Nestled in the heart of East Devon lies the picturesque town of Ottery St Mary, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, this charming hidden gem beckons with its timeless beauty and rich tapestry of experiences.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you wander along the banks of the River Otter, where the gentle babbling of water melds with lush green hills. Explore the streets of independent shops and historic buildings, each with its own story to tell.
For the adventurous soul, Ottery St Mary offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from exhilarating hikes across the rugged countryside to leisurely cycle rides through scenic trails. Lose yourself in the breathtaking views of the East Devon Natural Landscape, where every turn unveils a new view to behold.
But it’s not just nature that captivates in Ottery St Mary. Delve into its rich heritage and cultural heritage, from ancient churches steeped in history to lively festivals celebrating local traditions.
And when the day is done, indulge in the warm hospitality of the locals and savour the delicious flavours of Devonshire cuisine in charming pubs and eateries.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Ottery St Mary promises an unforgettable escape.
W hat ha PP ens in ottery st M ary
1. Tar Barrels: Ottery St Mary is famous for its unique Tar Barrel event, which takes places annually on 5th November. Crowds pour into the town to watch the spectacle of flaming barrels of tar carried by “rollers” racing through the streets, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
2. Pixie Day: This unique celebration takes place in June. It commemorates the legend of pixies being banished from the town. The event involves children dressed as pixies re-enacting the legend and capturing the town’s bell ringers. Festivities continue on Land of Canaan.
3. Ottery St Mary Food & Families Festival: This Festival usually takes place in September and celebrates local food and drink producers. It includes live music and has plenty of activities for all the family.
4. The Ottery St. Mary Carnival: The carnival typically takes place in October. It features a parade of illuminated floats, dancers and other entertainers winding their way through the streets.
5. Christmas Lights Switch On: Ottery St Mary holds this event at the end of November to mark the start of the festive season. The evening includes a procession of flaming torches carol singing and the Christmas lights switchon. The event coincides with late night shopping throughout the town and features festive stalls, live music along with a Christmas tree festival.
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ottery tar Barrels
The annual Tar Barrel event is the most famous tradition in Ottery St Mary. Tar Barrels takes place on the 5th November (unless that falls on a Sunday), where visitors will see flaming tar barrels being carried through the streets on the shoulders of brave locals.
There are many theories as to the start of this ancient tradition, ranging from pagan fertility rites through to the burning of barrels to fumigate the public houses, but it is mainly connected with remembrance of the Gunpowder Plot on 5th November.
Each barrel is coated in layers of tar throughout the year and then lit, one after the other, when local people, who have spent the year preparing for this moment, hoist them onto their shoulders and race through the crowds for as long as possible until they must hand it over to the next ‘barreller’.
Ottery Tar Barrels is a unique experience and attracts large crowds. Signs throughout the town remind you that you visit at your own risk!.
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Pixie Day
In June, the town celebrates the banishing of the “pesky” pixies with a family friendly festival.
Legend has it that pixies were once present in Ottery. These small mythical creatures were very mischievous but not mean. They could not understand the necessity for building large stone buildings, such as churches but accepted them. However, they could not deal with the noise of bells. They were horrified when they heard the plans to install bells in St Mary’s church. Monks were carrying the bells to the church, when the pixies put a spell on the monks. This caused the monks to walk straight past the church and towards the sea. One of the monks trod on a thistle, he cried out, the spell was broken and the bells installed. On Midsummer’s Day, the pixies’ then tried to capture the bell ringers and imprison them in a cave by the River Otter known as Pixies’ Parlour. The bell ringers escaped, made their way back to town and the pixies were exiled.
Children from the local Guide and Scout groups dress up as pixies and reenact the capturing of the bell ringers. Pixie Day is an all-day event with traditional stalls, live music, food and entertainers at Land of Canaan. Pixie Day takes place on the Saturday closest to Midsummer’s Day.
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a tale through ti M e
Ottery St Mary is one of the oldest parish towns in Devon. In the year 963, King Edgar was gifted Ottery. Later, Edward the Confessor handed over the whole parish to the Dean and Chapter of Rouen Cathedral in France. Ottery gets a mention in the Domesday Book, referenced as Otri.
