Branscombe

Branscombe is one of the most relaxing and picturesque of East Devon's many villages. Believed to be the longest village in the country, it sweeps down along a spectacular valley, past colourful cottages down to the sea. There are pretty rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets and climbing roses, a picturesque dovery and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county, if not further afield. Life centres around the two pubs, the Fountain Head and the Masons Arms. The Mason's Armsdates back to the year 1360. It was originally a Devon cider house comprising of just one bar, measuring just 8 x 4ft situated in the middle of a row of five cottages. Today the hotel has taken over that row of cottages and the thatched cottages enchantingly set in the garden overlooking the inn. All these buildings have been listed by the Department of the Environment as being of Special Architectural and Historic Interest Grade II. Branscombe has a number of historic, but still working buildings, the old bakery and the forge being just two. Inside the old bakery you are surrounded by the open fires, baking tins and storage jars of centuries before. The compact working forge is the only thatched one of its kind in England. Branscombe is one of the best kept local secrets. The surrounding countryside is a walkers delight. You can follow a spectacular coastal path from Sidmouth to the west and Beer to the east, a walk that takes about half a day. The land around the beach is owned by the National Trust and although you have to pay car parking charges, the long expanse of pebbles and painted coastal huts, are worth it. Further along the beach, small villages of caravans with stunning views lie nestled within the cliff valleys.