An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
There is so much to see and do in our beautiful part of the world, and it’s worth taking the time to discover the local area. Whether you want to fit in as much as possible or explore at a more leisurely pace, The Kings Arms is a great place to start. Nature lovers are spoilt for choice here; the village of Otterton is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a protected site covering 103 square miles of wooded combes, large areas of heathland, river valleys and wonderful hilltop views. The AONB also includes the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast – England's first natural World Heritage Site landscape – where the South West Coast Path affords spectacular views out across Lyme Bay and beyond, as well as access to beautiful beaches (see our Beaches, Walking and Cycling pages for more information).
Local Towns
As well as the nearby picturesque villages of Budleigh Salterton and Lympstone, the nearby town of Exmouth is well worth a visit. This traditional seaside town offers plenty to see and do, boasting a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, with amusements, tour-boat operators, a marina, crazy golf course and a model railway on the seafront. The town has shops and restaurants to suit different tastes, many historical buildings and even a family-friendly bowling and soft-play centre for days when the weather is less than ideal. Exmouth hosts a series of different festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including food and music events and firework displays.
Greendale Farm Shop
Our sister company, the award-winning Greendale Farm Shop, is based in nearby Woodbury Salterton. Full of fresh, locally-sourced produce, this welcoming shop has become a must-visit destination, not least because of its family-friendly café and free family farm trail. Click here to learn more
Exeter City
The vibrant city of Exeter is a short drive north from Exmouth. Mixing ancient history with a modern and varied cultural scene, this eclectic city has a great mix of independent shops and boutiques, cafes and bars, alongside high-street staples. Exeter is fondly regarded as a ‘foodie capital’ of the South West, and is also renowned for its thriving independent arts scene. A popular location for high-profile sporting and musical events, the city’s independent venues – from the intimate Exeter Cavern to the huge grounds of nearby Powderham Castle – play host to a full calendar of events and festivals all year round.
Parks & Gardens
For a little gentle exploration, the East Devon District Council’s Parks Heritage Trail is a really nice way to discover eight beautiful local parks and gardens. The sites are linked via a trail leaflet, which provides directions to each of these much-loved green spaces and celebrates the unique history of each site. National Trust properties, gardens and sites also abound in East Devon, including A La Ronde, a sixteen-sided, shell-covered 18th century building near Exmouth. To discover more beautiful buildings and gorgeous gardens owned by the Trust, click here
If you are feeling more energetic, Crealy Theme Park is located a short drive away on Sidmouth Road; with over 60 rides and attractions (indoor as well as out), live entertainment shows and plenty of animals to meet, it’s a family-friendly experience that is regularly voted one of the best days out in Devon.