The town has a number of historic buildings particularly the parish church of St Mary, described as one of the best churches in Britain. Bishop John de Grandisson commissioned the church, as an imitation of Exeter Cathedral. Building work was completed in 1345.
Inside visitors will find a number of remarkable features, including a glorious fan vaulted ceiling, 14th century astronomical clock and a variety of animal carvings throughout, including an elephant carved on one of the pillars.
For more recent town history, follow the town’s Blue Plaque trail that includes Ottery’s most famous resident, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Coleridge was to become one of the founding members of the Romantic Movement in England. Visitors can view the recently commissioned statue of the poet in the grounds of the church.
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ottery s t Mary, W il D at heart
Ottery St Mary offers the perfect opportunity to get up close with nature, whether that’s the natural flora and fauna we’re so lucky to be surrounded by, or the wildlife that calls our parish home. Enjoy a gentle stroll beside the beautiful River Otter and perhaps you will be lucky enough to say hello to the resident otters and beavers unique to the area.
There are countless more trails and routes to discover in our National Landscapes (formerly AONB). Ottery is surrounded by delightful countryside with an extensive network of footpaths. Keen walkers can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, beaches and the South West Coast Path. The local area also provides opportunities for cyclists on leafy lanes as well as off road tracks.
For those who prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach to nature, try your hand at fishing, or get green fingered at one of the nearby specialist and diverse garden centres. Or, if a laid back afternoon spent exploring beautiful gardens is more your
pace, head to nearby Escot Park. Children will be delighted to find a magnificent maze here, plus a wildlife park where you will see wolves, bears, red squirrels and a host of other animals. It’s a great family day out.
The River Otter has a healthy population of otters. The river is also home to England’s first population of native wildliving beavers. Walkers along the river may glimpse otters swimming. The beavers can be more elusive, however, signs can be found of their existence along the river. Birds regularly seen on the river include little egrets, dippers, herons, swans and ducks including goosanders. Whilst soaring above you, will often see buzzards, kestrels and red kites. If you enjoy fishing, the River Otter is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
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Discover the heart of e ast Devon
Ottery St Mary is the perfect base for a quiet retreat or for a day visit. Ottery is centrally located, giving you easy access to the best that East Devon has to offer.
The beaches of the Jurassic Coast are a short drive away, while country houses, wildlife and adventure parks, nature walks and more are all on the doorstep.
Ottery St Mary is peaceful enough for visitors to feel miles from the hustle and bustle of the world yet it is connected to many popular tourist spots. Exeter airport is just 8 miles away while the nearby A30 is a major link to the rest of the county.
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Places to s tay
Whether you are looking for a cottage, a campsite or something more luxurious, you will find a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference in Ottery St Mary. Charming cottages offer an ideal setting for a hideaway, where you can escape from the world and indulge in a truly relaxing break. With an abundance of green space, you’ll find plenty of farm stays and camping and glamping opportunities, giving you something a little more unusual.
If you’re planning a break in Ottery St Mary, make sure to book in plenty of time, especially if your visit coincides with some of the larger events like the Tar Barrels.
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t hings to D o
With lovely walks, fascinating historical buildings, a host of events and plenty of popular attractions nearby, there are plenty of things to do in and around Ottery St Mary.
The shopping streets have a host of independent shops where you can find one of a kind treasures, locally made crafts and artisan produce. Ottery has a wide range of independent retailers, many family owned, that provide a warm, friendly welcome to locals and visitors alike.
There are several independent pubs in town, where you can often catch live music events. The popular Heritage Museum
f oo
celebrates the rich social and cultural history of Ottery St Mary covering 2,000 years. The fascinating displays and exhibits provide a window on Ottery’s literary links, the famous Tar Barrels and the town’s role in the English Civil War.
While the town’s walks, cycle routes and attractions, give you several options to keep you entertained while in Ottery St Mary.
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D an D Drink in ottery s t Mary
Wherever you go in East Devon you will find a fabulous range of places full of locally sourced food and drink. In Ottery St Mary, you will find pubs serving great food alongside local ales, beers, ciders and even Flaming Barrel gin. Ottery also has a wide range of eating options including cafés, restaurants, take away and farm shops
Ottery has great cafés and tearooms where visitors can find a wide range of menu options including the traditional Devon cream tea. Don’t forget, it’s cream
first, then jam on your scones, that’s the Devon way!
