Discover Otterton on the River Otter

Otterton combines trails along the River Otter with a long milling history and the Church of St Michael. When choosing a hotel for your stay, you can consider whether you mainly want to go walking, observe nature or discover traces of history. These different themes are reflected in both a specific riverside route and the history of the church and mill.

Walking along the River Otter

The River Otter Circular Walk starts at Otterton Mill in Otterton. Following the riverbank, it passes through meadows rich in birdlife and reed beds to the pebble beach at Budleigh Salterton. The route therefore takes you through a sequence of riverside scenery, meadows and reed beds to a named beach destination. If you are looking for a specific walk, this gives you more guidance than a general reference to walking trails: the start and destination of the described route are named. Before setting out, check the current route information for the starting point at Otterton Mill.

Otterton also has numerous walking trails where you can explore the surrounding countryside. Public footpaths run along the riverbank both upstream and downstream of the village. These paths offer another way to explore the riverside landscape; by contrast, the River Otter Circular Walk follows the route described as far as the pebble beach at Budleigh Salterton.

Beavers and nature watching

Beavers are regularly spotted in the area around Otterton. Their activity is often greatest south of the village, but sightings are not guaranteed every year and vary by season. You should therefore not count on seeing them as a fixed part of your itinerary. If you do not see any beavers near the village, it is worth walking upstream. Follow current local access guidance.

When planning, it is worth bearing in mind the difference between the paths and the possible sightings: public footpaths run along the riverbank upstream and downstream of Otterton, while beaver watching depends on the season and whether they are spotted. This lets you plan a riverside walk without counting on a particular wildlife experience.

Church of St Michael and Otterton Mill

The Church of St Michael is a Grade II*-listed parish church in Otterton. Its tower dates from the late 11th century and is a remnant of a priory that belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of Mont St Michel in Normandy. The church building thus links a specific date with a historic connection across the English Channel.

Otterton Mill offers another way to explore the village’s history: a working mill has been there since at least Norman times. The old mill machinery is shown on a self-guided tour, while the waterwheel remains in motion. Check before your trip whether the tour is still available. Unlike the history of the parish church, Otterton Mill focuses on its long milling tradition and the opportunity to see it up close.

Otterton Mill Farm Shop

Otterton Mill’s Farm Shop sells freshly baked goods and deli items made on site each day. The selection may change. If you are planning to visit the shop, bear in mind that some items may not always be available. The Farm Shop adds a specific offering of locally made food to Otterton’s historical and landscape attractions.

Discover more destinations: Sampford Courtenay, Outer Hope, Lynmouth, Newton Abbot, Woolfardisworthy, Stoke Gabriel, Ashprington, Tawstock

For the broader travel overview: Devon.