Explore East Devon

This website copy was commissioned by the Kings Arms Otterton

Having provided a warm welcome to weary travellers and locals alike for centuries, the Kings Arms Otterton could probably tell a story or two; steeped in history, the building is thought to date back to the early 1700s. Thanks to its location, the Kings Arms is popular with walkers enjoying footpaths along the River Otter and the stunning local Jurassic coastline, and the much-loved beaches of Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Ladram Bay are also close at hand.

Country Walks

The Kings Arms is located close to some of the best walking routes in and around the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Just a few miles from the beautiful scenery of the Jurassic Coast, the pub is also surrounded by riverside and rural footpaths; it’s an ideal base for a walking holiday, and the perfect pit-stop during a country or coastal walk. We can provide maps for several local walks, including a walk to Budleigh that will take you past our door.

Local Beaches

It’s fair to say that we have a pretty good choice of great local beaches here at The Kings Arms! As well as the long, sandy shore at Exmouth and the red cliffs of nearby Ladram Bay, the pretty pebble beach of Budleigh Salterton is less than three miles away, and can be reached via a pleasant walk through the countryside (see Walks). A little further along the Lyme Bay coastline, the regency town of Sidmouth boasts a clean, accessible beach with plenty of tidal rockpools to explore –the sandy, western end of the beach is known as ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, and can be reached using the wooden steps that give the beach its name. A few miles further east, Seaton has a long, gently sloping pebble beach that’s perfect for swimming and watersports, or just relaxing in the sunshine. To learn more about our beautiful local beaches, including available facilities, parking and dog restrictions, click here

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.

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