Located on the route from London and one of the traditional gateways to Devon, the town lies amongst countryside that has changed little since 1724 when Daniel Defoe described the view from Honiton Hill as ‘the most beautiful landscape in the world. A mere picture, and I do not remember the like of it in any one place in England, this is classic English countryside’.

A famous lace making, pottery and market town with a well-regarded farmers market, Honiton has a national reputation as an antiques centre with over thirty antiques shops and auction rooms.

One of the old traditions is that of the Hot Penny Catching Ceremony. A golden glove is carried atop a long garlanded pole. It is said that whilst the glove is raised, thieves and criminals are immune from prosecution. The beginning of the annual fair is announced, and heated pennies are cast among the onlookers.

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