10 Relaxing Things to Do in East Devon on a Short Break
If you’re planning a short break in East Devon, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful part of Devon is packed with coastal walks, charming villages, great food, and peaceful countryside — making it ideal for couples looking to relax, explore, and reconnect.
Visiting outside the main school holiday weeks means quieter beaches, easier parking, and a more laid-back pace, perfect for romantic strolls, cosy cafés, and stress-free days out.
Here are 10 of our favourite things to do in East Devon for couples, all easily reached when you base yourself at Andrewshayes Holiday Park.
Walk Part of the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path offers some of the most spectacular walking in England. Stretching between Exmouth and Lyme Regis, you’ll find dramatic cliff-top views, fresh sea air, and ever-changing coastal scenery.
From Andrewshayes Holiday Park, Seaton is just a short drive away and makes a great starting point. The walk towards Beer and Branscombe is particularly stunning and ideal for couples who love scenic coastal walks in East Devon.
Perfect for: romantic walks, active couples, off-peak breaks in Devon.
Visit the Pretty Village of Beer
The picturesque fishing village of Beer is a true East Devon gem. With its working fishing boats, pretty beach, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Enjoy fresh seafood, browse independent shops, and treat yourselves to a famous crab sandwich at one of the beachside cafés. Regularly voted among the best villages in Britain, Beer is a must-see on any East Devon short break.
Explore Otterton Mill & Budleigh Salterton
Set beside the River Otter near Budleigh Salterton, Otterton Mill is a beautifully restored watermill with a café, arts and crafts, and a deli-style shop. It’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
For a longer day out, follow the scenic two-mile walk to Budleigh Salterton, where you can explore the wetlands, estuary paths, and bird hides before enjoying an ice cream on the seafront.
Great for: peaceful days out, nature lovers, couples short breaks in East Devon.
Ride the Seaton Tramway
For something a little different, hop on the Seaton Tramway. This unique electric tram journey runs for three miles from Seaton to Colyton through the Axe Estuary and Seaton Wetlands.
Enjoy beautiful countryside views, stop for a traditional Devon cream tea at Colyton Station, or return to Seaton for a relaxed walk along the seafront.
Take a Jurassic Coast Boat Trip
Seeing the Jurassic Coast from the water is a memorable experience. Stuart Line Cruises in Exmouth offers coastal cruises where you can admire dramatic cliffs and hidden coves from a completely different perspective.
They also offer relaxing river cruises along the River Exe — perfect for couples looking for something peaceful and scenic.
Ideal for: romantic experiences, sightseeing in East Devon.
Discover the Charm of Sidmouth
Sidmouth is a classic Georgian seaside town with a lovely promenade, independent shops, and plenty of cafés and pubs. Don’t miss Jacob’s Ladder and Connaught Gardens, which offer beautiful views and colourful planting.
The Clock Tower Café is a great spot for a coffee or hot chocolate, with sea views that are especially cosy in autumn and winter — perfect for off-season breaks in Devon. There are also popular restaurants and a wonderful traditional cinema.
Enjoy Cream Teas & Cosy Café Stops
No visit to East Devon is complete without indulging in a proper Devon cream tea. After a coastal walk, stopping at a village café or country pub is one of life’s simple pleasures.
Some local favourites include: Teas & Creams (near Axminster) or Southern Cross in Newton Poppleford. The local blog Flip flops or Wellies has more mouth-watering cream tea suggestions. For pubs try the Tuckers Arms in Dalwood or the Masons Arms in Branscombe.
These make perfect pit stops for couples enjoying a relaxed, slower-paced East Devon getaway.
Watch Sunrise & Sunset on the Beach
East Devon’s beaches are magical at sunrise and sunset, especially outside the busy summer months. Wrap up warm, bring a blanket, and enjoy the changing colours of the sky.
For sunrise, Seaton and Lyme Regis are beautiful. For sunsets, head to cliff-top spots like Stonebarrow or watch the sun dip behind Lyme Regis from Charmouth.
Perfect for: romantic moments, photography, peaceful coastal breaks.
Explore Fossil Beaches & Treasure Coastal Finds
Lyme Regis and Charmouth are famous for fossil hunting, sea glass, and driftwood treasures. A slow beach walk here is both relaxing and fascinating — and a lovely way for couples to spend a peaceful afternoon. Alternatively book one of the many fossil hunting guided trips or increase your knowledge with a visit to the Lyme Regis Museum.
Visit Local Farm Shops & Foodie Spots
East Devon is a foodie’s paradise, with some amazing quality restaurants as well fantastic farm shops offering local produce, fresh meat, and artisan treats. Many also have cafés and small attractions to explore.
Popular local farm shops include: Millers Farm (near Axminster), Darts Farm, Topsham (great for shopping, eating, and cycling hire along the Exe Estuary) and Greendale Farm Shop (towards Exeter, with its own restaurant and animals to visit).
Perfect for: food lovers, local produce, relaxed days out.
Make Andrewshayes Holiday Park Your Base in East Devon
With so many wonderful things to do in East Devon, Andrewshayes Holiday Park is the perfect base for couples looking to explore the coast and countryside at their own pace.
Whether you’re planning a romantic short break, a last-minute getaway, or an off-peak break in Devon, you’ll find peace, space, and easy access to East Devon’s best attractions.
Explore our accommodation and book your East Devon holiday here at Andrewshayes, or maybe you are considering buying your own holiday home to make this a fabulous bases for many years to come.
East Devon may be one of Devon’s best-kept secrets, but once you’ve visited, you’ll soon see why so many couples return again and again.