Devon and Dorset Summer Bucket List
Come bring the family and your friends to River Cottage this summer, where you can experience hands-on cookery courses, dine on fresh seasonal feasts, and relax in our café, all in the heart of Devon’s countryside. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. With so much to explore right on our doorstep, we’ve curated a summer bucket list of quirky activities, local treasures, and hidden gems. From coastal walks and fossil hunting to vineyard tours, wild swimming, and our favourite spots for charity shop rummaging, there’s something for everyone.
Make River Cottage your base and create unforgettable summer memories that go beyond our doors.
Things to Do in Charmouth
10 mins from River Cottage
- Fossil Hunting on Charmouth Beach: Summer is prime time for family fossil fun. Join a guided walk or go solo.
- Sea Swimming at Charmouth: Calm seas, golden cliffs and a refreshing summer dip.
Things to Do in Beer, Devon
30 mins from River Cottage
- Branscombe to Beer Walk: A sun-soaked cliff walk with sea breezes and a pint in Beer at the end.
- Pecorama Gardens and Light Railway: Colourful gardens and a mini train ride with coastal views.
Things to Do in Seaton
20 mins from River Cottage
- Ride the Seaton Tramway: Travel through open summer wetlands and watch for birds on the tram.
- Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve: Wildflowers, dragonflies and peaceful paths.
- Sunset Watching from Seaton Beach: Pack a picnic and enjoy the evening glow.
Things to Do in Lyme Regis
15 mins from River Cottage
- Swim at Lyme Regis Beach: Sheltered, sandy and perfect for a summer paddle.
- Walk part of the famous South West Coast Path: Stretch your legs and soak up the views. The Dorset section is rich with history and beauty, and you might even stumble across a fossil or two. There are plenty of great walks near Lyme Regis to explore.
Top Things to Do in Axminster
On Your Doorstep
- River Cottage Feasts and Courses: Take a summer cookery course or enjoy a seasonal feast overlooking the Axe Valley.
- Castlewood Vineyard Tasting: Sparkling wine in the sun just outside town.
- Axe Valley Wildlife Park: A lovely day out for families, with animals and shaded picnic spots.
- Newenham Abbey Ruins: Peaceful, open-air history with wildflowers in bloom.
- Walk Trinity Hill Nature Reserve: Lush trails with great summer birdwatching then finish off with a coffee in the River Cottage Café.
Things to Do in Bridport
25 mins from River Cottage
- Bridport Charity Shop Trail: Hunt for vintage treasures and summer fashion.
- Dorset Nectar Cider Tasting Tours: Orchard walks and 12+ ciders to sample in the sun.
- Furleigh Estate Wine Tours: Stroll through the vines and enjoy chilled tastings.
- Saturday Market: Street stalls, antiques and a lively summer buzz.
Water Adventures and Activities Near Exeter
45 to 50 min from River Cottage
- Canoe Exeter Ship Canal: Glide along a historic canal surrounded by summer greenery.
- Go Ape at Haldon Forest: Swing through leafy treetops or hit the walking trails.
- The Bear Trail: A splashy, muddy outdoor obstacle course for all ages.
More Unique Summer Activities Near River Cottage
- Otter Estuary Walk, Budleigh Salterton (50 mins): Summer wildlife and estuary views.
- Pilsdon Pen (15 mins): Climb for 360-degree views of the sun-drenched countryside.
- Ilminster Arts Centre (25 mins): Check for seasonal summer exhibitions and outdoor events.
Make River Cottage Your Summer Base
Come for a course at River Cottage and stay to explore. Learn new skills in our cookery school, enjoy seasonal feasts, or relax with coffee and cake in our café. With beaches, walks, markets and wild adventures all nearby, it is the perfect place to slow down and soak up the best of summer. Turn a day visit into a weekend and a weekend into a week.
