Honiton: Lace, Markets and Paths Through History

Honiton combines a rich craft history with museums, markets, events and varied routes through the town and countryside. Honiton lace is particularly characteristic: lace has been made in Honiton for 400 years. This very fine English handmade bobbin lace is produced in the East Devon area. Anyone wishing to combine culture, local traditions and walks during their trip will find a range of options here for planning their days.

Lace, art and unusual museum treasures

The Allhallows Museum has the world's largest collection of Honiton lace. It also displays the fossilised remains of seventeen hippopotamuses discovered in 1965 during the construction of the bypass. This unusual combination of regional craftsmanship and natural history makes a visit to the museum a special stop for anyone looking for more than traditional local history.

The Thelma Hulbert Gallery features exhibitions of contemporary art and craft, talks, events, workshops and artistic activities. The gallery also has a permanent collection of works by the artist Thelma Hulbert. For your trip planning, this cultural focus can be combined with a town walk or a market day, without every day having to follow the same rhythm.

Historic sites and lively events

The Honiton Town Trail is an easy circular walk through the town centre. It leads to important historic sites and takes no more than half an hour. Notable buildings include the Church of St Michael and All Angels, which is listed as a Grade II* building. Town Mill is a mill building believed to date from the 18th century. The waterwheel and the internal machinery from the late 19th century have been preserved.

Local events also reflect Honiton's history and character. Honiton Charter Day celebrates the granting of the royal charter to Honiton by King Henry III in 1257. The full-day event includes entertainment, music, vintage cars, food and drink, as well as local stalls and vendors. Honiton Hot Pennies Day dates back to the 13th century and includes a procession during which hot coins are thrown at the assembled children.

Specific event dates are also of interest for a visit with a regional focus: The High Street Market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. The Honiton Show is held annually on the first Thursday in August. Its themes range from local agriculture and regional produce to crafts and rural skills; it also hosts the West of England Hound Show. The first Honiton Show took place in 1890. The one-day summer festival Gate to Plate highlights regional food and drink producers as well as traditional local crafts. The Beehive is a community-focused centre for creative arts and entertainment in the heart of Honiton in East Devon.

Woodland paths, views and nature experiences

Roundball Wood is managed by the Town Council as a community woodland and nature reserve and is described as a semi-natural ancient woodland. From there, there are views over Honiton, the Otter Valley and the Blackdown Hills. The Roundball Hill Woodland Walk is a moderate, 3.4-mile route that partly crosses steep terrain. This allows you to deliberately treat a longer hike and a short town walk as different options for your day.

Further nature experiences complement the range of activities: Honiton Bottom Nature Reserve offers opportunities for birdwatching. The Glen is a six-acre public park extending from the surrounding countryside towards Honiton town centre. Combe Wood is located near Honiton and is a woodland area with an easy walk, particularly known for its bluebells when they bloom in May.

Choosing the right base for your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Honiton, it is worth deciding on your preferred mix of activities first. Those interested in culture can focus on museums, the gallery, historic buildings and markets. Anyone who prefers spending time outdoors can choose between the different types of route: the Town Trail is short, while the Roundball Hill Woodland Walk covers 3.4 miles and partly crosses steep terrain. Nature observation, a woodland walk and a town visit can therefore each be planned as separate focuses.

Your arrival options may also play a role when choosing accommodation. Honiton railway station is on the railway line from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids. The rail connection is therefore one of the specific aspects you can consider alongside your preferred experiences when looking for suitable accommodation.

Discover more places

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Honiton, you will find the relevant location pages here: Stoke Gabriel, Ashburton, Little Torrington, Exbourne, Swimbridge, Blackawton, Pennymoor and Croyde.

To the overarching travel overview: Devon.