East Devon|Exeter|Topsham|Exmouth|Budleigh Salterton|Seaton|Sidmouth|Beer & Branscombe|Colyton & Colyford|Axminster|Honiton|Ottery St Mary |Beaches of East Devon|Woodbury Common
Honiton is one of East Devon’s most interesting market towns. Once a staging post on the London–Exeter road, it grew into a centre for lace-making, rebuilt itself after devastating fires, and today holds a reputation as Devon’s antiques capital. Its long Georgian High Street still carries the energy of a market town, lined with antiques centres, shops, cafés, and pubs, while surrounding hills and valleys offer rewarding walks. With direct trains from London and Exeter, and easy access to the Blackdown Hills and the Jurassic Coast, it is both a practical base and a destination in its own right.
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- Map of Honiton
- A town with layers of history
- Antiques and markets
- What to see and do in Honiton
- Seasonal highlights and annual events
- Getting there (and getting around Honiton)
- Eating and Drinking
- Where to Stay
- Places to Visit Near Honiton
- Practicalities and other helpful links
- Frequently Asked Questions — Visiting Honiton
- Final thoughts
Map of Honiton
A town with layers of history
Honiton’s history is much older than its neat terraces suggest. On the surrounding ridges stand Dumpdon Hill and Hembury Hillfort, reminders that people defended and farmed this land in the Iron Age. Later, the Romans passed through, leaving traces of their roads.
The medieval town secured its role with a Royal Charter in 1257, granting the right to hold markets. Two fires in the eighteenth century destroyed much of the old, medieval town, but what rose in their place formed the basis of Honiton today: a wide, straight High Street lined with Georgian buildings, ideal for coaching inns and traders.
Honiton’s Royal Charter
Honiton received its royal charter in 1257 from King Henry III, which granted the town the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair. This recognition established Honiton as an important local centre for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and farmers from across Devon. The charter not only boosted the town’s economy but also confirmed its growing status and independence under royal authority. These rights helped shape Honiton’s development through the Middle Ages, laying the foundations for its later prosperity as a market and lace-making town.
Honiton Lace
Honiton is renowned for its lace, a form of bobbin lace characterised by delicate motifs, often inspired by flowers and leaves, which were joined together to form larger pieces. The craft provided vital income for families from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries.
The lace gained international recognition in 1840 when Queen Victoria’s wedding dress featured an Honiton lace flounce. At its peak, thousands in East Devon were employed in making it, though each piece was painstakingly slow (a skilled worker could complete about one square inch per day).
Although the skill of lacemaking has not entirely died out, its production today is no longer commercially viable.
The Allhallows Museum, however, preserves the heritage, holding one of the world’s largest collections of Honiton lace. Demonstrations and displays keep the tradition alive for visitors.
Honiton Pottery
Honiton is also known for its pottery, which gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Produced at the Honiton Pottery works, these hand-painted ceramics often featured bright floral and geometric patterns inspired by the town’s lace designs. At its height, the pottery was both a major local employer and a source of colourful souvenirs for visitors to Devon. The factory closed in the 1990s, but original pieces are now collectable, valued for their charm and connection to the town’s craft heritage. Today, the Honiton Pottery Workshop on the High Street keeps that tradition alive, offering pottery classes, paint-your-own sessions, and the chance to buy vintage Honiton pottery.
The War Years
Honiton has also played its part in more recent history. During the Second World War, nearby RAF Upottery was used by US forces in the build-up to D-Day. Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne departed from here for Normandy in June 1944, a story told at the Upottery Airfield Heritage Centre. Close by, Dunkeswell Aerodrome adds another layer: built in 1943, it initially served as a US Navy base and later as a base for anti-submarine patrols. Today, it remains active as a busy general aviation airfield, featuring a café, heritage centre, and displays about its wartime role. Aviation enthusiasts should combine a visit here with Upottery to gain a fuller picture of East Devon’s contribution to the war effort.
Wolford Chapel
Another interesting site lies just a short distance away: Wolford Chapel, a small 18th-century Anglican chapel near Dunkeswell, once part of the estate of the Canadian-born Governor General of British North America, Sir Guy Carleton (Lord Dorchester). Gifted to Canada in the 1960s, the chapel is maintained as Canadian territory and serves as a memorial to the historic links between Devon and Canada. It makes an interesting detour for those keen on transatlantic history and offers a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Honiton’s markets.
Antiques and markets
The antiques trade and streetside market are what define Honiton today.
The High Street and side streets are lined with dealers and centres, from the Fountain Antiques Centre, which features multiple traders under one roof, to Marwood House, which focuses on fine furniture. Even without buying, browsing is part of the experience, and it can be fun to combine a walk around the town with antique hunting, coffee stops or lunch in one of the many town’s cafés.
