11 Best Things to Do in Branscombe, Devon: A Local’s Guide
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If you’re looking for a charming Devon village that combines spectacular coastal scenery, traditional pubs, fascinating history, and some of the best walking on the Jurassic Coast, Branscombe deserves a place on your itinerary.
Tucked away in a picturesque valley between Sidmouth and Beer, Branscombe is one of those places that many visitors drive straight past.
At first glance, it might seem like a quiet village with a beach and a pub. Spend a little longer here, though, and you’ll discover dramatic cliff-top walks, centuries-old buildings, local food and drink, and a rich history that stretches back hundreds of years.
I’ve lived in East Devon for more than 15 years and have visited Branscombe countless times. I’ve walked the South West Coast Path in both directions, spent lazy afternoons at the beach, enjoyed meals in the local pubs, and even chose Branscombe for my honeymoon many years ago.
It’s a place I keep returning to, and every visit reminds me why it’s one of my favourite spots in Devon.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best things to do in Branscombe, along with local tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit.
15 Best Things to Do in Branscombe
1. Hike the South West Coast Path to Beer
A walk I have done many times, and one of my favourite stretches of the South West Coast Path due to the incredible views, the Branscombe to Beer hike is one of the best things to do on the East Devon coast.
At just over 2 miles, this is a great coastal trail for beginners. Although there are a couple of hills to tackle, the short distance means you can be in Beer for a pint and chips in less than an hour (or two if you stop to take as many photos as I do).
After the first beastly hill, which isn’t as bad as it looks (honestly), the trail is pretty level and flat until you descend down into Beer village.
To avoid the massive first hill out of Branscombe, you can usually walk through the caravan park on the beach and take the undercliffs path, but due to a recent landslide, the caravan park is currently closed.
2. Hike the South West Coast Path to Sidmouth
If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging hike, the Branscombe to Sidmouth hiking trail is a great choice.
I’ve walked this stretch a few times, and while the distance isn’t too long, it’s a difficult stretch of Coast Path because of the number of hills you’ll need to climb. Over 6 miles, you’ll tackle three dramatic ascents from the beach to the top of the cliffs, and eventually down into Sidmouth.
Whether you decide to hike back the same way you came, or jump on a bus back to Branscombe, depends on your energy levels!
If you decide to get the bus back, you can catch the 899 bus from Sidmouth to Seaton, which stops at Branscombe along the way.
I recommend wearing hiking shoes for this walk, and taking plenty of water and snacks with you, as there are no shops or cafes along the route until you reach Sidmouth.
3. Visit the Historic Old Bakery
I have been visiting Branscombe since I was a child, and yet, I only visited the Old Bakery Tea Rooms recently! Quietly tucked away behind Forge Cottage, it’s easy to miss it completely if you don’t know it’s there.
Owned by the National Trust, the Old Bakery is a quaint, typical English tearoom, serving homemade cakes and scones. Upstairs, you’ll find a shop and gallery selling local produce and handmade items, such as soaps and honey.
Sometimes the National Trust also run guided walks and talks of Branscombe, which you can book on their website.
One word of caution: the Old Bakery’s opening times tend to be a little sporadic. Don’t trust what you read on Google Maps. Sometimes the bakery is listed as open until 4 pm, but on one occasion when we arrived at 3 pm, it was already closed. So I don’t recommend making a special trip over to Branscombe just for this tearoom.
4. Visit Branscombe Forge
Opposite the Old Bakery, Branscombe Forge is a working forge and home of award-winning, third-generation blacksmith artist, Simon Hall.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s well worth stepping inside to watch a skilled craftsman at work. From hand-forged garden sculptures to decorative ironwork and bespoke commissions, every piece is made using traditional blacksmithing techniques.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old craft that has become increasingly rare in today’s world.
5. Explore the Old Bakery Orchard
Right next to the Old Bakery, you’ll find a beautiful orchard. It’s not listed on most ‘things to do in Branscombe’ lists, and it’s not even signposted on Google Maps, but we really enjoyed wandering through the long grass and listening to the birds.
When we visited, there were signs scattered throughout the orchard with poetry and writings from young children, and it was lovely to read them as we walked.
Nestled into the trees, you’ll find picnic tables, perfect for a shaded picnic lunch or a sit-down surrounded by nature.
You can also walk from the orchard, across the field to Manor Mill, a fully working mill owned by the National Trust. To find the path to the mill, keep walking through the orchard away from the road, and you’ll come to a gate which leads you to a path across the fields to the mill.
6. Visit Manor Mill
Manor Mill is located right in the heart of Branscombe village and is a fully working mill, restored and managed by the National Trust. Grain has been milled at Manor Mill for at least 300 years, at one time producing flour for the whole village.
When we visited, we were greeted by friendly volunteers who were only too eager to share their knowledge and experience with us, despite it approaching closing time. While the Manor Mill no longer produces flour for human consumption, the volunteers explained that they do produce animal feed for local livestock.
The mill is free to visit and is a great addition to a countryside walk if you’re walking from the Forge and Old Bakery down to the beach.
7. Enjoy Lunch at the Mason’s Arms
No matter what time of year you visit, the Mason’s Arms is a great spot for a cosy dinner by the fire in winter, or a light lunch or a summer drink in the beer garden.
A Grade II listed building with the original thatched roof, the Mason’s Arms was built in the 14th century and still retains the characterful charm today.
We’ve eaten at the Mason’s Arms and enjoyed fantastic food, and we’ve had drinks there on hot summer days after spending time at the beach. There’s always a friendly welcome and a cosy vibe!
