Honiton - The Town in the Country

One of the traditional 'gateways' to Devonshire, Honiton stands in the South-East of the county on the south side of the River Otter and on the main road and rail routes from London to Exeter. Nestled between two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty its roots go back to the Palaeolithic period when Stone Age hunters made their tools from flint gathered from the river banks nearby.

Throughout the ages, Honiton or Honetone as it was called in Saxon times, has been an important centre for transport and commerce. A series of disastrous fires between 1747 -97 destroyed much of its past but fortunately today the town centre is largely an attractive 18th century townscape.

Originally known for the serge cloth manufactured here, Honiton became famous for its lace, the excellance of which became known the world over. Examples of intricate lace work can be seen in the museum.

With a population in excess of 13,000, Honiton is the shopping centre for a large part of East Devon and the town is packed with quirky and independant retail outlets, as well as more well recognised household names. The town has a burgeoning reputation with growing numbers of specialist antique shops and regular auctions - a popular haunt for bargain hunters and dealers alike. Crowds are also drawn to the twice weekly street market held every Tuesday and Saturday in the High Street, offering even more local produce and crafts.