Seaton Wetlands

Seaton Wetlands

Whenever we go away, we always like to discover some hidden gems and explore the quieter corners that get overlooked. During our recent trip to East Devon, we had the advantage of a wealth of local knowledge in the form of Clare from Flip Flops or Wellies, who recommended, among many other places, that we check out Seaton Wetlands.

I’m so glad that we took her advice, as it turned out to be just our sort of place. Seaton Wetlands is located 6 miles west of Lyme Regis and features about 4 km of accessible paths that wind through beautiful marshland alongside the River Axe. We parked in the free car park that is accessed through Seaton Cemetery (approximate postcode EX12 2SP) and headed off to explore the trails.

Seaton Wetlands accessible offers walking and cycling tracks suitable for the whole family

The paths and boardwalks are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

As we went during the week it was quiet and we very much enjoyed a lovely, peaceful stroll around the wetlands. We foolishly left the pushchair behind, but the paths were flat and so easily navigated by even the most stubborn toddler. There was also lots of things to point out to keep a small child occupied. It was great to be able to see a variety of birds, plus it’s a good vantage point to watch the heritage tram travelling between Seaton and Colyton.

The wetlands offers a great opportunity to spot a variety to wildlife

Although parking and entrance is free, there is a donation box by the car park, also when we went there was a ‘Signs of Spring’ trail which could be purchased from the information centre for £2.

There are events held at the Wetlands throughout the year

As well as walking, there are many other activities available at Seaton Wetlands. There are five hides for bird/wildlife spotting, pond dipping and picnic areas. Refreshments are available at weekends and an off road ‘tramper’ can also be hired. There are toilets, including disabled and baby changing facilities.

The ‘Island Hide’ is a great viewpoint. There’s lots of information inside to help you identify the many different species of bird

Pond dipping equipment can be borrowed.

We were happy just walking along the trails, however if you fancy a longer excursion, the South West Coast Path is only about a mile to the south. There you can pick it up and head either east towards Lyme Regis or west towards Beer.

We spent a lovely, relaxed couple of hours at Seaton Wetlands and recommend it to anyone looking for some accessible walking trails.

When’s the last time you discovered a hidden gem?

 

 

 

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Comments

  • Christine @afamilyday Christine @afamilyday April 24, at 18:03

    We went to Saaton wetlands a couple of years ago but it lived up to its name so we ended up going on the train! Will have to go back one day when it’s not raining….

    Reply
    • The Helpful Hiker The Helpful Hiker April 24, at 19:39

      Oh no, sorry to hear that! It’s a nice day out but I can imagine that the train would be more appealing in the rain.

      Reply
  • It really is a lovely place for a walk – I’m glad you liked it. The only down site is that because of the wildlife dogs are not allowed but it’s great for pushchairs which makes it really accessible for everyone.

    Reply
  • Sarah Sarah April 26, at 08:17

    I love that island hide – what a beautiful view. When we head down to Cornwall my mother in law usually gives us advice. We discovered Carnglaze Caverns and St Nectan’s Glen which are both lovely places to visit and not too busy. Sarah #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • I’ve never heard of this place, but it looks like a hidden gem worth visiting.
    Also, thanks for hosting #AdventureCalling linkup! 🙂

    Reply
  • I love finding hidden gems and secret spaces everywhere I am too – sometimes the hidden things that are in plain sight too. The wetland look lovely and it is nice to see full access (was there the same Avian Flu issue down south?) as many of ours have been shut over the colder months.

    Although I find lots of hidden gems in Manchester the most recent has to be the Jardin des Plantes in Paris for the local growing, botanical study and glorious sights and sounds for a picnic 🙂

    #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Ashley Ashley April 26, at 10:18

    Excellent looking and sounding nature reserve #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Kate Kate April 26, at 10:54

    I love Loch Leven in Fife, You can walk/cycle around the whole wetland and they have telescopes in the RSPB cafe. Its great for kids – and not really that well known! Hello from a new #AdventureCalling linker!

    Reply
  • Beautiful spot! We have a wetland bird sanctuary here in Wicklow too, and I’m always surprised how many locals don’t know about it. Wetlands are magical places, especially in low winter sun conditions.
    Thanks for hosting #Adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Cerys {mascara & mud} Cerys {mascara & mud} April 26, at 13:19

    First of all, loving the linky #adventurecalling! I think my last “hidden gem” might have been the tree that I sat under on a local walk recently…enjoyed with a nice cold beer!

    Reply
  • MomOfTwoLittleGirls MomOfTwoLittleGirls April 26, at 16:57

    I love bird hides. My girls love them because they can get really close to the wildlife, if only they’d keep quiet! lol
    #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • David - Potty Adventures David - Potty Adventures April 26, at 19:05

    What a lovely area to explore. It’s great that it’s accessible to buggies and wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy it too. Getting good info off other bloggers also goes to show what a great little community the blogging community is. #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Jonny Jonny April 26, at 19:20

    This looks wonderful, just “our sort of place too”. It looks incredibly well-maintained and I love that there are seasonal events and interpretive features. A great find! Thanks for hosting #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Maid in Dartmoor Maid in Dartmoor April 27, at 11:07

    This is a new one for me. Will have to take a look ? #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Lauren Lauren April 27, at 12:57

    This looks beautiful. So much green.
    Brockholes in the northwest is a similar sort of place
    And thank you for adding me to #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Travelling With Our Kids Travelling With Our Kids April 28, at 07:06

    Looks beautifu and a great for a family day out. We went to Loch Leven recently which is simular. Great for walking #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Helena Helena April 29, at 07:42

    Oh I do love a great place to walk and it sounds like you found the perfect place for all the family. #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Luke (age 9) Luke (age 9) May 01, at 15:35

    This looks like a great day out, I haven’t been pond dipping for ages and would love to do that again

    Reply

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