The Mason’s Arms is also one of the best places to stay in Branscombe, with cosy rooms full of old English countryside charm, and only a 15-minute walk to the beach. You can book rooms at the Mason’s Arms here.
8. Discover the Story of the MSC Napoli Shipwreck
When I was a teenager, I remember hearing the story of the MSC Napoli, a 275-metre cargo ship, which tragically developed a hull breach during a storm in January 2007. To prevent an environmental disaster, the ship was deliberately beached just off the Branscombe coast, causing quite a scene.
Fortunately, all of the crew members made it back to land safely, but the resulting aftermath of the shipwreck meant that containers were washed ashore on Branscombe Beach for days after, with over 200 people descending on the beach to scavenge goods from the ship. Not to mention the oil spill that affected hundreds of sea birds.
What followed was a huge salvage operation that lasted more than two years and reportedly cost around £50 million. Now, all that’s left of the shipwreck is the 13,500kg anchor, which is proudly displayed on Branscombe Beach.
9. Photograph the Thatched Cottages
Branscombe is widely believed to be the longest village in England, stretching from the beach to the upper parts of the village, around 3.5 miles away. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk from the beach to the end of the village, admiring the beautiful thatched cottages along the way.
Branscombe is particularly beautiful in summer when many of the thatched cottages are adorned with vibrant and colourful displays of flowers. In fact, the displays are usually so incredible that some of the cottages have become known for it and serve as their own tourist attraction!
If you do explore the village, remember to be respectful of residents’ privacy and space.
10. Relax on Branscombe Beach
Branscombe Beach is one of my favourite beaches to visit all year round. In winter, you can enjoy the wild and rugged Jurassic coastline and the waves crashing onto the windswept beach.
In summer, you can enjoy the relative peace and quiet compared to other busy beach towns on a beach that is plenty big enough for everyone, without feeling cramped.
In the summer months, you may even spot a seal or a dolphin off the coast, but always remember to give wildlife plenty of space.
When I visited recently in July 2026, there was also a luxury, wood-fired sauna on the beach – perfect for warming up after a swim in the cold water! You can book the sauna on the Jurassic Saunas website.
11. Have a Cream Tea at the Sea Shanty Beach Cafe
I’ve been visiting the Sea Shanty Beach Cafe for years, ever since I was a child holidaying in East Devon. Located right on the seafront, the Sea Shanty is the perfect spot for some lunch or a snack during a beach day!
We’ve eaten at the Sea Shanty many times, including lunches, cream teas, pasties and cakes, and always had great food and service.
The Sea Shanty is dog-friendly, and there is also a shop next door selling beach goods and everyday essentials, as well as ice creams and snacks.
Where to Eat and Drink in Branscombe
For such a small village, Branscombe has some great places to eat and drink. Here are the places to add to your list:
The Fountain Head Inn – charming, dog-friendly pub in the heart of Branscombe with a history dating back to the 14th century. The Fountain Head feels like a real local pub, offering locally brewed Branscombe ales and ciders, great food and a spacious beer garden.
Mason’s Arms – 14th-century thatched pub just a short walk from Branscombe Beach, offering fantastic food, a cosy atmosphere and gorgeous rooms to stay overnight.
The Sea Shanty Beach Cafe – perfect for lunch, cakes and drinks if you’re visiting the beach. The scones and cream teas are always pretty good!
The Old Bakery – typical English tearoom, serving homemade cakes and scones. Upstairs, you’ll find a shop and gallery selling local produce and handmade items, such as soaps and honey.
Where to Stay in Branscombe
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight in Branscombe, look no further. These are my recommendations for a cosy East Devon countryside stay:
Mason’s Arms – The Mason’s Arms is also one of the best places to stay in Branscombe, with cosy rooms full of old English countryside charm, and only a 15-minute walk to the beach.
Wagtail Chalet – if you’re after self-catering accommodation with an incredible view, this cosy 2-bedroom cabin might be perfect for you! Located right on the beach, you can fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the crashing waves.
Country PUPkins Camping – If you’re after something a bit more unusual and closer to the great outdoors, this glamping site with gorgeous bell tents is only a short drive out of Branscombe village.
When is the Best Time to Visit Branscombe?
Branscombe is beautiful all year round. In winter, you can enjoy the wild, rugged coastline, waves crashing onto the beach, and cosy drinks by the fire in the pub. Whereas in spring and summer, holidays look like long days spent on the beach, cold drinks in a local beer garden, and slow walks through the beautiful countryside.
In my opinion, if I had to choose the best time, Branscombe is particularly beautiful in spring and summer, when hedgerows are vibrant with wildflowers, and you can enjoy evenings on the beach as the sun sets!
Parking in Branscombe
The best places to park in Branscombe include:
Branscombe Village Hall – this is where we park when we visit Branscombe. This car park is located at the back of the Village Hall (Branoc Hall) and is free to park on a suggested donation basis. The parking is very convenient if you’re planning to visit the Forge, Old Bakery or Manor Mill, and is a 20-minute walk down to the beach through beautiful countryside!
Branscombe Beach Car Park – right on the seafront next to the Sea Shanty Beach Cafe, this is the best car park if you want to spend a day on the beach. One thing to be aware of is that the roads down to the beach are narrow country lanes and can be very busy in the summer months.
Public Transport in Branscombe
Bus: Public transport for Branscombe is primarily served by the 899 bus route, connecting Branscombe to Seaton, Beer, and Sidmouth.
Train: The nearest major railway stations are at Axminster (about 12 miles away) and Honiton (about 8 miles away), requiring a connecting bus journey to reach the village.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Branscombe, where to stay or other things to do in East Devon, please feel free to get in touch via the contact form on the contact page.
