We invite you to explore and discover all that is so special but to do it in a slightly different way.

Start your day just three miles inland at  historic Colyton, a town guaranteed to throw up a few interesting surprises. We’re also a great touring location being just south of Axminster and between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. 

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounds us whilst down by  River Coly a centuries old stone bridge gives one access to the town with signed footpaths along the riverbank. You can be certain it all provides a superb opportunity to spot buzzard, heron, kingfisher and perhaps an egret or two. 

The lazy old Coly eventually joins the River Axe on its final journey along a wide tidal estuary teeming with wildlife into the sea at Seaton Bay.

It’s all of this that combines to create a special feature of unspoilt countryside and spectacular coastline within a mile or two of each -  there is so much of the great outdoors for everyone to enjoy.

The town dates from Saxon times which goes some way to explain the interesting circular street pattern, confusing to many a visitor, and often heard being referred to as a maze. 

Unique is an over used word but Colyton can justly lay claim to being ‘The most rebellious town in Devon’ and the possessor of an electric tramway connection to the coast. The terminus providing that service is only a short walk from the town centre. In season there’s a  pleasant connecting ride upon the Waggon Wanderer, pulled by a magnificent Suffolk Punch horse.  

Hardware store owner and history society member Colin Haynes, ensures a readily available selection of leaflets and literature to enhance everyone’s visit www.haynesofcolyton.co.uk It’s an Aladdin’s cave where every inch is crammed full including the ceilings. A well preserved old flagstone floor hints at how old the building might be -  an ironmonger existed on the site since at least 1830. For over half of the 20c it was an important general store selling both hardware and groceries under the same roof.
 

In the aftermath during the bloody assize, presided over by the infamous Judge Jeffries, 14 were hanged and 22 transported to the West Indies into slavery. Two unfortunate rebels were actually hanged in Colyton  their bodies drawn and quartered and the parts prominently displayed around the town as a grim reminder of the penalty for treason.

The book, published in 2003, details the full history of Colyton’s part in the Rebellion.

Click Here for more detail

To appreciate what Colyton has to offer arm yourself with a copy of the town history trail and go off and explore. It will take you along narrow winding streets probably not much changed since Monmouth’s time although the dust and cobbles have long since given over to tarmac.

On the western side of town  is one of  Europe’s last oak bark tanneries. Within their yard is The Garden Shop www.gardenshopcolyton.co.uk crammed with plants, shrubs, goodies and gifts galore for indoors and out. 

On the way back to the centre it’s likely you’ll reach Queens Square with its thatched cottages and pass Soanes bike shop. www.devoncycles.net

Other businesses to browse and buy from include galleries, gift and coffee shop an award winning butchers, chemist, post office and food stores. Three inns, cafe and takeaway  provide a choice of refreshment so take the opportunity to enjoy a fine lunchtime snack and glass of real ale.

Follow this by walking over to the church which is full of fine features. Of particular note is the unusual 15c octagonal lantern tower surmounted by a huge cockerel.  Interior stonework includes a Saxon Cross discovered during the great fire in the 1930s, an old bier and ornate tomb with two statues of husband and wife laying back to back causing great puzzlement and comment. www.colytonchurch.co.uk

From there, a Church path leads to the Gerrard Arms (originally an old coaching inn). From outside here the Colyton Waggon Wanderer leaves for the tramway. www.tram.co.uk

At the old iron bridge crossing the river there was once was an often impassable ford and it’s here the famous ‘Tool Box’ is found www.thetoolbox.org.uk  Owner, David Fouracre (a rebel with the same name was hanged at Exeter!), has built up a most impressive stock of used hand tools and light machinery that would keep many men happy for a while. He buys used equipment then restores and renovates it before selling on to an eager customer base not only in the UK but all around the world – from the Yukon to Delhi and from Sydney to Sao Paulo – a truly global business.

At the tram station and on the opposite side to the platform is Colyton's Antiques Centre. In addition to the owners display of model cars, thirty different dealers display their bygones and furniture. it’s like a museum but where everything is for sale.  www.modelgarage.co.uk

Go to top of document

Colyton offers a truly enjoyable day and more can be found at www.colyton.co.uk where a local guide book can be requested.

The town offers free on-street parking and a central car park that’s probably the cheapest in Devon