Bicton House including college and gardens is near the town of Budleigh Salterton, birth place of Sir Walter Raleigh and close to Exeter - the regional capital of Devon. Budleigh Salterton lies at the mouth of the River Otter, where the estuary forms a nature reserve and bird sanctuary - a site of Special Scientific Interest.
The beach and cliffs are part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth in the west to Poole in the east. The dramatic red cliffs and rock stacks shelter many beaches and small coves, fishing villages and harbours full of yachts and motor cruisers. Sailing, fishing, swimming, wind-surfing, horse-riding, mountain-biking and tennis are all available. 500 miles of the South-West coastal path are accessible for keen walkers.
The town is almost exactly what people picture when they think about England. Thatched cottages, colourful gardens, a street of small traditional shops, restaurants, pubs and tea shops. Fairlynch Museum is a small museum housed in a historic listed thatched building. It covers the history and geology of the region, and offers exhibitions and a local archive.
A gentle walk along the High Street brings you to the beach and the sea opens out in front of you in Budleigh Bay. As you walk by the sea you come to the estuary, nature reserve and, of course, the cricket club!