Having provided a warm welcome to weary travellers and locals alike for centuries, the Kings Arms Otterton could probably tell a story or two; steeped in history, the building is thought to date back to the early 1700s. Thanks to its location, the Kings Arms is popular with walkers enjoying footpaths along the River Otter and the stunning local Jurassic coastline, and the much-loved beaches of Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Ladram Bay are also close at hand.
Locally-Caught Ladram Bay Prawns
Sailing the East Devon Coast
The Jurassic Coast stretches from Orcombe Point, near Exmouth, to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East Dorset. It is the only natural World Heritage Site in England, and the only place on Earth where 185 million years of geological history are clearly visible in dramatic cliffs, coastal stacks, secret coves and sweeping beaches. As you might imagine, the view from the water can be breath-taking (weather permitting!). There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the Jurassic Coast, as it remains an important habitat for many seabirds, as well as seals and sometimes dolphins.
Colour on the Cliff Tops: Thrift
Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a common sight on cliff tops, salt marshes and mountainsides throughout the British Isles. A small, compact plant, it forms clumps of narrow, single-veined leaves above a visible woody rootstock, producing a cushion-like shape. Thrift is a perennial, in bloom in Northern Europe from April to September; the tiny flowers are borne in clusters above each ‘cushion’ by a single greyish-green flower spike, about 6-10 inches tall.
Tumbled Treasures: Sea Glass
Nautical Knots
Rope and knots have been onboard essentials ever since mankind first took to the sea. As seagoing vessels became more sophisticated, mariners used rope for increasingly complicated tasks, from hauling anchors and sails to holding down rigging; ‘knowing the ropes’ was a vital part of life at sea. By natural extension - given the need for ropes to hold fast, whatever the weather - this expertise also extended to skilled knot tying, with each knot fulfilling a particular function.
Mermaids
Of all the characters in sea folklore, the mermaid is perhaps the most beguiling. From ancient Syrian deities and the sirens of Greek myth through to more recent tales, such as Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (subsequently turned into a Disney film) and Helen Dunmore’s popular ‘Ingo’ books today, there has long been a place in worldwide legend for these captivating, sometimes cruel beings.
The Lost Village of Hallsands
On a stormy night in January 1917, the Devon fishing village of Hallsands collapsed into the sea. Miraculously, there were no casualties, but the buildings were all damaged or destroyed, along with the livelihoods of those who had lived in them. While there is no doubt that this storm wrought final devastation on the village, the countdown to destruction had actually begun in the previous century.
Guernsey Knits
On quays and in harbours throughout the British Isles, the navy Guernsey has long been a familiar sight. Whether knitted by hand in the traditional style or on a modern machine, these special garments are recognised by their distinctive colour, smock-based shape and a special, finely-knit texture that affords protection from salt water, strong sunshine and chill winds.
Grace Darling is synonymous with selfless bravery
Lobster Mac & Cheese Recipe
A Special Summer Visitor: The Basking Shark
The Independent newspaper has reported that a Cornwall-based wildlife tour operator made 19 Basking Shark siThe Independent newspaper has reported that a Cornwall-based wildlife tour operator made
19 Basking Shark sightings in just one weekend earlier this month. Captain Keith Leeves, a skipper with AK Wildlife Cruises, said: “To see so many this early has been an absolute honour… This has been one of the best starts to a shark season in living memory.” A total of 266 Basking Shark sightings were reported to the Shark Trust for the whole of 2013 – with numbers of these graceful giants now rising once more, the Trust is hopeful of even more sightings in 2014. As the Basking Shark becomes
more ‘visible’, we have a great opportunity to learn more about ghtings in just one weekend earlier this month. Captain Keith Leeves, a skipper with AK Wildlife Cruises, said: “To see so many this early has been an absolute honour… This has been one of the best starts to a shark season in living memory.” A total of 266 Basking Shark sightings were reported to the Shark Trust for the whole of 2013 – with numbers of these graceful giants now rising once more, the Trust is hopeful of even more sightings in 2014. As the Basking Shark becomes more ‘visible’, we have a great opportunity to learn more about
From Boat to Plate - The Catch
To celebrate our involvement with the Exeter Food Festival - and as part of our continued campaign to promote the very best of regional food and drink - we’ve teamed up with local chef, Michael Caines MBE, to make three short films. The films tell the story behind our delicious Lyme Bay crabs and lobsters, from the moment they're caught by our fishing boat, the Becci of Ladram, to Michael's finished dish, cooked and served at his prestigious Lympstone Manor restaurant.
Locally-Caught Crab
RNLI Exmouth
The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) is the UK’s largest independent charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. There are 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland; all of them provide a 24-hour search and rescue service, with the boats crewed by trained volunteers who will risk their lives time and again to save others’. Funded almost entirely by donations, and 95% staffed by volunteers, the Institute is a vital to the safety of yachtsmen, fishermen, beach-goers and anyone who uses the sea. Here in Exmouth we are very lucky to have a state-of-the-art lifeboat station, with two lifeboats and one incredibly brave crew. We’re proud to say that, as well as keeping the marina running smoothly, Harbour Master Steve Hockings-Thompson and Assistant Harbour Master Harry Griffin are both volunteer RNLI crew members. To show your support, click on the donate button and make a donation to this life-saving charity.
Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has long been world famous in its own right. Roughly 4km of gently curved sandy beach in the Copacabana district, it stretches from Princesa Isabel Avenue to Posto Seis, or lifeguard watchtower six, and is part of a chain of Rio city beaches that includes the equally famous Ipanema. Historic forts guard both ends of Copacabana beach; Fort Copacabana, built in 1914, is at the south end by Posto Seis, with Fort Duque de Caxias, built in 1779, at the north end.