Ottery is also home to the Ottery St Mary Food & Families Festival, an annual event where you can enjoy a real celebration of farm shops and local producers. This is where you can take home a true taste of Devon.
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Dog frien D ly ottery s t Mary
East Devon is the perfect destination for a break with your dog. There are a host of countryside walks and nearby beaches making Ottery very dog friendly.
Across the region you’ll find dog friendly properties and, as many are independently run, you may find special offers and last minute deals. Many of Ottery’s pubs and cafés welcome dogs too.
However, don’t forget to clean up after your dog and please leave your poo bags in the many bins provided or take them home with you.
Some beaches near Ottery are happy for dogs to visit all year round while there are restrictions on others. Make sure to check the local signage.
Please be aware of wildlife and other animals. We have lots of open space in Ottery, which is home to a variety of wild animals and bird life and of course farm animals too, so please keep your dogs under control while exploring, particularly during the nesting season.
Remember the Countryside Code:
Respect Everyone
• be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
• leave gates and property as you find them
• do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
• be nice, say hello, share the space
• follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment
• take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
• do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
• always keep dogs under control and in sight
• dog poo – bag it and bin it in any public waste bin or take it home
• care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors
• check your route and local conditions
• plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
• enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Where everyone’s
W elco M e
Visit Ottery St Mary and you will be welcomed. Whether you’re staying a few nights or just popping by for an hour or two you’ll get a great reception.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel at home. Young, old, those travelling alone and those looking for a romantic break. The town’s safe feel and community spirit makes every visitor feel at home.
Step into any of the town’s independent shops and you’ll find people happy to help you. Take a seat in a café and watch the world go by. It is this relaxing atmosphere that brings people back to Ottery again and again.
From family trips to days out there is plenty for everyone in Ottery St Mary.
s ustaina B ility
Ottery St Mary is a town that prides itself on its heritage and as we also look forward to the future, we have a great focus on sustainability.
East Devon is one of the most beautiful and geologically important places in the UK. It is home to not only the National Landscape (AONB) but also the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast.
Ways that you can help
• Recycle where you can and use reusable items
• Pick up any rubbish you might see while out and about, or join in a beach clean.
• Only have BBQs in specially designated areas
• Respect the community by sticking to public rights of way, keep dogs on leads, do not block driveways or access gates and stay off private land
• Follow signs and guidelines at beaches and others sites
• Respect local wildlife and farm animals by not disturbing nests or allowing dogs or children to bother the animals
• Follow the Countryside Code
• Check tide times and follow advice about rockfalls and water safety.
It’s easy being green!
You can make your holiday memorable while still lowering your carbon footprint. Simply make sure to shop locally and use public transport where you can and plan your trip around green accredited businesses.
Find out more about sustainable holidays in East Devon, scan here.
a Walkers’ Para D ise
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Devon, Ottery St Mary offers walkers a tapestry of trails that weave through the heart of England’s breathtaking countryside. This charming town with its rich history and vibrant natural beauty serves as the perfect start point for explorations on foot. Take a stroll along the River Otter or follow one of the more challenging trails up East Hill where you will be presented with panoramic views of Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast. Each route promises an immersive experience with the chance to encounter local wildlife, discover hidden historical gems and revel in the beauty of Devon’s flora.
Whether you’re a seasoned rambler or a casual walker, the footpaths around Ottery invite you to step into a world where every footpath tells a story and every walk encounters a new area of this enchanting region.
Why not enjoy the following walks
Pixie Parlour Walk White Cross Circular Walk
Coleridge Link Circular Walk
River Otter Walk
g etting to ottery s t Mary
Ottery St Mary is one of those places that feels as if it’s off the beaten track but is actually well connected. It is located just over 3 hours by train from London and not far from the M5 and the A30. Exeter Airport is just 8 miles away.
Travelling by train
There are two nearby stations, Feniton and Honiton. You’ll find various transport options from Honiton to connect you to Ottery St Mary.
Travelling by car
The A30 gives easy access to the town while the M5 is only 15 minutes away.
Travelling by air
Exeter airport is just 8 miles from Ottery St Mary and offers both domestic and international flight connections.
