Ultimate East Devon road trip itinerary
This 3-day East Devon itinerary leads you through one of the UK’s most geologically fascinating yet quietly beautiful regions.
You’ll start in Exmouth, where the red sandstone cliffs border the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast.
Over the next three days, follow the coastline east to discover fossil-rich beaches, riverside towns and National Trust sites – finishing up in Lyme Regis, Dorset, where you can look back over 185 million years of Earth’s history.
East Devon’s landscapes are quieter than the neighbouring South Hams or Torbay areas, but that’s part of the appeal.
With dramatic coastline, inland commons and food-focused market towns, it’s well-suited to slow travel – but this three-day itinerary packs in the essentials for a long weekend!
Where is East Devon?
East Devon sits between Exeter and the Dorset border.
It includes the western section of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site (from Exmouth to Seaton) and inland towns like Honiton and Ottery St Mary.
It’s defined by the Exe Estuary to the west and the River Axe to the east, and is known for its red cliffs, ancient woodlands and pebble beaches.
Popular towns include Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Beer.
Day 1: Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton
Let’s begin in Exmouth, where the River Exe meets the sea – and the Jurassic Coast officially begins!
Morning: Exmouth
Exmouth’s seafront is wide and sandy – but it’s the cliffs at Orcombe Point that mark the real starting point of the Jurassic Coast.
Head to the Geoneedle – a viewpoint marking the beginning of 95 miles of geological history.
You can walk from the town centre to the Geoneedle in under 30 minutes.
But for a longer route, follow the South West Coast Path towards Sandy Bay, where the orange cliffs tower above the beach. The views back across Exmouth are spectacular!
See a guide to the Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton walk here.
It’s less developed than Exmouth’s main stretch and ideal if you want space to yourself. Plus, you’ll see the official start point of the Jurassic Coast here!
If you don’t fancy walking, I highly recommend a Stuart Line Cruise. These sightseeing cruises leave from Exmouth marina and explore either the Jurassic Coast or the Exe Estuary. On some you can even add a cream tea!
See my full guide to Exmouth here.
Afternoon: Budleigh Salterton & Otter Estuary
From Exmouth, drive to Budleigh Salterton. Park at Lime Kiln car park for access to both the pebble beach and the estuary path.
Budleigh’s beach is long, quiet and backed by cliffs. There are no slot machines or arcades here – just beach huts, clean water, and the sound of waves on pebbles. Swim with caution, as the water shelves quickly.
Walk inland along the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. This flat route skirts the edge of restored saltmarshes and reed beds, and is especially good for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for egrets, curlews, and kingfishers.
You could walk all the way up to Otterton Mill, a working mill with flour-milling demonstrations.
Don’t miss East Budleigh, a village of cob and thatch that’s changed little in centuries. It was the birthplace of Walter Raleigh and is nowadays one of Devon’s most quintessential historic villages.
For dinner, Rockfish has recently opened in Budleigh, or the Sir Walter Raleigh pub in East Budleigh nods to its most famous resident.
I’d recommend heading back to Exmouth for accommodation, as there are more options in this larger town.
The Royal Beacon Hotel is a classic residence right by the sea (click here for more information) or head to the fancy Lympstone Manor if you’re seeking luxury – click here to see what it’s like!
Here’s my full guide to Budleigh Salterton.
Day 2: Sidmouth to Beer
Day two focuses on the heart of the Jurassic Coast!
Morning: Sidmouth & Salcombe Hill
Sidmouth is a Regency town with a sweeping seafront promenade and bold red cliffs.
Park near Connaught Gardens and walk through these terraced gardens for panoramic views of the bay. There’s a small café here if you need a warm-up drink!
From here, take the South West Coast Path east up to Salcombe Hill. It’s a short but steep climb to one of the best viewpoints in East Devon. Look west to see the layered cliffs towards Ladram Bay and east towards Beer Head.
See my full list of things to do in Sidmouth.
Afternoon: Branscombe & Beer
Drive or walk to Branscombe, one of Devon’s longest villages which is tucked between steep valley sides. I highly recommend The Mason’s Arms, a traditional pub, for lunch.
Jurassic Coast Sauna operates on Branscombe Beach (must be booked in advance).
Check out my list of things to do in Branscombe here.
Then continue to Beer – a traditional fishing village with white chalk cliffs and a working beach. Boats are pulled up on the shingle, and you can often see fishermen gutting their catch beside the stone slipway. Ducky’s serves up traditional ice cream right on the shingle.
Visit the Beer Quarry Caves if time allows. These underground caverns are home to the unique “beer stone” which has been used in Exeter Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral. Tours run daily in season.
There’s also Pecorama, a miniature train which overlooks Beer.
Overnight in Beer. For dinner, the Anchor Inn is a Greene King pub with a varied menu.
The Anchor Inn also has rooms and is a great place to stay in Beer. Click here for more information.
Day 3: Seaton to Lyme Regis
On your final day, trace the River Axe to the border with Dorset, ending in one of the best fossil-hunting towns in England!
Morning: Seaton Wetlands & Axe Estuary
Seaton is an underrated beach town that doesn’t see anywhere near as many tourists as other spots in Devon.
The beach is worth a walk along, but I love the Seaton Tramway. It’s a miniature tram that travels from Seaton and traverses inland towards Colyford and Colyton. See my full post about it!
The Seaton Wetlands just inland (the first stop on the tramway) are worth a stop. A series of accessible boardwalks take you through bird hides, across saltmarshes and along the River Axe. In spring, you’ll hear skylarks and warblers; in winter, expect wading birds and ducks.
Disembark in Colyton and enjoy a walk around this traditional Devon town. It calls itself “the most rebellious town in Devon”, thanks to the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 – more residents than any other Devon town joined the uprising!
The Kingfisher is a popular family-run local pub for a spot of lunch.
Here’s my full list of things to do in Seaton.
Afternoon: Axmouth and Lyme Regis
Stop in Axmouth on your way east—its stone bridge is one of the oldest surviving in the country still open to traffic. There’s a small quay and plenty of boats moored here.
Then, cross the Devon/ Dorset border at Lyme Regis! It’s worth tacking on this town to an East Devon itinerary, as it’s so close and really interesting.
Visit the ammonite-covered beach at Monmouth or head to Church Cliff for a better chance of finding fossils.
Stop in at the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum for context, or join a guided fossil walk if the tides are right.
The Cobb, a curved harbour wall dating back to the 13th century, is the town’s most iconic feature. Walk to the end for sea views, then follow the town’s steep streets back towards Broad Street for independent shops and cafés.
End the day at Poco Pizza for wood-fired pizza.
Then, either drive back home or stay at the highly-rated Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant.
Are you ready to explore East Devon?
East Devon is a wonderful part of the West Country with so much to explore. You’ll fit a lot into this three day itinerary, but there’s plenty more to see when you return!
