If you’re hankering for a day under the sun along the stunning Jurassic Coast, you’ll find no shortage of spots to lay your towel.
But there’s one little-known seaside gem that locals reckon is often overlooked by tourists and they’re not entirely displeased about it.
Tucked away in East Devon lies Seaton, nestled between the tourist magnets of Sidmouth and Lyme Regis. Even the nearby fishing village of Beer tends to steal the limelight with its charming boutiques and idyllic beach vistas.
Victoria Moorey, who works at Coastal Craft Collective just a stone’s throw from the seafront, said: “People bypass us because they don’t know that we’re even here. Sidmouth’s on the map, Lyme’s on the map and nobody knows about little Seaton in the middle. It is a hidden gem. We’re all independent businesses, we’ve got so much that goes on.
“We get accused of being a tiny town but that’s the thing, we are a small town with a huge beach, a great community and a big heart.”
Despite Seaton boasting a pebble-strewn shore, the beach is normally thronged with sun worshippers, swimmers, paddleboarders, and ramblers, all eager to bask in the glorious sunshine.
According to Victoria, Seaton’s status as a lesser-known seaside gem has been its saving grace. While she’s all for more investment, she believes the town has avoided the influx of second homeowners that can disrupt local economies, maintaining a stable community throughout the year.
She explained: “It’s a working town with visitors. It’s nice and quiet but gets busier in the summer. We’re not a town that closes down. We stay open all year round. We’re not subject to loads of second homeowners like a lot of Devon towns are so it stays the same all year round.”
In recent years, Seaton’s Esplanade has shown signs of neglect, particularly with the Hook and Parrott pub falling into disrepair and the stalled redevelopment of the unsightly Fosseway Court flats complex.
However, the tide is turning for this cherished seafront. The revamp of Fosseway Court is in motion, alongside the construction of a new block of flats nestled between two existing buildings, and plans are set to demolish the old pub to make way for modern apartments and a restaurant.
Victoria told DevonLive: “It will improve it because it was a very old 70s eyesore. Walking past, the blocks were a little bit tired. That’s a huge amount of investment coming in and then we’re just waiting for the pub next door to be developed. That will make a massive difference.”
There’s a charm that extends beyond its picturesque beachfront, with locals brimming with pride and love for Seaton.
Lindsey Macdougall from the Paperchain gift shop, said: “It’s a very friendly town, everybody knows everybody. It takes a while to come to work in the morning when you have a little gossip here and there.”
“We’re a bit like Marmite; you either love us or you hate us. There’s not the big shops, it’s a very quiet town but it’s a very sociable town.”
Since moving to Seaton in 1991, Lindsey has witnessed considerable changes. The high street still boasts a variety of independent shops, yet she notes a shift in trade towards larger retailers such as the Tesco Superstore.
Lindsey remarked: “With bigger shops coming in, the trade has gone towards one side so it’s had a little bit of an impact because there used to be all the banks, dry cleaners, fruit and veg shops, butchers. But there are a lot of shops opening up.”
Not far off, Matt Bowker at Taste of Devon Butchers champions the traditional businesses: “It’s a lovely place to live, people are friendly, there’s a good community spirit.
“We get a nice local trade throughout the whole year and then when the tourists and holidaymakers come down, it does pick up for us. It’s amazing footfall, especially when the sun’s shining.”
“There are a few shops around that are vacant at the moment and they keep swapping and changing but generally we’re keeping things open. It is hard times.”