The quaint fishing harbour is located in a very famous part of the UK, but is a lot less popular than its surrounding area.
If you’re looking for the perfect seaside spot to visit this autumn that isn’t flooded with tourists, then there’s one place that ticks every box. Residents of a UK coastal town that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours have celebrated its strong community spirit and passion for independent shops and eateries.
Seaton is a charming fishing harbour situated along East Devon’s Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site that draws approximately five million visitors annually. Although boasting year-round attractions including the tramway, museum, and beach, visitors often choose nearby Lyme Regis over Seaton.
One standout feature of the coastal community is its dedication to independent businesses, with local shop owners describing it as “the best place” to establish a company.
Amy Bonser helped launch Seaton Chamber Independent Market last year, which has since expanded to feature products from more than 60 traders, reports the Express.
She explained Seaton was the ideal location to create the market owing to its breathtaking local surroundings and established network of flourishing independent enterprises.
Amy told the Express: “Seaton was the best place to start a market. We have an amazing coastline on the Jurassic Coast, amazing gardens, which we use one for our market, and some amazing shops.
“As we mainly have independent businesses, this makes it an amazing place for local small traders to show off their independent business without the threat of the big companies.”
This view was shared by Carly Dean-Tribble, who runs Pebbles Coffee House and the Hideaway – two beloved cafés in the town. While admitting that running two independent cafes is “super hard work” due to people having less disposable income, she feels “very well supported by the local community and tourists alike”.
Carly confessed she hadn’t heard of Seaton before deciding to open her businesses there, but quickly realised it was the ideal location.
She said: “Seaton has a particular charm to it. I made my mind up that Seaton would be our home before we even viewed the business. It’s full of independent traders, which is a unicorn for sure. No big names here.
“Having independent businesses on our high street is a huge plus point. You simply don’t get that level of service and dedication from bigger corporations. People put their heart and soul into everything they do.”
Angela Mendham, another independent cafe owner who has run Passiflora for four years, echoed Carly’s sentiments. Despite facing challenges as more chain coffee shops emerge, she said Seaton locals have continued to show their support.
She expressed: “I do have a lot of locals who are very loyal, and I’m very grateful for their support. My locals have been as supportive as they can, but I’ve noticed that they are not spending as much so it’s hard, but I am very grateful.”
Looking ahead, Angela believes Seaton could benefit from increased funding that would only help its independent shops to flourish further.
She added: “I think Seaton needs more money from councils. Compared to Sidmouth, we really are the poor relative. But as the community goes, we are right on top.”