Local Area Information

We are situated in the beautiful Roncombe Valley, which is within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is the perfect area for walkers, artists, writers, bird-watchers, nature-lovers, photographers, star-gazers and those wanting to escape to peace and tranquility.

However, there is plenty to do, whatever your interests....

Beaches

Our closest beach is Sidmouth, which has several different areas to suit all tastes, but we are also close to Beer, Branscombe, Buddleigh Salterton, Salcombe Regis and Seaton.

Most of these beaches also boast interesting villages or towns with a variety amenities, including coastal walks, pubs and places to eat.

 

Walking

There are numerous walks nearby, some of which can be accessed directly from Starcombe. The 'East Devon Way' can be accessed on foot and we are a short drive from the South West Coast Path. Some walks are hilly (and can be muddy!), but boast wonderfully diverse scenery from woodland to open fields, to lanes, to the coast. There's something for everyone! There are many walking guides available locally and online. 

A good place to start research is: www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk

Or for the coastal path: www.southwestcoastalpath.org.uk or click on their logo on this page.

 

Nature and Wildlife

We benefit from being within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, combining both beautiful natural scenery and a range of flora and fauna. The rivers Axe, Otter and Exe are home to a variety of wildlife and the estuaries attract flocks of waders and other waterfowl. 

The Seaton Wetlands have a number of carefully managed habitats, from ponds to marshes with hides for birdwatchers to enjoy the visiting birds. Avocets visit the Exe estuary during the winter months. Common kingfishers breed along the Otter Estuary and beavers are making their homes again in the River Otter. There are other bird-watching sites available at Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth.

More information is available from www.devonwildlifetrust.org

At Starcombe you will see sheep and cows in the surrounding farms, rabbits, pheasants, partridges, bats and a range of birds, including blue tits, robins, chaffinches, willow tits, wagtails, swifts, swallows, woodpeckers, kestrels, buzzards and at dusk you will hear owls. You can even go Alpaca trekking, just across the valley. www.bearhousealpacas.co.uk 

On a clear night you will also be treated to the beautiful starlit sky, unhampered by light pollution, and may well observe shooting stars.

Attractions

  • Pecorama,      Seaton

  • Seaton Tramway, Tramway, Harbour Rd, Seaton EX12 2WD                        www.tram.co.uk you 

          Seaton Tramway stretches between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton, running narrow gauge heritage trams.

  • Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Bicton Park, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Exeter, Devon EX9 7BJ

www.bictongardens.co.uk

 

For further information, including dog-friendly options, check out: www.visitdevon.co.uk   (which also has a section on Sidmouth)