Honiton still retains the feel of a busy market town. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the High Street fills with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to bric-a-brac. Market days are busy, lively, and the best way to see the town at work.
What to see and do in Honiton
Allhallows Museum (also known as Honiton Museum) is best known for its internationally significant collection of Honiton lace, one of the finest in the world. The museum preserves examples from the seventeenth century through to modern times, including rare motifs and complete garments. Alongside lace, the museum also explores Honiton’s wider history, with displays on local industries, archaeology, wars and community life. It serves as both a heritage centre and an educational resource, keeping alive the town’s cultural traditions for visitors and researchers alike.
The origins of Allhallows Chapel in Honiton go back to the thirteenth century. It was founded as a chapel of ease, meaning it was built to serve townsfolk who lived at a distance from the main parish church of St. Michael’s at the top of the hill. At the time, Honiton was growing as a settlement along the old road (later known as the High Street), and the chapel provided more convenient access to worship in the busy town centre.
The dedication to “All Hallows” (meaning All Saints) was common in medieval England, reflecting a desire to honour all saints rather than a single patron. Over the centuries, the chapel’s role changed. After the Reformation, it was no longer used for regular worship, and by the seventeenth century, it had been adapted for secular uses, including as a school. Its survival through these shifts in purpose allowed it eventually to become the home of the Allhallows Museum.
Just off the High Street on Dowell Street and tucked away behind the long-stay car park, you will find the Thelma Hulbert Gallery. Housed in the Georgian townhouse where the artist lived and worked, it now serves as the town’s public art gallery, presenting changing exhibitions of contemporary art and craft, as well as a permanent connection to Hulbert herself.
Thelma Hulbert: Artist and Legacy
Thelma Hulbert (1913–1995) was a British painter associated with the progressive Euston Road School in London. She became known for her precise still lifes and landscapes, painted directly from observation.
After years in London, she moved to Honiton, where she lived and worked in a Georgian townhouse on Dowell Street. When she died, she left her home and studio to East Devon District Council, requesting it be used to support the arts.
That building is now the Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG), Honiton’s public art space. It shows a programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions, alongside displays of Hulbert’s own work, and runs workshops and community events — continuing her legacy of making art accessible to all.
Beyond the town and within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walkers can explore Dumpdon Hill Fort, now managed by the National Trust, for sweeping views over the Otter Valley. The East Devon Way, a long-distance path running from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, passes nearby and might offer inspiration for shorter circular routes suitable for day walks.
Families will enjoy Wildwood Devon at Escot Park, where British species such as lynx, wolves, and red squirrels live in spacious woodland enclosures. Also popular with families is the Aviator Café at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, where, weather permitting, it’s possible to watch a wide range of aeroplanes and helicopters take off and land up close. For the more adventurous, there are trial flying lessons, wing walking and Spitfire experiences (see the website for details)
Aviation history enthusiasts will enjoy the fascinating heritage centres run by the South West Airfields Heritage Trust at Dunkeswell and nearby Upottery, while those with an eye for international connections will enjoy the quiet dignity of Wolford Chapel.
Seasonal highlights and annual events
Honiton’s calendar reflects its heritage and its agricultural roots. In mid-July, Charter Day fills the town centre with music, stalls, and entertainment, marking the 1257 charter that gave Honiton its market rights. Close to this is the unique Hot Pennies Ceremony, when pennies are thrown from balconies on the High Street in a custom that dates back to medieval times.
Honiton Hot Pennies
The tradition of Honiton Hot Pennies dates back over 800 years, when tolls were collected from people entering the town’s markets and fairs. To mark the opening of the annual fair, the wealthy would throw heated pennies from the windows of the town’s inns onto the streets below, where the less well off would scramble to collect them despite the risk of being burnt. Today the custom survives as a colourful local festival each July: pennies are still thrown—though no longer hot—celebrating Honiton’s heritage as a historic market town.
The most significant event of the year is the Honiton Agricultural Show, held on the first Thursday of August at the Showground near Gittisham. Attracting around 20,000 visitors, it combines livestock competitions, rural skills, food stalls, and the West of England Hound Show. It is one of the South West’s largest agricultural gatherings, offering a lively insight into the countryside around Honiton.
Getting there (and getting around Honiton)
Honiton is well connected by road and rail. The town sits on the West of England Line, with trains from London Waterloo taking around three hours and Exeter, a little more than half an hour. Services are operated by South Western Railway and the station lies a short walk from the town centre.
