We wanted to stay on the Jurassic Coast nearer to Cornwall to get closer to our first Cornish destination. We opted for Branscombe, a small village in Seaton and part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This blog posts gives you an idea of how to spend 1 day in Branscombe.
Where to stay in Branscombe
Branscombe is a small village so there are limited places to stay overnight. We chose The Masons Arms and stayed in a 14th century thatched cottage in the hotel gardens.
On a Thursday in September it was £118 for a standard double room with an en-suite, tea and coffee facilities (and biscuits) and breakfast included in the main pub area. Their rates are cheaper in November where a Friday / Saturday night is £109 on Booking.com.
Breakfast consisted of a continental selection of cereals, toast and fruit and cooked options of a Full English, bacon/ sausage / egg bap and various egg based dishes including scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.
The Masons Arms is also one of two pubs in the village so we had a few drinks and dinner there too. The duck leg special with bubble and squeak or new potatoes with vegetables was tasty. Make sure you book in advance.
The location is perfect in the heart of the village and only a 10 minute walk to Branscombe beach.
1 Day in Branscombe
Branscombe is a quaint and picturesque village with lots of beautiful cottages, windy roads and views of the countryside.
Start your day with breakfast at the Sea Shanty Beach Cafe Kiosk on Branscombe beach. Once energised, start the walk from Branscombe to Beer which is approximately 3 miles along the coast.
Wear good footwear as as the paths can be steep and uneven at times. It is worth it with the gorgeous countryside and coastal views.
Spend the afternoon wandering the main village and head up to The Old Bakery, a National Trust stone built and partially rendered thatched building. Visit the website to check the building is open first as they have been closed recently due to Covid-19. The former traditional bakery includes the equipment from the early part of the century and offers afternoon tea and cakes to visitors.
Here you will also find Branscombe Forge, which was built around 1580 and, according to Google, is the oldest thatched working forge in the country.
That is enough walking for one day. Stop for a drink / dinner at the Masons Arms and rest your legs. 1 day in Branscombe complete!
East London Girl: 1 day in Branscombe
You may also be interested in reading about my other UK travels here.
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