Branscombe

Beach at Branscombe

The village of Branscombe is found on the coast of East Devon between Seaton and Sidmouth and is one of the most relaxing and picturesque villages on Jurassic Coastline. Believed to be the longest village in the country, the streets sweep down through the stunning valley to the sea, lined with colourful cottages and thatched buildings.

The village has a number of historic buildings, the Old Bakery and Forge, both National Trust properties, are just some which can be found in the beautiful streets. the compact forge is thought to be the oldest working thatched forge of its kind in England.

Get in

The nearest railway station is Axminster (around 12 miles away) the train line runs from London Waterloo to Exeter. To get to Branscombe from Axminster Station catch bus service 885 to Seaton. Then change to bus service 899 which will take you to Branscombe.

Parking is limited, so you might prefer to catch the picturesque 899 bus service. You can sit back and enjoy the views.

Get around

By bus

Branscombe is served by the AVMT 899 Bus service which runs from Seaton to Sidmouth via Beer and Branscombe. It is one of the most picturesque bus routes in Devon. The 899 bus is also useful for people who are walking along the South West Coast Path, as it is possible to catch the bus one-way and walk back; the bus is also your best bet for visiting local attractions.

See

• Anchor from the MSC Napoli. A container ship that was wrecked nearby in 2007.  
• The Old Forge a quaint thatched building where a blacksmith still works.
• The water-powered Manor Mill probably supplied the flour for the bakery. The mill has been restored and is in full working order.
• The Old Bakery is a stone-built and partially rendered thatched building. It was the last traditional working bakery in the county when it closed its doors in 1987. The old baking equipment has been preserved in the baking room and the rest of the building now serves as a tea room.

Do

• Beach. 
• 1 Donkey Sanctuary, ☏ +44 1395 578222.  
• Walk the South West Coast Path to Beer or Sidmouth.
• Take a stroll down to the quiet beach.
• Visit some of the National Trust properties in the village.
• 2 Beer Quarry Caves, Beer Quarry Caves, Quarry Ln, Beer, Seaton EX12 3AS (Beer is situated between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth near the A3052. Beer Quarry Caves are located about 1 mile due West from the Bus Stop on the Branscombe road. Post Code EX12 3AT. (Use EX12 3AS if your sat nav doesn’t have 3AT) From Sidmouth and Exeter turn right off the A3052 at hangman’s stone then straight on to Beer. At the bottom of the hill turn right – signed to the caves and Branscombe. From Seaton follow signs to the caves and Branscombe.), ☏ +44 1297 680282. Daily 10AM-4PM all week. 2000-year-old vaulted caves with some spectacular rock formations. Also featuring: bats! Booking in advance online/ through the phone is preferred; tours run every hour on the half hour. Adults £10, children + elderly £8, under-5s free. (updated Aug 2021)
• 3 Pecorama, Pecorama, Underleys, Beer, Devon, EX12 3NA, ☏ +44 1297 21542. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su M closed. Steam trains and gardens! A beautiful and boozy model village. (updated Aug 2021)

Eat

• The Masons Arms and The Fountin Head are traditional Pubs at opposite ends of the village.
• The National Trust have a tearoom near the old forge.
• The Sea Shanty is on the beach: it offers light lunches, ice cream, snacks, etc.

Drink

• 1 The Masons Arms, Myrtle Cottages, Branscombe EX12 3DJ, ☏ +44 1297 680300. An attractive village pub and hotel with 27 rooms. B&B double £100. (updated Jul 2020)

Sleep

• 1 Branscombe House, Branscombe, Seaton, ☏ +44 1297 680477. 

Go next

• Beer
• Seaton
• Sidmouth