Autumn is our favourite time of year and a wonderful season to discover Colyton and the surrounding East Devon countryside. The summer crowds have disappeared, the hedgerows are turning gold and russet, and cooler days are perfect for exploring on foot before retreating to a cosy pub or café.

Staying at The Old Bakehouse in Colyton puts you within easy reach of some of the most beautiful countryside, historic houses, seaside towns and villages in this corner of Devon. Here are some of our favourite ideas for an autumn day out, all within about 10 miles of Colyton.

Enjoy an autumn walk

You don’t have to go far from our small hotel to find beautiful walking country. A five-mile circular walk from Colyton takes in valleys and higher ground before returning along the River Coly and the East Devon Way. (Visit South Devon⁠)

For a longer challenge, follow the East Devon Way from Colyton towards Lyme Regis. The 9-mile route takes you through rolling countryside and past the remains of an Iron Age hillfort before finishing in the lively seaside town of Lyme Regis.

Autumn is also a lovely time to explore Holyford Woods, between Colyton and Seaton, where woodland paths provide plenty of colour and wildlife. Or head towards the coast for walks around Beer and Branscombe, where the countryside meets the spectacular cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.

For something gentler, take a stroll around Seaton Wetlands. The reedbeds, lagoons and waterways are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Take a trip on the tram

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the autumn landscape is to climb aboard the historic Seaton Tramway at Colyton Station. The trams wind their way through the Axe Valley to Seaton, following the River Axe and passing through the wetlands.

Explore historic houses

There is plenty for history lovers within a short drive of Colyton.

Just a couple of miles away, Shute Barton is a fascinating medieval house owned by the National Trust. It is one of Devon’s oldest manor houses and sits in a peaceful rural setting north of Colyton. Do check opening dates before making a special journey, however, as the house is only open to the public on selected days.

A little further afield, Forde Abbey, near the Devon-Dorset border, makes a wonderful autumn day out. The magnificent former Cistercian monastery is surrounded by gardens, parkland and woodland – perfect for enjoying the changing season.

Closer to the coast, Branscombe is another wonderful place to combine history and walking. The National Trust’s collection of historic buildings includes the medieval Manor Mill, an old forge and bakery, giving visitors a glimpse of rural life in centuries past.

Discover Colyton’s history

You don’t necessarily need to leave town to find history. Colyton has a wonderfully preserved historic centre, with medieval origins, old cottages and buildings and the impressive St Andrew’s Church.

The town also has a fascinating past – it was involved in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 and has long had a reputation for being one of Devon’s more rebellious communities.

For a rainy autumn afternoon, call into Colyton Heritage Centre to discover more about the town and its people before heading off for coffee or lunch.

Browse local art

Autumn is an excellent season for a little gallery-hopping, particularly on a day when the weather isn’t quite on your side.

Colyton itself has a small but interesting arts scene. Miells Gallery on Dolphin Street showcases excellent oil paintings of local scenes and beautiful handmade pottery, while Bellflower Gallery in Market Place features canvases and cards of Anne Cotterill’s flower paintings.

There are also galleries and artists’ studios to discover in Seaton, Beer and Lyme Regis. Lyme in particular has a long association with artists and writers and is a lovely place to spend a few hours wandering its narrow streets, browsing galleries, including at The Town Mill, and independent shops before stopping for lunch.

Visit Axminster

Just a few miles north of Colyton, the market town of Axminster is worth exploring on an autumn day.

The town is famous around the world for its carpets and has a long industrial and trading history. Today, you can combine a visit to the Axminster Heritage Centre with independent shops, cafés, food producers and traditional pubs. The town also provides an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Food lovers can also explore the area’s reputation for excellent local produce – one of the many reasons East Devon makes such a tempting destination for an autumn break.

Head to the coast

Although autumn might not be the obvious time for a seaside holiday, the Jurassic Coast can be especially beautiful once the summer crowds have disappeared.

Spend the morning exploring Seaton, walk along the seafront or head towards Beer for a stroll around the harbour and village. For dramatic coastal scenery, continue towards Branscombe or Lyme Regis.

Wrap up warmly, take a flask of coffee and enjoy the sea air – then reward yourself with lunch somewhere warm and welcoming.

St Andrew’s Church, Colyton, bathed in autumnal sunshine

Fall in love with autumn in East Devon