Five stunning must-visit villages just outside Exeter

Exeter is a fantastic place to live and visit but sometimes it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and soak up the charm of some of Devon’s most picturesque villages.

As the warmer weather approaches, many will be wanting to get out and explore and Devon is lucky to boast a whole host of beautiful places with rolling countryside and coastlines and many places that are frozen in time. However, many of the places that spring to mind are miles away from the county’s capital, tucked away in the far corners of the countryside, Dartmoor and North Devon.

But, in small pockets dotted just outside Exeter are some of the most breath-taking views and slower-paced days out. Whether you’re after a coastline, fantastic walks or a cosy pub, there’s plenty of places that can be reached in less than an hour.

Ide

Ide is a very popular weekend visit for many people living in Exeter and it’s not hard to see why. Despite being just a quick trip over the A30 from the city, it has all the quaintness of a village that you would expect to find nestled deep into the countryside.

One of its most endearing features is its two pubs which bookend its High Street. The Huntsman Inn is especially loved as a cosy Sunday lunch spot, which has even been frequented by Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford. Those looking for a ‘proper locals” pub can find The Poachers Inn just a few minutes up the road, where members of the community come together for “a chat and a beer”.

Beer

Speaking of beer, the fishing village of Beer is among the most picturesque spots along the Jurassic Coast. Anyone who’s walked west from Seaton along the South West Coast Path will be familiar with the experience of emerging onto the Jubilee Memorial Grounds and feeling as though you’ve discovered something straight out of a storybook.

The village doesn’t just boast a coastline, with three beach cafes to choose from, but a picture perfect centre with a range independent shops and eateries, many of which have been run by the same family for decades. You can also stop by at one of the three pubs, even if it’s just to say you’ve had a beer in Beer.

It’s a little bit more difficult to get to as it’s approximately 45 minutes to drive. It can be reached on public transport via Stagecoach’s 9 or 9A bus to Seaton and the Axe Valley Mini-Travel 899 bus to Beer.

Newton Poppleford

Many will have driven through Newton Poppleford when travelling between Exeter and Sidmouth but it has so much more to offer than just being a commuter village. It retains its 13th century layout to this day, with remnants of its long history still apparent including its thatched Toll House which went on the market as a residential property in February.

The village is known to have a popular pub, The Cannon Inn, a true hub for locals and a great stopping place on the way to or from a trip to Sidmouth seafront. It’s the beating heart of Newton Poppleford’s community spirit, unfazed by the devastation of heavy flooding.

Bishopsteignton

Earlier this year Bishopsteignton in Teignbridge was named best place to live in Devon by the Sunday Times. It might be small but the village is bursting with life and colour, with villagers saying everyone feels like a friend.

The rows of colourful houses and shops, combined with stunning views over the Teign Estuary make for an idyllic walking spot, just a stone’s throw away from Teignmouth. In what appears to be a theme for Devon villages, there are multiple pubs to choose from, where a sense of “exceptional community” are championed.

Lympstone

Lympstone is sometimes overlooked, sitting in between the popular towns of Topsham and Exmouth. However, the village is brimming with its own character and history, including famously being home to the Commando Training Centre for the Royal Marines.

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Exe Estuary and might even spot a quirk of Lympstone, whereby villagers use an old fishing line to dry their washing. You will also be able to catch a glimpse clock tower which stands over the riverfront, was built by William Peters in 1885 as a memorial to his wife, now bookable holiday accommodation.

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