Location: Honiton
Top Things to do in Honiton
What to do and see in Honiton, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Honiton (/ˈhʌnitən/ or /ˈhɒnitən/) is a market town and civil parish in East Devon, situated close to the River Otter, 17 miles (27 km) north east of Exeter in the county of Devon. Honiton has a population estimated at 11,822 (based on mid-year estimates for the two Honiton Wards in 2009).
Restaurants in Honiton
1. Allhallows Museum of Lace and Antiquities
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
In the town famous for lace making, Allhallows Museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton Lace in the world. Displays in two galleries feature exquisite examples of 16th to early 20th century Honiton lace. There are displays covering a huge range of local history topics including the Honiton hippo, metal detecting, wartime memorabilia, highly collectable Honiton Pottery, and a Victorian dolls house. The museum is packed with information and activities for all ages and interests. There are activities to amuse the children - a choice of four ( free) children's quiz sheets are available, with a guaranteed prize on completion, plus, puzzles and an opportunity for everyone to try lace making. Honiton lace making demonstrations are held by volunteers on Mondays to Fridays throughout June, July and August.
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
Monday afternoon 12th June, we were in Honiton and we discovered this museum which is situated off the High Street along the side of St Pauls Church.
We were not expecting a great deal and this was going to be a quick visit, however we were very pleasantly surprised and stayed a lot long than anticipated.
We were greeted as we entered by a Museum worker, we were given a free paper guide to the Museum, we were also told about certain highlights to look for on our way around.
The main section of the Museum has an amazing ceiling, take a few minutes to look up when walking around. At one end of the Museum is a large, plain glass, church window. There is even more to see up the stairs on the small mezzanine floor.
During our walk around we encountered a lady who was actually making lace and she kindly took us through the process and explained what was involved. It was a really interesting demonstration and a really delightful lady.
Near by the lace maker there were a series drawers with large trays which housed items of Honiton lace, some were over 400 years old absolutely amazing.
In one of the other rooms there are article, of lace, that were worn by Queen Victoria during her mourning following the death of Prince Albert.
The Museum houses the most comprehensive collection on Honiton Lace in the world.
There is a lot of military memorabilia display as well as prehistoric bones of the "Honiton Hippo"
Also on display was a Jabbot (ornamental collar) and cuffs, in Honiton lace, that are worn by the Speaker of the House of Commons. The current Speaker does not wear the ceremonial lace items so they have been returned to the Museum.
There is no admission fee to the Museum, however donations and gratuities are gratefully received, which help run and maintain the Museum which is a registered Charity.
Overall this visit was an absolute joy, really interesting and packed full with wonderful artifacts on display.The staff were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
2. Thelma Hulbert Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Thelma Hulbert Gallery is an award-winning public art gallery, hosting contemporary art Exhibitions as well as a permanent collection of artist Thelma Hulbert's paintings. Perfect for rainy days, THG has a stunning ground floor gallery space (formerly Thelma's studio), a dedicated Learning Room with art & craft materials for kids, a Project Space, a shop and refreshments area. Disabled access and lift, disabled parking. Fun activities and workshops during term-time and holidays to entertain the family. See our website for dates and times. Awarded GOLD for 'Accessibility & Inclusivity' by Visit Devon.
Reviewed By Jurassictraveller - Devon
This is centrally located in Honiton, so easy to find parking. Also very accessible to less mobile visitors. Have been to several Exhibitions, my favourite was their one that brought art and dementia together. Might sound weird, but if you know a dementia suffered it was amazing. They also participate in the Devon Art festival where you can buy great paintings from local artists
3. Upottery Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
WW2 Heritage Centre. Narrative, video, photographs and artefacts tell the story of this airfiel's role in D-Day. Also Band of Brothers.
Reviewed By Glamrockchick - Exeter, United Kingdom
On a return visit I was disappointed to see that everything had changed. It had been refurbished, repainted (wrong colours, I believe) and seemed to be lacking in original artifacts (lots of reproduction items). Shame, it used to be so much better
4. The Playdome
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 81 reviews
Fantastic childrens indoor play centre in the heart of Honiton. Great for rainy days, school holidays or if you just have an hour to kill or some energy to expend! - Plenty of outdoor parking - Freshly brewed tea and coffee, cakes and healthy meal options - Comfortable Seating, free wifi and widescreen TV - Exclusive Hair and Beauty Salon upstairs away from the excitement downstairs - Reasonable prices for the level of fun your little ones will have - Suitable for 0-12 years - Available for parties - Bronze, Silver or Gold packages available to suit every budget - Face painting, pass the parcel, pinatas, etc - Anything your little one could want on their special day
Reviewed By Amanda F - Honiton, United Kingdom
I understand it is a business and obviously they can not give away things...however when other people have been let into the place with a voucher and you then show yours and they refuse because the (same) voucher is out of date that is disgusting. They are only interested in how much money they can get out of the parents, staff unfriendly and the place is filthy...I doubt very much if the floors had been cleaned since the summer. The equipment is tired and they "helpfully" put machines around the Seating area which all require money so you have very sad children who are not able to play with half the equipment unless you add to the already expensive day out for them to go on the rides. Avoid and go to pecorama or Ocean in Exmouth where its clean and friendly!!! Also everything in the playdome is free once you've paid entry rather than you having to continuously pay for everything...even the signs are unfriendly!!!
5. Honiton Bottom Community Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
This site supports a wide range of common plants and wild creatures. Honiton Bottom Community Nature Reserve is about a mile from the bustling centre of the market town of Honiton. Situated at the southernmost tip of the town, this site offers close up views of some common but none the less enthralling species of wildlife. There is a wild play trail for children and a surfaced path.
Reviewed By Paul S - Devon, United Kingdom
This nature reserve on the outskirts of Honiton is great for families and dog walkers. The conservation projects are ongoing but it is still well maintained and worth a visit, we visit on a regular basis.
6. St Pauls Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By David D - Devon, United Kingdom
The proud old church is situated half way down the High Street in Honiton and it towers above all around it.
Outside the Church, at the front is the War Memorial.
We entered the Church in to a vestibule room, with a balcony on either side, looks like it was once part of the Church but the was sectioned off for other uses.
Inside the main Church there were balconies on either side, we looked down the aisle towards the altar with the colourful stained glass windows behind.
When we visited the church had been decorated for Christmas which added to its charm. It was good to step inside the Church, away from the hussle and bustle of the High Street, and take some time to reflect and enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful calm place.
7. Dunkeswell Airfield Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
RAF Coastal Command operating with USAAF and US Navy in the persuit of U Boats during the Battle of The Atlantic. A unique collection of photographs showing the daily lives and Missions as well as many WW2 artefacts. Toilets and restaurant next door at the Aviator Restaurant.
Reviewed By Debbie Q - Bridgwater, England, United Kingdom
We visited here and was very well documented, with artefacts and photos, together with much written about the airfield's history during the Second World War telling you about how the planes flown from Dunkeswell were involved in the U Boats enario.
Above all the volunteer was interesting to listen to. It is free admission, but a donation box is on the shelf, If in the area call in. However it closes from the end of November until Easter time.
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