cosy country pub? We are very fortunate to have some very good ones in the area we live in, where the welcome is warm, the food is hearty and wholesome, and there’ll be a roaring log fire lit to warm the cockles of your heart. The Hare & Hounds is good for their famous carvery, The Drewe Arms at Broadhembury has so much character and is set in a picturesque village, and the Masons Arms at Branscombe is the place to wind up after a stroll around the pretty little coastal village of Branscombe.
Prices Are Lower
It’s a simple fact that autumn breaks in an East Devon holiday cottage are cheaper than in the height of summer, especially on mid-week stays when it’s generally quieter everywhere. When you consider the excellent features that the larger cottages often have, like hot tubs, games rooms and movie rooms, it offers incredibly good value. It’s a great idea if you have something special to celebrate – gather together with the people you love most in the world and enjoy a cosy autumn break in the countryside. We’re running special offers on autumn breaks at our gorgeous cottages here at Stonehayes Farm, which means you get to save even more on stays for up to 16 people!
There Are Lots of Activities to Enjoy
When it comes to activities there’s still plenty going on in East Devon. You can join in creative workshops at The Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton, take a fishing trip around Lyme Bay, book for guided nature trails and birdwatching at Seaton Wetlands, sign up for woodland foraging, try your hand at pottery painting, and of course, there are good walks and cycle rides to enjoy. For special birthday treats you can book adventures like wing walking and microlite flights at Dunkeswell Airfield, outdoor pursuits like clay shooting, archery and quad biking with Devon Activity Centre, and paddleboarding, sea kayaking and kitesurfing at Exmouth.
These are all good reasons to take an autumn break in East Devon, but sometimes all the reason you need is just to spend time away in wonderful surroundings with your favourite people, relaxing together, making memories to treasure. Now that’s what we call special ❤️
