Our Area Highlights

The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site and stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, a distance of about 96 miles.  It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in December 2001.  The sire spans 185 million years of geological history with coastal erosion having exposed an almost continuous sequence of rock formations covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. 

At different times, this area has been desert, shallow tropical sea and salt marshes, and the fossilised remains of the various creatures that lived there have been preserved in the rocks.

Seaton

Seaton is located on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast where the river Axe joins Lyme Bay.  Seaton’s mile long pebble beach, is bordered at one end by Axe Yacht Club, Haven Cliff and the Golf Club and at the other, by Seaton Hole and Beer Cliffs.  Seaton’s thriving Town Centre, principally has Victoriana and Edwardian architecture, but the Town is undergoing major regeneration, with lots of further development under way.  Some of the major tourist attractions are; Seaton Jurassic which opened in the summer of 2016 and also Seaton Tramway with a range of period and more modern electric trams running through the stunning riverside locations.

Seaton is on the South West Coastal Path and the town offers an abundance of gardens and the pedestrianised town tentre has a number of individual shops and the usual supply of cafes, pubs and restaurants.  Seaton also offers two supermarkets, doctors and dentists and the Axe Wetlands, which is 200 acres of marshes that run between Seaton and Colyford and is renowned for its wild life.  

Axmouth

This tiny village of Axmouth has a fine collection of historic homes, a Norman church with medieval paintings, and two well-known public houses. Axmouth harbour was once an important local port, and is now home to local fishermen and anglers. It also boasts a Natural Nature Reserve (Axmouth undercliff, one of the highlights of the Jurassic coast) and two sites of Special Scientific interest.

Beer

Beer is a delightful fishing village where the local fishing boats still operate directly from the beach.  In the summer months there are the renowned beach cafes and the village centre offers a fine selection of pubs, restaurants and art galleries.  Beer was the home of the famous smuggler Jack Rattenbury and the local attractions include Beer Regatta in August, Pecorama and Beer Quarry Caves, where the stone was used in a number of our major buildings and Cathedrals.

Branscombe

A step back in time, this picturesque village and beach is surrounded by countryside and farmland, and nestles in a valley that runs down to the sea.  The beach and the cliffs to either side are owned by the National Trust, who also own the local Tea Rooms and the working Forge. The road that runs through the village passes plenty of historic homes, including thatched houses and cottages, and a restored water mill. 

Colyford

Colyford is an ancient borough that still elects a mayor, and runs the yearly Goose Fair which was established by a charter granted by King John in 1208.  It is home to Holyford Woods, which has 56 acres and is one of the oldest natural woods in England.  This small village straddles the A3052 which is the main coastal route between Lyme Regis, Seaton, Sidmouth and Exeter and offers a local shop, post office, butchers, pubs, and hotel and restaurant.

Colyford is home to Colyton Grammar School, which has established an enviable reputation as one of the best mixed grammar schools in the country.

Colyton

Colyton is a most appealing small town on the banks of the River Coly located about 3 miles from the Heritage Coast.  The town has many fine historic buildings and Andrews Church with its 14th Century lantern tower.  Our office in Colyton is at the heart of the Town Centre in Market Place.  Colyton offers a good variety of shops which include a post office, chemist and an award winning butcher, supermarket, health centre, public houses and restaurants together with the local Primary School and of course the renowned Colyton Grammar School is just over 1 mile away.  

Other areas that are covered by John Wood & Co including the villages that occupy the area of East Devon’s Outstanding Natural Beauty including Northleigh, Southleigh, Farway, Musbury and Whitford.  We also cover the towns of:- 

Honiton

Famous for its lace and pottery, Honiton is a thriving market town offering a good selection of shops and is a local centre for the Antique Trade.  The high street buildings are mainly Georgian, rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century, although the town dates back to Roman times. There are excellent communications to Exeter and Exeter Airport, and it also has good commuter links to London as the station has a service from Honiton to Waterloo.

Axminster

Home of the famous Axminster Carpets its historic town centre also is home to of the celebrity chef and TV presenter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Deli and his River Cottage HQ is nearby in the Axe Valley.  Axminster offers a fine range of facilities and is also on the main London Waterloo rail line.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a historic and unspoilt seaside resort which is home to the world famous Cobb.  Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Lyme Regis is located on the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, which is famous for fossils and it’s always well worth a visit to the fossil shop in the High Street.  Lyme Regis, offers many attractions, hotels, guest houses and restaurants and fishing and pleasure trips are available from the Cobb.  We also cover the outlying villages of Rousdon and Uplyme.

Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a charming Regency Town location on the Jurassic Coast.  Home of the internally famous Folk Week and a number of fine hotels, Sidmouth offers a superb range of shops and restaurants, together with a cinema and theatre.

Our area offers a fine range of outstanding attractions and is only 20 miles from Exeter our local city centre, which has its renowned university, outstanding shopping and restaurants, fast train connections to London, together with the racecourse and airport.