Drivers will find Honiton at the junction of the A30 and A35. From Exeter, it is a twenty-mile drive, while from Dorset, the A35 brings you in past Lyme Regis and Axminster. For those travelling by air, Exeter Airport is about twenty minutes away by car, with domestic and European flights.
The High Street holds most of the town’s attractions and is easy to navigate on foot. Car parks are located close to the centre, but can be busy on market days. Public transport connects Honiton to Exeter, Axminster, and the surrounding villages. However, a car helps explore the Blackdown Hills and coastal towns like Sidmouth, Beer, and Seaton.
Eating and Drinking
Honiton offers a straightforward range of dining options. On the High Street, The Holt combines inventive menus with local ales from Otter Brewery. The Yellow Deli serves homemade soups and sandwiches in a distinctive rustic setting, though it closes on Saturdays. For pub classics in a traditional setting, the thatched Heathfield Inn provides hearty meals and a family-friendly garden. The Otter Inn, located near Honiton, is a historic 18th-century riverside pub situated beside the River Otter. It is renowned for its pub food, traditional character, and spacious, family-friendly beer garden.
For something special, a short drive leads to THE PIG-at Combe, an Elizabethan manor house hotel and restaurant known for its kitchen-garden philosophy. The menu changes daily, reflecting what is grown or sourced nearby, making it one of the area’s standout dining experiences.
Where to Stay
Accommodation suits a range of budgets. In town, the Heathfield Inn offers rooms above its pub, ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of shops and markets. Lakeview Manor, located a few miles away in Dunkeswell, offers hotel rooms and self-catering lodges set within landscaped grounds featuring fishing lakes. For an indulgent stay, THE PIG-at Combe offers stylish rooms, extensive gardens, and a focus on comfort and cuisine.
Places to Visit Near Honiton
Honiton makes a handy base for exploring East Devon’s countryside and coast. Within half an hour, you can combine Iron Age hilltops, bluebell woods, seaside villages and family days out on the Jurassic Coast.
Blackdown Hills AONB
North of town, the Blackdown Hills roll away in quiet ridges and valleys. Hembury Fort and Dumpdon Hill offer sweeping views and a real sense of ancient Devon, with waymarked paths through pasture and woodland.
Blackbury Camp and the bluebells
A short drive south brings you to Blackbury Camp, an Iron Age earthwork hidden in oak woods. Free to visit, it is famous for its carpets of bluebells in late April and May, and is a peaceful, almost secretive place for a picnic at any time of year.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Between Honiton and the coast, Bicton’s historic glasshouses, formal gardens and little woodland railway make a gentle day out. Families love the play areas; gardeners come for the collection of trees and seasonal borders.
Wildwood Devon at Escot
Set in parkland east of Ottery St Mary, Wildwood combines wildlife enclosures with woodland trails and a Saxon village. Expect to find lynx, wolves, and wild boar alongside a maze and adventure play area, making it a good all-weather choice.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Free to visit and open daily, the Donkey Sanctuary’s hillside paths overlook the sea, and there are hundreds of rescued donkeys to meet. The café and visitor centre make it easy to linger, and dogs on leads are welcome on most paths.
Jurassic Coast: Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer and Seaton
Honiton is minutes from the coast. Sidmouth offers Regency seafront charm and red cliffs, with Jacobs Ladder and the Connaught Gardens for classic views. Branscombe hides thatched cottages and a long shingle beach backed by green valleys. Beer is a working fishing cove with brightly painted boats, caves and cliff walks. Seaton is the place for a level promenade, the Seaton Wetlands nature reserve and easy access to family-friendly attractions.
Beer Quarry Caves and Pecorama
Pair an underground tour of Beer’s famous stone quarries with an afternoon among model railways and landscaped gardens at Pecorama above the village. Both sit on the hillside with big sea views and plenty to entertain children.
Seaton Tramway
The heritage electric tram runs between Seaton seafront, Colyford and Colyton across open wetlands rich in birdlife. It is a simple, scenic ride that works in sunshine or showers, and Colyton’s old streets make a relaxed stop for tea.
Otter Estuary and Budleigh Salterton
Follow the River Otter down to the restored salt marshes at the estuary, a haven for wading birds and winter flocks. Budleigh’s long pebble beach curves beneath red cliffs and colourful beach huts, with level walking and cafés along the promenade.
Exmouth and the South West Coast Path
For a classic seaside day, combine Exmouth’s vast sands with a short section of the South West Coast Path for headland views towards the Exe Estuary. A La Ronde, a quirky National Trust house above the town, adds an easy cultural stop.
