Seaton: Coast, Tramway and Nature Experiences

Seaton combines coastal landscapes, nature watching and an unusual transport history in a range of different travel experiences. A ride on the Seaton Tramway, a walk through Seaton Wetlands or a section of the South West Coast Path each offers its own focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Seaton, you can therefore choose your location based on the preferred balance between active pursuits, historical discoveries and relaxing hours by the water.

Through the Landscape by Tramway

The Seaton Tramway operates narrow-gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. The journey from one end to the other takes half an hour. This makes it a clearly defined activity in which the historic tram itself becomes part of the experience. The Seaton Marshes can also be explored by electric tramway or on foot. Part of Seaton’s former old trackbed is now part of the Seaton Tramway, also pointing to the town’s earlier transport history.

Wetlands, Birdwatching and Paths by the Water

Seaton Wetlands Local Nature Reserve has almost 4 km of level paths and boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs. For families with different plans for the day, this offers a practical way to combine experiencing nature with exercise, even if not everyone wants to follow the same route. The nature reserve also has five bird hides. Those who enjoy pausing to observe animals in their surroundings will find a different travel focus here than on a tramway ride or a coastal walk.

Coastal Path, Beach and Fossils

From Cliff Field Gardens, you can reach the South West Coast Path. The Tourist Information Centre in Seaton serves walkers on the Jurassic Coast section of the route as a stamping point for the walking passport. East of Seaton, fossil-bearing Jurassic rocks can be viewed in their natural setting. Seaton Beach is a destination for watersports because of its calm waters. Along the seafront, cafés and shops offer, among other things, fish and chips and ice cream. This makes it possible to plan a stay combining the coastal path, beach exploration and an uncomplicated break.

Roman Remains and Local History

A significant Roman settlement or Roman villa stood on the western side of Seaton. Excavations uncovered mosaics as well as evidence of a Roman bath and a hypocaust. St Gregory’s Church on Colyford Road is one of Seaton’s oldest buildings. Seaton’s Manor House, dating from the 16th century, can also still be seen on Fore Street. On the cliff above West Walk, the hexagonal base of a wartime gun emplacement recalls another period in the town’s history.

Which Location Suits Your Trip

When looking for accommodation in Seaton, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip in advance. You will plan differently for a ride on the heritage tramway and visits to local historical sites than for days spent on the coastal path, enjoying watersports or birdwatching. Those travelling with a pushchair can take the level paths and boardwalks at Seaton Wetlands into account when choosing their activities. Cyclists can also use the Stop Line Way, a long-distance cycle route that follows the course of a wartime defensive line and has its southern terminus in Seaton. When choosing a holiday apartment in Seaton, you can therefore consider the preferred mix of nature, coast, history and regional exploration when planning your trip.

If you would like to discover other destinations in addition to Seaton, you can find Morebath, Little Torrington, Budleigh Salterton, Cornwood, Littleham, Shaugh Prior, North Molton and Manaton here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.