BRANSCOMBE

Branscombe a picture postcard village is surrounded by beautiful Devon countryside and National Trust beaches. Local crab sandwiches fresh from the sea and locally brewed beer are just two of the many pleasures to be savoured in the village.

Branscombe is one of the most relaxing and picturesque of East Devon's many villages. The winding main lane ("road" is too grand a word), makes its way down and along the valley, overlooked by unspoilt meadows and woods, and passes by rows of colourful cottages with their hanging baskets and climbing roses, and past breath-taking views, down to the sea. The beautiful St Winifred's Parish Church, dedicated to a little known Welsh saint, has watched over the village for over 1000 years and was "modernised" by the Normans only 900 years ago.

The beach at Branscombe Mouth has a thatched licensed restaurant and an abundance of rock pools just waiting to be explored. Those keen on fishing can take a trip out on a boat to catch mackerel.

The countryside surrounding Branscombe is a walkers delight. Leisurely walkers can wander the footpaths in and around the valley, much over beautiful National Trust land and enjoy the breathtaking views over this corner of Arcadia. The more energetic and adventurous can follow a spectacular coastal path to Sidmouth in the west and Beer in the east, through unspoilt National Trust coastland and where the chalk cliffs rise to over 400 feet.