Travel Along the Glorious Avocet Railway Line
See Towns and Villages Along the Line
Devon, perhaps the most beautiful of England’s counties, boasts stunning beaches, quaint villages and historical sights. The famous Devonshire Tea is delicious, too. One trip that you must not miss while staying here is the train trip from Exeter to Exmouth. The Avocet Railway Line from Exeter to Exmouth, which only takes about thirty-four minutes , shows off some of the county’s best scenery, and was even featured on Michael Patillo’s “Great British Railway Journeys”!
The two villages on the way to Exmouth are Topsham and Lympstone. It is possible to buy a return train ticket which allows to stop at both villages in the one day, but there is so much to see that it’s a better idea to allow separate days to explore them. These historic villages are beloved by tourists, and artists.
Explore Historic Topsham
Topsham features interesting Dutch architecture, scenic walks, and an excellent museum, as well as up-market shops and restaurants. Walk along the Strand with its elegant Dutch houses built by merchants in the eighteenth century, or visit the museum to discover Topsham’s history. I especially liked finding out that Vivien Leigh had a special connection with Topsham — she used to visit her aunt here! Here you can see her nightdress from Gone With The Wind.
The ‘Goat Walk’, a narrow path by the side of the river, is at the end of the Strand. It is called this because someone allegedly said that ‘it was only wide enough for a bleddy goat’! Be careful to walk along this path at low tide so that you can see the mud flats. It’s also easier not to fall in.
Walk on to Bowling Green Marsh, a nature reserve on the River Exe. This peaceful green area with its many pools, provides an ideal spot for watching migratory birds, which come here to rest. These include ospreys, avocets and black-tailed godwits. Be sure to take your camera to capture the views.
Walk the Cobble-Stoned Streets of Lympstone
Lympstone is also an extremely pretty village with narrow cobble-stoned streets, historic houses and old pubs and restaurants with delicious food. The loveliest part of the village is the harbour with its red breccia cliffs, and colourful boats. Many artists like to paint here, especially at sunset when the views are spectacular.
One of the unusual sights of Lympstone is the clock tower, Peter’s Tower. William Peters, a wealthy merchant, built it in 1885 as a memorial to his wife. It used to be a refuge for stranded fishermen, but the Landmark Trust restored it into a hotel. The hotel enjoys good reviews, and looks very comfortable.
Enjoy the Popular Tourist Town of Exmouth
Travel on the line past the estuary and rolling green hills to Exmouth, the final destination. This popular holiday spot offers many attractions, including water sports, relaxing nature walks and historical sights. There are several Blue Plaques dedicated to famous people who lived here, and you can even follow a Blue Plaque trail.
Water sports include paddle boarding, windsurfing or kayaking. Join classes here in the summer. Alternatively, enjoy swimming, or walking along the promenade overlooking the wide sandy beach and taking photos. Buy an ice cream, or stop for Devonshire Tea along the way.
There are stunning views from Beacon Hill over the beach. Here you can see elegant eighteenth century or nineteenth century buildings where the wealthier occupants resided. Lady Byron (the poet’s wife) and Lady Nelson (Lord Nelson’s long-suffering wife) lived in grand houses here, practically next door to each other. Take a relaxing walk through the terraced gardens leading down to the beach, and see the native plants and flowers.
Enjoy your holiday in Devon, and your trip on The Avocet Line.
