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The second May bank holiday is just around the corner and with this beautiful weather starting summer early, what better time to plan your 2022 holiday. East Devon springs to life when our lovely visitors are here to explore and boy is there a lot on offer!
We have some brilliant special offers or short breaks available for last minute holidays in May, so grab yourself a well-deserved holiday and make the most of this glorious sunshine in East Devon. We still have some availability left for May half term holiday cottages and with the end of May bank holiday for the Queens Platinum Jubilee, it’s the perfect time to escape the daily grind. If you’re looking for a little inspiration of bank holiday activities and May days out in Devon then look no further. We have put together some of our favourite activities, days out and places to eat this May.
Things to Do this May…
Sidmouth Sea Fest– This fabulous annual event is hosted by the local community and celebrates the sea, coastline and the vibrant community. The event showcases the activities, heritage and education connected to the sea and coast that Sidmouth offers to local people and visitors. Enjoy a Friday Night Fundraiser on the 21st May (tickets required) and a full day of festivities on Saturday 21st May.
Bird Watching– East Devon is home to some very unique tranquil bird watching sites, including the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh easily accessible from our beautiful Topsham & Exmouth properties. Seaton wetlands is also well worth a visit, offering a countryside haven and abundance of wildlife along the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs & pushchairs.
Exeter Canal Cruise– Stuart Line Cruises are hosting a cruise along the canal and estuary between Exeter and Exmouth. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch the locks come to life whilst enjoying the seaside town of Exmouth or Exeter’s Historic Quayside at either end.
Paddle boarding/kayaking- With a huge rise in inflatable paddle boards & kayaks over the last few years, it is even easier to bring them on holiday with you. East Devon’s calm waters are the perfect spot for your water-sport adventure. Sidmouth based Jurassic Paddle Sports will be opening for the season for May half term. Budleigh Paddle sports also offer paddle boards, kayaks and guided tours, opening from 28th May for May Half term. If you fancy a paddle before then, AS Watersports are based on Exeter quay, ideal for a beautiful paddle down the Exeter Canal. Edge water-sports are based in Exmouth and are offering paddleboarding lessons and rentals throughout May.
Bike Rides– If you’re a keen cyclist, pop your bike on the back of your car to enjoy Devon’s brilliant cycle routes. A favourite of the month is Budleigh to Exmouth, an 11-mile round trip, mostly tarmac cycle path and small sections of quiet roads. It has a relatively level gradient (for Devon!) making it accessible for all ages and abilities, the clear signposting means you do not need to worry about getting lost.
Jazz & Blues Festival- Slightly creeping in to June but we wouldn’t want you to miss the first International Jazz & Blues Festival in Sidmouth from 2nd – 5th June. There are many amazing ticketed acts on offer, plus a brilliant selection of free concerts across town.
Where to eat this May…
Sidmouth Eats Boutique 13th May– On the second Friday of each month, Sidmouth Eats Boutique host an evening street food market at Kennaway House in Sidmouth. Working with lots of wonderful small, independent and local businesses with a big heart.
Yamza Food Truck– A local Master Chef has started his own food truck serving the most delicious Eastern Fusion Cuisine. Currently serving from Kennaway House in Sidmouth on Thursdays and Exmouth on Fridays from 5pm-8pm. Find them on Facebook & Instagram at @yamza_food for more details.
Agricultural Inn– Tucked away on the outskirts of Exeter, this beautiful dog friendly pub is inspired by the South West’s finest produce. On Fridays- Sunday they open their ‘secret garden’, a tranquil place to eat, drink & relax al fresco style with spacious seating and no reservations needed.
Heron Farm Vinyard Kitchen– Just on the outskirts of Honiton, this small, family run Vinyard offers coffee, cake, lunches, wines and a great day out!
We hope this has inspired your trip to Devon with things to do may bank holiday and throughout May. If you haven’t already booked your holiday, we have some beautiful properties available to enjoy a last-minute May getaway or a bank holiday breaks; choose from coastal cottages from Beer & Branscombe to countryside retreats in Budleigh. We’ve taken on some fabulous new properties, take a look to find your next holiday home in East Devon.
