- Seaton Wetlands – view the birdlife… the modern dinosaurs!
Seaton Wetlands serves as a vital habitat for a variety of species, including birds, amphibians, and insects. Its expansive mosaic of reedbeds, wetlands, and woodlands makes it a paradise for those keen to see wildlife in their natural environment.
Though Seaton Wetlands itself isn’t known for being a fossil hotspot, the area’s proximity to the Jurassic Coast means that it’s likely that some fossils could be buried beneath the land. Imagine walking through the wetlands, knowing that underneath your feet, the bones of long-extinct creatures from the age of the dinosaurs could lie undisturbed.
Key Features for Seaton Wetlands:
- The Wetlands: Perfect for birdwatching. The Wetlands are home to many species of waterfowl. During the winter months, waders and wildfowl migrate to Seaton, making it a hotspot for bird enthusiasts.
- The Reedbed: The tall reeds create an intricate web of habitat for countless insects, amphibians, and small mammals. Dragonflies and damselflies flit through the air, adding a touch of colour to the landscape.
- The Viewing Platforms: Several viewing platforms dot the Wetlands area, allowing you to take in stunning views while spotting wildlife from a safe distance.
The surrounding area has been a hotbed for palaeontological discoveries, and some of the fossils found in nearby cliffs date back more than 200 million years. During the Triassic period, much of what is now Devon was covered by warm, shallow seas. These conditions allowed for the preservation of a variety of prehistoric creatures, from small reptiles to ancient fish.
- Play Parks and Gardens
Around Seaton are various play parks, big and small and suited for all ages. Perfect for when the kids need to burn off some energy! Many of them have picnic benches so you can sit and enjoy while they play. Plenty of car parking. When riding the Tram, Colyton Station also has a play area so children can play and parents can chill.
Cliff Field Gardens is the biggest garden area in Seaton. There are a number of picnic benches dotted around the Gardens. An ideal place to visit, have a stroll around, have a picnic and enjoy cliff views back along the Town and towards Beer Head. You can take a pop up tent, small games, fly kites, all for the enjoyment of your children.
Located at the Cliff Field Gardens, discover the Labyrinth. Constructed to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the town, its 11 circuits and 60 feet diameter reveal 185 million years of evolution. Running alongside the path in Cliff Field Gardens is the town’s geological timeline. This was created by Seaton Town Council, in partnership with Devon County Council and Fields in Trust. The timeline tells the story of the earth, beginning with the formation of the planet many millions of years ago, the evolution of life from its earliest stages to the emergence of humans. Cliff Field Gardens also leads to one of Britain’s longest and most popular national trails – South West Coast Path.
Eugene Birchall / Seaton: Labyrinth in Cliff Fields / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Seaton Beach
Unlike some of Devon’s sandier beaches, Seaton Beach is primarily shingle and pebble, which means it’s clean, rarely overcrowded, and ideal for long strolls along the shore. The water is clear and calm, making it great for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the summer months. On cooler days, it’s just as lovely to wrap up warm and enjoy a bracing walk along the esplanade, watching waves roll in against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs.
Families love Seaton Beach because it’s safe and spacious. In the summer a 85m beach track goes down which makes it wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible. There’s even a dedicated dog-friendly section in the summer, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun too.
For walkers and hikers, Seaton Beach is the starting point of some fantastic coastal trails. Head west towards Beer Head and Branscombe for dramatic cliff-top paths and breathtaking views, or east towards Axmouth for a gentler stroll with estuary views. You can try water sports, or hop on a tram at Seaton Tramway for a unique journey inland to Colyford and Colyton.
No seaside trip is complete without ice cream, and Seaton has plenty of spots to grab a cone! You’ll find family-friendly cafés and takeaways along the promenade and in the town, great for a picnic on the beach or a quick bite between activities.
Matt Prosser
- Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway hosts special events and experience tram rides perfect for children, like The Dinosaur Tram Adventure, Story Tram, Pirate Tram and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride starting at the end of November up until Christmas Eve. Seaton Tramway has a dedicated stop called Seaton Wetlands Halt that provides access to the Seaton Wetlands nature reserve. It’s a stop along the Tramway’s route, allowing visitors to easily access the Wetlands and to enjoy its trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Seaton Wetlands offers a variety of features including bird hides, a Discovery Hut (seasonal opening hours), and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks.
Take a look: https://www.tram.co.uk/events
- Jurassic Discovery – Dinosaur Themed Soft Play, Café and Exhibition.
In early 2024, Seaton Tramway finalised the purchase of the former Seaton Jurassic building, with a vision to reimagine it as a state of the art, dinosaur discovery centre based on the Jurassic Coast. The doors opened with a new soft play area and café, offering families a fun, dinosaur-themed space for little explorers to climb, play, and refuel. Jurassic Discovery launched “The Last Day of the Dinosaurs”, an immersive animatronic exhibition that plunges visitors into the dramatic final moments of the dinosaur era.
The adventure doesn’t stop indoors. In July 2025, Jurassic Discovery unveiled its expanded Jurassic Garden, featuring a dinosaur dig zone, bamboo maze, and an educational covered space for activities, workshops, and school visits. This development was generously supported by £88,600 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund under the “Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present” project.
Continue the fun into the Dinosaur cafe and soft play. The Café is the perfect spot to grab a delicious drink or bite to eat during your visit. Access to the Café is exclusively for guests with Soft Play session tickets, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing space for families to unwind. Enjoy the tasty menu outside on the Jurassic Patio, via the café hatch or in the Jurassic Garden.
- Amusement Arcade
Tucked along the charming seafront of Seaton, the arcade is a vibrant hub where the chime of coin machines, laughter of kids, and the glow of neon lights create a nostalgic haven being only a stone’s throw away from the pebbly beach. Though somewhat hidden among the town’s more renowned attractions- like the Seaton Tramway or the Jurassic Coast, this arcade offers pure, unfiltered classic fun.
Even though it’s a small arcade, there are plenty of machines for children to use as well as adults! It’s an all‑weather destination too, perfect for when the Devon drizzle rolls in, or the sun lifts and you want to balance beach time with indoor fun.
Explore the seafront shops and cafés, combined with a ride along the Seaton Tramway, for a day of discovery!
- Manor Farm (Caravan Park)
Although it is a Caravan park, anyone can visit for free to see the small variety of farm animals and venture around the big playpark that overlooks Seaton beach and the cliffs. You can take a picnic while enjoying the views! There is a big hill into town, so it is recommended to visit by car. Their toilets and shop are also for all to use, not just those staying at the campsite.
- Crabbing at Axmouth harbour
Located at the eastern end of Seaton beach in the Axe estuary. The best time for crabbing is generally during spring, summer, and early autumn when crabs are more active and closer to shore. Seaton is a popular spot, so it’s worth checking tide times beforehand to ensure you’re crabbing during low tide when crabs are more accessible. There is a small kiosk/cafe on the harbourside.
To enjoy the crabbing, you’ll need:
Crab lines: These are simple lines with a weight and bait.
Bait: Bacon, fish, or even hot dogs can be used as bait.
Bucket: A bucket to hold your catch (remember to return them to the sea afterwards and they must always be kept in sea or river water, never tap water).
Optional: A net to help scoop up crabs that are near the surface.
Axmouth Harbour by Bob Jones
