Get More From Your Southleigh Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Southleigh gives you access to one of East Devon's most charming villages whilst enjoying the kind of luxury that transforms a simple getaway into something special. This peaceful hamlet sits in the Coly Valley within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers genuine countryside tranquillity just three miles from the coast.
The village makes an ideal base for hot tub breaks because you get proper seclusion without being cut off from Devon's best attractions. We love how Southleigh combines rural peace with easy access to beaches, historic towns and walking trails that showcase why this corner of Devon attracts visitors year-round.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Southleigh
Southleigh itself centres around the 13th-century St Lawrence Church with its distinctive tower visible across the valley. The village has maintained its agricultural character with working farms surrounding traditional stone cottages. You'll find genuine Devon countryside here without the tourist crowds that pack other coastal villages.
The location works brilliantly for both romantic breaks and family holidays. Couples appreciate the secluded setting and dark skies perfect for stargazing from your private hot tub. Families benefit from nearby beaches, the Donkey Sanctuary and countless walking routes that keep children entertained without long car journeys.
Sightseeing in Southleigh
The surrounding area has transformed from a purely agricultural landscape into one of Devon's most visited regions whilst keeping its authentic character intact. Colyton lies two miles north with its medieval streets and independent shops. Seaton sits three miles south where the River Axe meets the sea at a long pebble beach backed by dramatic red cliffs.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Southleigh
The variety of attractions near your cottage with hot tub means you can mix coastal walks with heritage sites and wildlife encounters all within a short drive.
Seaton Tramway
This heritage tramway runs three miles along the Axe Estuary between Seaton and Colyton through the Axe Valley Wildlife Park. The open-top trams give you brilliant views across the wetlands where you'll spot herons, egrets and countless wading birds. Services run daily from Easter through October with reduced winter schedules.
Beer Quarry Caves
These vast underground caverns four miles from Southleigh were hand-carved by quarrymen extracting Beer stone used in 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St Paul's. Guided tours take you deep into the hillside where the temperature stays constant year-round. The on-site museum explains two thousand years of quarrying history with tools and photographs.
Pecorama Gardens
This unique attraction in Beer combines extensive hillside gardens with model railways and a miniature passenger railway. The gardens offer stunning coastal views whilst the indoor layouts fascinate railway enthusiasts of all ages. Children love riding the miniature steam trains that wind through the grounds.
Branscombe Beach
This spectacular shingle beach stretches beneath towering cliffs between Beer and Sidmouth. The National Trust owns much of the surrounding land including the working forge and bakery in Branscombe village. Rock pools appear at low tide and the South West Coast Path provides dramatic clifftop walking in both directions.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Located in Sidmouth seven miles from Southleigh, this internationally recognised charity cares for over 500 donkeys across multiple sites. Entry is free and you can meet the residents, explore the coastal walking trails and learn about donkey welfare worldwide. The café serves excellent food with proceeds supporting the sanctuary's work.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Seaton Tramway | Heritage trams through estuary wetlands with exceptional birdwatching opportunities | Families |
| Beer Quarry Caves | Underground tour through hand-carved caverns with fascinating industrial heritage | Everyone |
| Pecorama Gardens | Hillside gardens with coastal views plus model and miniature railways | Families |
| Branscombe Beach | Dramatic shingle beach beneath red cliffs with rock pools and coastal walks | Everyone |
| The Donkey Sanctuary | Meet rescued donkeys in beautiful coastal setting with free entry | Families |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Southleigh?
The nearest station is Honiton six miles north on the London Waterloo to Exeter line. Exeter Airport lies 18 miles west. Most visitors drive as the village sits just off the A3052 coastal road between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth with good access to the M5 motorway.
What family activities are available near cottages to rent in Southleigh?
Families enjoy the Donkey Sanctuary, Seaton Tramway, Pecorama's miniature railway and numerous beaches within ten minutes. The Jurassic Coast offers fossil hunting whilst Crealy Adventure Park near Exeter provides rides and attractions for younger children.
Where are the best romantic spots for couples?
Walk the South West Coast Path at sunset from Beer Head or Branscombe. Visit the historic pubs in Beer and Branscombe village. Sidmouth's Regency seafront offers elegant architecture and independent shops perfect for leisurely afternoons before returning to your secluded retreat.
What shopping options exist nearby?
Seaton has supermarkets and independent shops for essentials. Sidmouth offers boutique shopping along its Regency streets. Honiton is famous for antiques with dozens of dealers. Exeter provides major retail parks and a historic city centre 30 minutes away.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for winter breaks?
Absolutely. Winter brings fewer crowds and lower rates for last minute deals. The hot tub becomes even more appealing after coastal walks. Many holiday cottages and lodges offer cosy log burners alongside your private hot tub for the ultimate winter getaway.
Cottages with hot tubs in Southleigh deliver the perfect combination of countryside peace and coastal access. Whether you're booking a romantic escape for 2, planning large family gatherings in big cottages or searching for dog friendly and pet friendly cottages, this corner of Devon offers exceptional value. Book your cottage breaks here and discover why visitors return year after year to these boutique cottages and luxury cottages with jacuzzi facilities.