Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Branscombe
Tucked away in a valley that runs down to a beach on the famous Jurassic Coast, there is a timeless magic about this old village
Seaton, Devon, EX12 3DB
Important notice
The Old Bakery is now open on Wednesday to Saturday, from 10.00 to 16.00. It is a rural craft hub, farm shop and offers simple refreshments.
Opening times for 2 July 2025
Asset Opening time Old Bakery 10:00 - 16:00 Countryside Dawn - Dusk Mill 13:00 - 16:00 Forge 09:00 - 16:30 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Car park
Small National Trust Car park available free of charge to National Trust members. This car park has only 6 spaces and is often full. Alternative parking available next door in the Village Hall car park, donations in the well please.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome on leads in Old Bakery garden, orchard, beach and wider countryside.
- Pub
There are 2 pubs in Branscombe Village: The Masons Arms and The Fountain Head.
- Tea-room
Old Bakery tea rooms serve a selection of freshly baked pastries, hot drinks and light lunch options. Please check the opening times section of the website for up to date information.
- Toilet
There are public toilets located at the back of the village hall (not National Trust) and when the Old Bakery tea room is open, there are toilets located beside the information centre with one being a disabled access toilet.
Ramp to forge. Step to mill (no parking on site). Mill is accessed on foot along uneven track. Level access to Old Bakery, uneven floor. Accessible toilet available when Old Bakery is open. An easy graded trail with a stoned surface winds down to the beach from the NT car park. At the beach, the path meets a steeply sloping junction, which has a crossfall and meets a concrete sleeping policeman. These factors combine to make this final section potentially challenging for anyone with limited mobility
- Accessible route and/or map
A level stroll to the beach along the valley is available as part of the discover Branscombe trail. Follow the trail from the National Trust car park to the beach, approx 0.7miles / 1.2km.
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large print information scrapbooks about the Old Bakery, Branscombe Village, the Beach and Manor Mill are available in the information room, near to the NT car park.
- Level access to food outlet
Gravel surfaced path to the Old Bakery tea rooms.
- Level access/terrain
A level footpath path follows the valley from the car park to the beach. Other countryside walks in the area, following the South West Coast path, involve some steep climbs and steps.
- Seating available
Picnic benches are available for visitors to use along the footpath to the beach and in the orchard. Two wheelchair-accessible picnic benches are located along the level footpath to the beach. A chair is available in the Information Room.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Uneven and grassed terrain on footpaths through Branscombe Orchard. The coast path can be joined at Branscombe beach which is a steep incline in both East and West direction. The coast path is an unsurfaced grass and mud path.
- By road
Off A3052, signposted Branscombe. Narrow lanes not suitable for large motor homes or caravans.
Parking: Small car park next to Old Forge (donations welcome); car park next to village hall (not National Trust: donation). Please note: by the beach is a private Pay & Display car park that is not National Trust, charging restrictions apply.
- By bus
The Axe Vale Mini-travel bus 899 serves Branscombe between Sidmouth and Seaton. View the 899 AVMT timetable here.
- Cycling
Cycle access is by road. Sustrans long distance cycle route 2 passes through Branscombe village.
- On foot
South West Coast Path within ¾ mile.
- By train
Honiton, 8 miles.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Branscombe with your dog
Find out about visiting Branscombe with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. Branscombe is a two pawprint rated place.
Article
Things to do in Branscombe
Branscombe is part of the Jurassic Coast, but Branscombe has more than just the beach to explore. Discover the 18th-century forge and Manor Mill, restored and in full working order.
Article
Accessibility at Branscombe
Branscombe village is tucked away in a valley that runs down to a beach on the famous Jurassic Coast. By car, the village is accessed along a narrow network of lanes. There are toilets, visitor information and a café in the village near the main car parking areas. There is a toilet with level access. Visitors can follow a 1km relatively level, accessible walking/wheeling route to the beach from the National Trust car park.
Highlights
Coastal walks
Miles of footpaths through woodland, farmland, beach and on clifftops. Level walk to beach.
Forge
The working forge was built in the 18th century and is believed to be the oldest in Devon. Simon Hall is the resident blacksmith.
Watermill
A restored, working, 19th-century watermill. Open every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon from 06 April until late October. No admission fee.
Bakery
A stone-built thatched building, previously the village bakery, with an original collection of baking equipment.
Beach
Pebble beach with some rock pools at low tide.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do in Branscombe
Branscombe is part of the Jurassic Coast, but Branscombe has more than just the beach to explore. Discover the 18th-century forge and Manor Mill, restored and in full working order.
Top trails
Trail
Branscombe to Beer coastal walk
Enjoy this scenic coastal walk in Devon, taking in the seaside village of Beer and Branscombe beach, where you can still see the anchor of MSC Napoli which grounded there in 2007.
Trail
Branscombe village walk
A short circular walk around the historic, beautiful village of Branscombe in Devon.
Trail
Branscombe historic walk
Discover the history of Branscombe village on this short circular walk, taking in a watermill and orchards, with links to a little-known Welsh saint and Queen Victoria's wedding, and an optional detour to the beach.
Places to stay
Forge Cottage
A real chocolate box cottage with a thatched roof and lots of original features like an inglenook fireplace.
Shute Barton
Dine in style or explore the grounds at this impressive manor stay.
Upcoming events
Event
Branscombe Heritage Guided Walk
A free, 1km guided walk through part of the beautiful village of Branscombe. A fascinating journey through time, exploring the village’s rich history, including tales of ghosts, ancient sarcophagi, and smuggling.
About Branscombe
Nestling in a valley that reaches down to the sea on east Devon’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, the village of Branscombe is surrounded by picturesque countryside with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach. Branscombe's charming thatched houses, working forge and restored watermill add to the timeless magic of the place.
An easy graded trail winds up from the beach to the village passing Manor Mill, the Old Bakery tea-room and the working forge. For the more adventurous join the coast path and wander around Beer, once a notorious smuggling centre, or explore eastwards and discover wild dramatic cliffs and steep, green valleys.
Livestock may be grazing the farmland, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
History
Article
The history of Branscombe
From 19th century smuggling to cliff farming on the Weston Plats, there's plenty of history to discover at Branscombe, more recently including the salvaging of the Napoli in 2007.
Article
Edith Pratt's history and legacy in Exmouth
A private woman with an incredible story, Edith Pratt was a pioneering figure who dedicated her career to supporting women’s rights.
Our work
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Man Sands Marsh near Branscombe has started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out about other nearby places that have benefitted.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at Branscombe
Find out what kind of volunteer roles are on offer at Branscombe and how to apply if you’re interested in joining the team.