Killerton, National Trust
Just west of Honiton, Killerton’s Georgian house, parkland, and waymarked trails are ideal for a gentle stroll under veteran trees. Seasonal trails, orchards and exhibitions keep it fresh for repeat visits.
Lyme Regis, over the border
Ten miles east into Dorset, Lyme Regis rewards the short hop with fossil-rich beaches, the historic Cobb harbour and independent shops. It pairs well with a countryside walk above the town for views across the bay.
Practicalities
Most of these places are within a 10- to 30-minute drive from Honiton. The Avocet and Dart bus networks link Honiton with Sidmouth, Seaton and Exeter, and there are direct trains to Exeter from Honiton station. If you are exploring without a car, plan your route around the bus timetables and combine coastal stops with level promenade walks or short sections of the coastal path.
Practicalities and other helpful links
Practicalities
🛍️ Shops & Supermarkets – Well served. For more specialist items, the nearest city is Exeter.
🏥 Nearest Hospitals – Honiton Hospital Minor Injuries. Call 999/112 for emergencies & 111 for health advice.
🚔 Police Station – 167 High Street, Honiton, EX14 1LQ. Call 999/112 for emergencies & 101 for non-emergencies.
💊 Pharmacies – for medical advice, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines.
🍽️ Restaurants – sit-down meals ranging from local cuisine to international.
☕ Cafés & Tea Rooms – casual spots for coffee, cakes, and cream teas.
🍺 Pubs & Bars – traditional inns and modern places to drink.
✈️ Nearest Airport – domestic and European connections from Exeter Airport.
🚆 Railway Station(s) – Honiton: connections to London, Exeter and beyond.
🚌 Bus Services – Local and regional routes. Use Rome2Rio for information and bus stop locations.
🅿️ Car Parks – short and long-stay parking options.
⛽ Petrol Stations & EV Charging – fuel and charging points.
💵 Banks, ATMs, and Currency Exchange – cashpoints, Banking, and Currency Exchange.
📮 Post Office – sending letters, parcels, and other services.
🛏️ Hotels & B&Bs – places to stay in and around town.
🚻 Public Toilets – Lace Walk Car Park, EX14 1LT and King Street Honiton, EX14 1DA.
🚶 Tourist Information Centre – Dowell Street, Honiton, EX14 1LT.
Helpful Links
- Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
- Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
- Expedia – good for flights and packages.
- Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
- Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
- MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
- National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
- Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
- Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
- Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
- Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
- Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
- Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
- Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
- TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
- Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions — Visiting Honiton
When is the best time to visit Honiton?
Honiton is a year-round destination, but late spring to early autumn (May–September) brings milder weather, longer days and full access to outdoor attractions. Autumn and winter are quieter with lower prices, though some attractions may close or have have reduced hours.
How do I get to Honiton and travel around without a car?
Honiton sits on the West of England rail line with regular services to Exeter and London. The A30/A35 provide easy road access. Local buses connect Honiton with Sidmouth, Seaton and Exeter, and there are plenty of waymarked paths for short walks from town.
Are there dog-friendly places in and around Honiton?
Yes. Country paths and hills like Dumpdon are dog-friendly, and many nearby beaches have areas that allow dogs year-round or outside of peak-season (usually May-September). Always check local signs and keep dogs on leads near livestock and wildlife.
What are the must-see attractions in Honiton?
Don’t miss Allhallows Museum (lace and local history), Thelma Hulbert Gallery, the views from Dumpdon Hill Fort, and nearby family favourites like Wildwood Devon at Escot. Aviation history fans can add Dunkeswell and Upottery airfields.
What annual events should I plan for?
Highlights include July’s Hot Pennies Ceremony and Charter Day, plus the Honiton Agricultural Show on the first Thursday in August.
Where can I eat, drink and stay?
Honiton’s High Street has cafés, pubs and independents, while countryside inns and boutique stays sit a short drive away. For a special treat, THE PIG-at Combe is nearby; budget options include B&Bs and self-catering.
Are there free or low-cost things to do?
Yes: town heritage trails, Allhallows Museum (check for free entry), galleries, church visits, and short countryside walks on the surrounding hills all make great budget-friendly outings.
What easy day trips can I do from Honiton?
The Jurassic Coast is close: Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer and Seaton are all within easy reach. Inland, explore the Blackdown Hills AONB, Bicton Park, and the Otter Valley.
Final thoughts
Honiton is a traditional Devon market town that combines history and culture. Its lace and antiques give it a distinctive identity, its markets and events connect both the past and the present, and its location makes it a convenient base for exploring East Devon. From lace collections and antique arcades to WWII heritage sites at Dunkeswell and Upottery, and the international connection of Wolford Chapel, Honiton offers visitors a varied and enjoyable experience.
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