Top 20 Natural Monuments in East Devon
Best natural monuments in East Devon encompass a remarkable array of features, from the dramatic coastlines of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast to tranquil wetlands and ancient heaths. This region, largely within the East Devon National Landscape, showcases 185 million years of Earth's history through its geological formations. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, including red sandstone cliffs, river estuaries, and pebblebed heaths. The area offers a variety of natural landmarks for exploration.
Best natural monuments in East Devon
- The…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
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Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle
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Ladram Bay Sea Stacks
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Beer to Seaton Coastal Path
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Seaton Beach and Cliffs
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The town itself, Devon's easternmost seaside …
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Budleigh Salterton Beach
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Woodbury Castle — Iron Age hillfort
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Otterton Ledge
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High Peak Trig Point
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Connaught Gardens
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Popular around East Devon
Celtic Way — An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty
East Devon Trail — wildlife spotting from coast to country
Hiking the Orange Way — Southern England in the footsteps of a king
Jurassic Coast – Long Distance Walking in the South of England
South West Coast Path — Part 4 — Conquer Britain's longest trail
South West Coast Path — Explore Britain's longest trail
Dover to St Austell — National Cycle Network Route 2
Roaming the ramparts of Dorset's hillforts — National Trust
Around the edge in 80 days — cycling the coastline of Britain
20 fantastic trails in North & West Dorset — National Trust
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Forget the bucket and spade—at Budleigh Salterton, it’s all about the "Budleigh Buns!" These giant, smooth, oval pebbles are the beach’s signature, making it a paradise for stone-stackers and rock-pool explorers. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is framed by dramatic, red Triassic cliffs that look like they’ve been toasted. It’s a wonderfully "posh and peaceful" spot where you can swap noisy arcades for the gentle crunch-crunch of your footsteps. Grab a crab sandwich, watch the colorful fishing boats, and see if you can find a pebble with a hidden fossil. It’s geology, but make it fashion!
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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Jurassic Coast - here, as a touring cyclist, you get a nice access with wonderful views, swimming options and good restaurants.
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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.
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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.
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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.
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A mile-long beach with a mix of sand and shingle, clear water, and a gently sloping shore. It's a great place for swimming, water sports, and walking. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and green hillsides, and is a popular spot for photographers. A flat walking area that runs alongside the beach, with a cafe at one end and the town at the other.
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Quite the section this. Has a little bit of everything.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments for visitors in East Devon?
Visitors frequently enjoy the diverse landscapes of East Devon. Popular spots include the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. Another favorite is Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, which marks the westernmost point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and offers impressive red cliffs.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in East Devon?
Yes, East Devon offers several natural monuments suitable for families. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve provides gentle walks and birdwatching. Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle is also considered family-friendly, offering geological interest and coastal views. Additionally, Seaton Beach and Cliffs and Budleigh Salterton Beach are great for a day out by the sea.
What unique geological features can be seen in East Devon?
East Devon is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, showcasing 185 million years of Earth's history. You can observe dramatic red sandstone cliffs, particularly around Orcombe Point and Ladram Bay Sea Stacks. The Otterton Ledge is a notable wave-cut platform, demonstrating coastal erosion. Further east, you'll find white chalk sea cliffs.
Where can I find good hiking trails near East Devon's natural monuments?
East Devon offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Beer to Seaton Coastal Path provides stunning views along the Jurassic Coast. For a variety of routes, you can explore the Hiking in East Devon guide, which includes trails like the Otterton Coast & River Otter loop from Budleigh Salterton.
Are there any historical natural monuments in East Devon?
Yes, Woodbury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort set within a forest, offering both natural beauty and historical significance. Additionally, Orcombe Point features the Geoneedle, a monument illustrating the geological timeline of the Jurassic Coast.
What wildlife can I expect to see at East Devon's natural monuments?
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and the River Otter Estuary are renowned for birdwatching, hosting over 120 bird species including whimbrels, black-tailed godwits, and oystercatchers. It's also the only place in the UK where wild beavers have been found in the last 400 years. The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths support diverse wildlife, including various mammals, butterflies, and native birds.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in East Devon?
East Devon's natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and birdwatching, with migratory birds present at the estuaries. Summer is ideal for coastal activities and enjoying the beaches. Winter provides a different, often dramatic, perspective on the coastline and excellent opportunities for spotting wintering wildfowl.
Are there any easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near the natural monuments?
Yes, the Easy hikes in East Devon guide features several accessible options. The Seaton Wetlands, for example, offers nearly 4 km of level trails and boardwalks. The Exmouth Seafront loop is another easy route, providing coastal views.
Where can I find panoramic viewpoints in East Devon?
For breathtaking vistas, visit Orcombe Point, which offers views across the Jurassic Coast. High Peak Trig Point also provides excellent panoramic views. Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill near Sidmouth are known for their dramatic coastal scenery and expansive views across the English Channel and Devon countryside.
Are there options for running trails near East Devon's natural monuments?
Yes, the region has dedicated running trails. The Running Trails in East Devon guide includes routes like the Sidmouth loop to Salcombe Hill, offering a moderate challenge with scenic views, and the Woodbury Common & Woodbury Castle loop.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the natural monuments in East Devon?
Many natural monuments are close to charming towns and villages with amenities. For instance, Budleigh Salterton Beach is flanked by cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The town of Beer, near the Beer to Seaton Coastal Path, also offers places to refresh.
Are there any natural monuments in East Devon that are particularly good for birdwatching?
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and Seaton Wetlands are prime locations for birdwatching. Seaton Wetlands has multiple bird hides, ensuring good sightings of wildfowl, wading birds, kingfishers, and various duck species. The Otter Estuary supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders.
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