Explore picturesque heathland alive with butterflies, dragonflies, and rare birds like Nightjars and Dartford Warblers in Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Aylesbeare Common is a stretch of peaceful heathland located in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering visitors an immersive wildlife experience. The reserve is a prime birdwatching destination, home to Dartford Warblers and Stonechats during summer months, with opportunities to spot Nightjars hunting moths at dusk. The landscape comes alive with butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies hovering around woodland fringes, streams, and ponds, while hunting Hobbies zip through the air. The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Natura 2000 site, recognised for its exceptional importance to wildlife. Heath residents include rare species such as the Southern Damselfly and the Silver-Studded Blue butterfly, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and families interested in discovering diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy a level, tarmac farm track spanning 1 mile (1.2 km), with five benches available throughout the reserve for rest and observation. The reserve is part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve and welcomes dog walkers and pushchair users. Parking is available at Joney's Cross Car Park with 70 spaces. Aylesbeare Common provides an accessible outdoor experience for all ages, combining peaceful natural surroundings with outstanding opportunities for wildlife observation and family exploration.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

A

Aegis Thunder

a month ago

Nice for a walk but no mich shadow, was unlucky and didn't meet any horse either

C

Caio Brito

a year ago

Great to see this unique habitat. The one and only heathland. And we even saw the Dartford Warbler. Great place.

J

jane plant

2 years ago

Stunning place for a walk. We did the 3 mile, red route which takes you along the stream, past the pond, and gives you the chance to see so much wildlife. Definitely worth a visit. We loved it.

J

Jessy Humphrey

4 years ago

Was a lovely place with nice paths to walk along and the veiws were amazing.

R

Rachel Martin

9 years ago

Beautiful scenery, amazing views, and so very peaceful. Some paths are extremely muddy in wet weather, but you can enjoy the beauty from the East Devon Way, which is actually tarmac at this point, as it follows a private road to the farm. There's a carpark across the main road which is a good size, and has doggy poo bins so there's no excuse for not picking up after your dog(s)!

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026