Attractions and Places To See around Honiton - Top 20

Honiton is rich in history and culture. You can explore the Allhallows Museum of Lace and Local Antiquities, which showcases the town's famous lace-making heritage and local history. The Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) offers contemporary art exhibitions. Don't miss the historic Georgian High Street, known for its antique shops, or the striking Neo-Gothic architecture of St Paul's Church.

Absolutely. The Beer to Seaton Coastal Path offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its unique geological formations. Inland, the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) provides rolling landscapes and woodlands. You can also visit Dumpdon Hill Fort for panoramic views over the Otter Valley.

The area around Honiton is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking and cycling in the Blackdown Hills AONB or along the River Otter Valley. For specific routes, check out the Hiking around Honiton guide or the Cycling around Honiton guide for various trails, including those through Combe Wood and towards the coast.

Yes, families will find several engaging options. Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth is excellent for rock pooling at low tide. The Allhallows Museum offers an interesting look into local history, and the Thelma Hulbert Gallery often hosts family-friendly workshops. For outdoor fun, Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve and The Glen provide pleasant spaces for exploration.

For easy walks, consider exploring Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve or The Glen, which leads from the countryside into town. The Easy hikes around Honiton guide features routes like the Combe Wood loop and the Stone Bridge and Waterfall loop, which are suitable for beginners.

The Jurassic Coast, accessible for day trips from Honiton, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 185 million years of geological history. It reveals a continuous sequence of rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, showcasing arches, pinnacles, and stack rocks formed by coastal erosion. It's a prime location for fossil hunting and observing dramatic coastal landscapes.

Beyond Honiton itself, a truly unique historical landmark is Wolford Chapel. This medieval church near Honiton is the final resting place of John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, and uniquely flies the Canadian flag as it is considered part of Ontario territory.

The River Otter Valley is excellent for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot kingfishers and herons along its banks. Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve is another good spot for observing local wildlife and birds. The Blackdown Hills AONB also offers diverse habitats for various species.

Yes, Honiton is famously known as the 'antiques capital of the South West'. Its long Georgian High Street is lined with numerous independent antique dealers and centers, making it a popular destination for browsing and collecting unique items.

The Alma Bridge provides vital access to the seafront for residents east of Sidmouth and serves as a gateway to the South West Coast Path. Rebuilt after severe flooding, its contemporary design and use of local Purbeck Stone make it a significant modern landmark, also noted for its wheelchair accessibility.

While Honiton is inland, it serves as an excellent base for day trips to nearby coastal towns. You can easily reach beaches like Jacob's Ladder Beach in Sidmouth, or explore the stunning coastline at Branscombe, Beer, and Seaton, all part of the famous Jurassic Coast.

The River Sid Ford is a unique spot where you can cycle or walk across the River Sid. There's also a small bridge nearby if you prefer not to get your feet wet. The River Sid itself is notable for being claimed as the shortest complete river in England.

Honiton is enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months from spring to early autumn (April to October) are ideal for exploring the natural attractions like the Blackdown Hills and the Jurassic Coast. May is particularly beautiful for seeing bluebells in Combe Wood. The town also hosts annual events like the Hot Pennies Ceremony in July and the Honiton Agricultural Show in August.