Best natural monuments around Bicton include diverse natural features within the East Devon National Landscape. The area is characterized by its coastal formations, river estuaries, and unique geological sites. These natural attractions offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, as well as significant geological history. Bicton's surroundings provide varied natural landscapes for exploration.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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Forget the bucket and spade—at Budleigh Salterton, it’s all about the "Budleigh Buns!" These giant, smooth, oval pebbles are the beach’s signature, making it a paradise for stone-stackers and rock-pool explorers. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is framed by dramatic, red Triassic cliffs that look like they’ve been toasted. It’s a wonderfully "posh and peaceful" spot where you can swap noisy arcades for the gentle crunch-crunch of your footsteps. Grab a crab sandwich, watch the colorful fishing boats, and see if you can find a pebble with a hidden fossil. It’s geology, but make it fashion!
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.
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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.
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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.
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Ladram Bay is a secluded bay with a pebble beach. Among the most impressive sights along the Jurassic Coast are the sea stacks at Ladram Bay. The sandstones contain many vertical fractures and joints that were formed deep in the Earth's crust during past mountain building periods. The sea picked out these planes of weakness to form caves and natural arches that have since collapsed to produce sea stacks. The “Otter Sandstone” that forms the cliffs and sea stacks were deposited in a hot dry climates in the Triassic Period, about 220 million years ago. The stacks are composed of the same rock, which is relatively soft, but they have a harder band of sandstone at their base which prevents their rapid erosion by the sea. The striking red colour of the rock is caused by iron oxide, which indicate that the layers were formed in a desert. The presence of ripple marks and channels in the sandstones, together with the remains of the long-extinct plants, insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles, show that the desert was crossed by fertile river valleys.
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Orcombe Point is a coastal feature near Exmouth, The two beaches are part of a long strip of sand and are connected to each other below Orcombe Point at low tide. Sited high upon the hill, Orcombe Point is marked by the "Geoneedle", which was unveiled by Prince Charles, in 2002. The Geoneedle is constructed from a variety of different stones, representing both the major building stones to be found on the Jurassic Coast and the sequence of rocks that form this part of the coastline.
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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
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The area around Bicton, particularly within the East Devon National Landscape, is rich in diverse natural features. You'll find stunning coastal formations, river estuaries, and unique geological sites. These include the marshes and river at Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, the ancient red sandstone cliffs and pebble beach at Budleigh Salterton Beach, and the dramatic sea stacks of Ladram Bay. Additionally, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens offers a curated natural experience with diverse plant collections, historic glasshouses, and themed gardens.
Yes, Bicton is located near significant geological sites. Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle marks the westernmost point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, where you can see rocks over 185 million years old. The red sandstone cliffs at Budleigh Salterton Beach and the impressive sea stacks at Ladram Bay are also part of this ancient geological landscape, showcasing formations from the Triassic Period.
For birdwatching, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is an excellent choice. Its marshes around the River Otter support a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, such as redshank, common sandpiper, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. Reed warblers, sedge warblers, and reed buntings also breed on the site. There's even a birdwatcher's hut for optimal viewing.
Several natural attractions around Bicton are suitable for families. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve offers easy walks and birdwatching opportunities. Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle provides an interesting historical and geological viewpoint. Budleigh Salterton Beach is a popular pebble beach with clean bathing water and amenities. Cockwood Harbour is also family-friendly, offering views of boats and trains.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens offers a wide range of activities focused on its natural beauty and horticultural heritage. You can explore 64 acres of diverse plant collections and an arboretum, discover tropical and arid species in the historic glasshouses, and wander through various themed gardens like the Italian or Rose Garden. For a different perspective, take a ride on the Bicton Woodland Railway or follow the nature trails through the surrounding woodlands.
The area around Bicton offers numerous walking opportunities. The Exe Estuary Trail, a cycle and walking route, passes through Cockwood Harbour. You can also walk along the deck route around the salt marshes at Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. For more extensive hiking, the South West Coast Path runs past Orcombe Point, offering stunning coastal views.
Yes, there are several cycling routes in the vicinity. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Budleigh Salterton & Sidmouth loop from Exmouth' or the 'Orcombe Point Beach – Budleigh Salterton Seafront loop from Bicton'. For more options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Bicton guide.
Amenities are available near several natural attractions. Budleigh Salterton Beach has plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants along its beachside road, along with public toilets. Cockwood Harbour also boasts two idyllic pubs, The Ship Inn and The Anchor Inn, where you can relax and watch the boats and trains.
Ladram Bay Sea Stacks are unique due to their dramatic red sandstone formations. These awe-inspiring stacks were formed over millions of years from Triassic Period sandstones, with vertical fractures and joints eroded by the sea into caves, arches, and eventually the stacks you see today. Their striking red color comes from iron oxide, indicating they were formed in a desert environment, making them a significant geological landmark.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the birdwatching opportunities at Otter Estuary Nature Reserve to the dramatic geological formations of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point and Ladram Bay. The unspoilt charm of places like Budleigh Salterton Beach and the historical significance and curated beauty of Bicton Park Botanical Gardens are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 70 photos and given more than 110 upvotes to these natural monuments.
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails nearby. Options include routes like 'East Devon Way – Yettington Jump Line loop from Woodbury Common' or 'Blackhill Quarry Trail – Mutters Moor loop from Warren'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the MTB Trails around Bicton guide.
Absolutely. There are several running trails available, such as 'East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – Hawkerland Bridleway loop from Woodbury Common' and 'Stowford Stream Bridge – Honesty Shed loop from Bicton'. More running options can be found in the Running Trails around Bicton guide.


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