Discover Seaton: Tramway, Nature and History

Seaton combines a historic narrow-gauge tramway with nature watching in the Wetlands, coastal paths and traces of different eras. The tramway and paths offer a different perspective from Roman finds and visible buildings.

Getting around by tramway

The Seaton Tramway operates narrow-gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. The journey from one end to the other takes half an hour. The Seaton Marshes can also be explored by electric tramway or on foot. This gives you two different ways to discover the Marshes: by tram or on foot.

Part of Seaton’s former railway trackbed is now incorporated into the Seaton Tramway. So, as well as the route between the three towns, a section of former trackbed is also part of the tramway’s history.

Wetlands and birdwatching

Seaton Wetlands Local Nature Reserve has almost four kilometres of level paths and boardwalks, suitable for wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs. Five bird hides add to what the area has to offer. If you’d like to combine nature watching with a walk, the level paths and boardwalks, as well as the hides, offer different ways to enjoy your visit.

Coastal paths and water

From Cliff Field Gardens, you can reach the South West Coast Path. For walkers on the Jurassic Coast section of the path, Seaton’s Tourist Information Centre serves as a stamping point for the walking passport. This gives you a practical way to orient yourself on the coastal path and get your passport stamped: the gardens lead to the path, while the Information Centre is the stamping point for the relevant section.

Seaton Beach is a destination for watersports thanks to its calm waters. Cafés and shops along the seafront offer, among other things, fish and chips and ice cream. Watersports on the beach and the seafront’s offerings provide different ideas for planning your time on the coast.

Geology and history

East of Seaton, you can view fossil-bearing Jurassic rocks in their natural setting. A significant Roman settlement or villa was located on the west side of Seaton. Excavations uncovered mosaics, as well as evidence of a Roman bathhouse and a hypocaust. The geological and archaeological traces have different focuses: here, fossil-bearing rocks take centre stage; there, the Roman past and its finds.

St Gregory’s Church on Colyford Road is one of Seaton’s oldest buildings. Seaton’s Manor House dates from the 16th century and can still be seen on Fore Street. Alongside the Roman finds, the town’s history therefore offers two buildings, each with its own historical context.

Cycling route and traces of wartime

The Stop Line Way is a long-distance cycle route following the line of a wartime defensive line; Seaton is its southern terminus. On the cliff above West Walk, the hexagonal base of a wartime gun emplacement can still be seen. The cycle route and the visible base point to different aspects of this history: a defensive line traced by a route, and a single gun emplacement.

Discover more destinations: Newton Saint Petrock, Shaldon, Drewsteignton, Frithelstock, Woodleigh, Longdown, Bigbury-on-Sea, Lympstone

Back to the main travel overview: Devon.