Things To Do
Axe Valley Wildlife Park, Axminster
Situated in the countryside of Axe Valley, just a short distance from the Jurassic coast is this small friendly wildlife park. A great day out for children of all sizes, with daily animal talks and hand feeding the free-range birds this farm is a lovely way to meet and learn about the animals!
www.axevalleywildlifepark.co.uk
Axminster Heritage Centre, Axminster
Travel back in time as you visit the local Axminster museum, once a local police station and court house found in the centre of town.
www.axminsterheritage.co.uk
Seaton Jurassic centre, Seaton
Step back over 200 million years to when dinosaurs roamed this Jurassic Coast. Hands on activities and fascinating exhibitions enable you to gen up on fossil facts, meet prehistoric sea creatures and follow in the footsteps of local fossil hunters.
www.seatonjurassic.co.uk
Eat And Drink
The Golden Hind
Offering home cooked food, freshly prepared with local ingredients, this Victorian local pub is dog friendly with a stunning beer garden.
www.thegoldenhindmusbury.co.uk
The Hunters Lodge Inn, Axminster
Traditional, family run, 16th Centaury Coaching Inn is situated on the main A35 where Devon & Dorset meet. A family day out or even just passing The Hunters Lodge is the perfect place to have lunch with an extensive menu featuring local freshly sourced fish, steaks brought from Duncan the local butcher and traditional pub grub favourites.
www.hunterslodgeaxminster.co.uk
The Shed Steakhouse, Seaton
In a departure from the seafood-focused restaurant scattered along the Jurassic coast, this American-themed restaurant sources tender 28-day matured beef from West Country cattle reared according to rigorous animal welfare practices.
www.theshedsteakhouse.co.uk
The Ship Inn, Axmouth
Once owned by Fanny Cradock’s son, and located in the ancient village of Axmouth, this traditional inn is the ideal venue to tuck into fresh fish from Lyme Bay, handpicked crab from Beer and veg plucked from nearby farms.
www.shipinnaxmouth.com
Events & Festivals
JANUARY
The Lyme Lunge and the Grand Duck Race, Lyme Regis
The year kicks off with the famous duck race on the River Lym and an invigorating saltwater dip at Cobb Beach. If you don’t brave the swim just turn up to watch outrageously dressed participants take the plunge.
EASTER WEEKEND
The Lyme Bay Beer Festival, Lyme Regis
Sample beers and ciders from the region’s microbreweries, feast on local food, take in the sea views and spin into spring on the dance floor at the Marine Theatre.
APRIL
Lyme Regis Fossil festival, Lyme Regis
During this weekend of festivities celebrating the area’s prehistoric bounty, the whole family can enjoy fascinating talks and explore the past with a huge range of hands-on activities along the seafront.
www.fossilfestival.co.uk
JULY
Seaton Cycle Fest, Seaton
Cyclists roll up to part in a platter of pedal events. There’s plenty for spectators, too, with a vintage cycle day, picnic and fayre.
www.seatoncyclefest.co.uk
AUGUST
Seaton Carnival, Seaton
From the crowning of the Queen to the illuminated carnival procession, Seaton’s annual carnival throws a week-long celebration that kicks off on August Bank Holiday.
SEPTEMBER
Colyford Michaelmas Goose Fair, Colyton
Expect Morris dancers, the Mummer’s Play and a mock auction of geese alongside family games and attractions at this medieval village celebration.
www.colyfordvillage.co.uk/goose.html
December
Christmas Day Fancy Dress Swim, Charmouth
Put on your festive fancy dress and head to nearby Charmouth beach for a festive dip. Don’t be late – the plunge takes place at 11am and most of the swimmers are out by a minute past.
Shop Til You Drop
Seaton Artisan Market, Seaton
Get your hands on arts and crafts from local artists and makers at this artisan market that takes place on the first Saturday of each month in Windsor Gardens.
The Garden Shop and Café, Colyton
Indoor/outdoor plants and a wide range of homeware and fair-trade gifts fill this pretty shop, where gifts for everyone can be found. There’s a little café on site for those who need a pick-me-up after browsing the shelves.
The Tinderbox, Colyton
A sweet-lover’s dream, this wonderful little shop specialises in handmade chocolates and packaged confectionery. Added to the tasty delights you can also find a selection of gifts sure to appeal to everyone.
www.thetinderboxshop.co.uk
