Seaton
With the ancient harbour of Axmouth to the east and the white cliffs of Beer to the west, Seaton occupies a flat site at the mouth of the River Axe. Its mile long beach opens onto the waters of Seaton Bay, and offers opportunities for water sports of all kinds, from sailing and swimming, to diving and windsurfing.
The South West Coastal Path passes along the seafront. Walkers can either head westwards to Beer, or eastwards through the unique 'Undercliff Nature Reserve' to Lyme Regis. In December 2001 the coastline was awarded World Heritage Site status. Further information on the Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Coastline visit JurassicCoast.com
Seaton Tramway, operates electric trams on the former British Rail line along the beautiful Axe Estuary. The journey runs for three miles inland beside the rivers Axe and Coly to the medieval market town of Colyton. Perfect for birdwatchers, transport enthusiasts or those who simply want to watch the beautiful riverside scenery glide gently by. The trams run between the Victorian-style terminus at Seaton and the former railway station at Colyton. The tramway is one of the unique attractions of the whole area. 'Birdwatching Specials' run throughout the season. In 2002 the Tramway was awarded "Best Small Attraction" (under 100,000 visitors per year) by South West Tourism.
Adjacent to the Tramway and Information Centre Car Park is the newly created Seaton Marshes Nature Reserve (with public access including a Bird Watching Hide), a children's playground and skateboard park.
The town itself has many the small shops - greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher, art gallery and florist - which have disappeared from so many other high streets. The main shopping area is largely traffic-free. The town participates enthusiastically each year in the Britain in Bloom competition.
The Jubilee Gardens adjoining the sea front lead to the Clock Tower, bowling green, putting green, tennis courts, large children's playground and nearby Cactus House, while the Cliff Field Gardens a short distance away give fine views over the bay.
From August Bank Holiday weekend to the first Saturday in September is Seaton Carnival Week. On the final Saturday evening, there is a procession of illuminated floats that passes through the centre of the town. Large crowds view the tableaux designed by a wide variety of local organisations, ranging from pubs and youth groups to carnival clubs created specially for the annual cycle of East Devon carnivals, of which this is the first of the season.
The Axe Valley Heritage Museum is sited in the Town Hall in Fore Street, and houses a fine collection of photographs of the area, together with archaeological finds and a display of period costume. The museum is open from the end of May to October. You can visit their website SeatonMuseum.co.uk
Seaton has been a resort town for over a century, and still offers a warm welcome to its many visitors.
