Honiton hotels and self catering cottage accommodation in Honiton

Devon » Honiton accommodation

Honiton, best known for its pottery, glove making (no, not love making!) and lace, has now become a favourite spot for the commerce of old books and antiques, with roughly 30 dedicated shops and auction houses. This market town, located in South-East Devon, hosts a good variety of cafés, restaurants and accommodation options, from the luxurious to the self-catering, making a perfect place from which to discover this region.

Allhallow's Museum of Lace and Antiquities is not only Honiton's oldest building, but also a place where one can learn all about the local history, and especially about the well-known Honiton lace. For centuries, lace making has been the town's main source of wealth. Quite a demanding craft, even small laces require skill, accuracy and concentration, which the women would find sitting outside their houses in broad daylight. Queen Victoria's wedding dress' laces were made locally.

After terrible fires in the 18th century, much of Honiton was devastated and had to be rebuilt. Nowadays, this beautiful and wealthy town lives mainly off agriculture and holds an annual Agricultural Show, as well as an interesting music and arts Festival and a Carnival. Street markets are still held twice a week.

The surrounding farmland is of good quality, and gets its water from the River Otter, while many sharp hills stand between Honiton and the sea, filled with beautiful sights and interesting villages. The large fort of Hembury Castle, nearby, dates back to the Neolithic Age, and was reused in the Iron Age. Not far from here, lie both Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, as well as Exeter, making this a great point from where to explore the region.