Villas in Aylesbeare
Aylesbeare suits walkers and birdwatchers wanting a small East Devon village by the Pebblebed Heaths, about 8 miles from Exeter. It is a farming and commuter village with no shop scene or seafront, so the coast and the city both mean a drive or a bus.
- Villas
- 6
About Aylesbeare
Aylesbeare is a small village about 8 miles east of Exeter, on the northern side of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. The parish climbs to 156 metres on the Common and drops to 30 metres near Exeter Airport. Its oldest building is the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from the 13th century, and the village appears in Domesday Book as Ailesbergon. Two working farms remain, though many residents now commute. Aylesbeare Common, managed by the RSPB, is heath and woodland with streams and ponds. The homes are together in one spot. Evenings are very quiet; Exeter is the place for restaurants.
Is Aylesbeare right for you?
- Best for
- Heathland walks, birdwatching and easy trips into Exeter
- Not for you if
- You want to walk to a beach, a pub crawl or a row of shops.
Near Aylesbeare
East Devon Pebblebed Heaths
A heathland ridge inland of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, open to the public since 1930, where nightjars and Dartford warblers breed.
Ottery St Mary
A town on the River Otter whose church, called a miniature Exeter Cathedral, holds a very old astronomical clock.
Exeter
The city is about 17 minutes by car, or around 34 minutes on the hourly Stagecoach bus.
Getting to Aylesbeare
The parish drops to its lowest point near Exeter Airport, and Exeter itself is about 17 minutes' drive away. Stagecoach buses run hourly from the village to Exeter in about 34 minutes, but a car makes the heaths and coast far easier.
When to go to Aylesbeare
The heath is at its best for birds in the breeding season, when nightjars and Dartford warblers are about. Around Guy Fawkes Night, neighbouring Ottery St Mary holds its Tar Barrels night, when burning barrels are carried through the streets.
Villas in Aylesbeare
Ivy Cottage, Great Houndbeare Farm
Aylesbeare, South-West, England
6
3
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Mill Cottage, Great Houndbeare Farm
Aylesbeare, South-West, England
9
4
0
DishwasherFireplaceMicrowave+7 more
Lime Cottage, Great Houndbeare Farm
Aylesbeare, South-West, England
4
2
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Poppy Cottage, Great Houndbeare Farm
Aylesbeare, South-West, England
4
2
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Cob Barn, Great Houndbeare Farm
Aylesbeare, South-West, England
4
2
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+5 more
Aylesbeare villa holidays: questions answered
Is Aylesbeare good for birdwatching?
Yes, it is a strong base for it. Aylesbeare Common is an RSPB reserve with more butterfly species than any other RSPB site, and the wider Pebblebed Heaths support breeding nightjars, hobbies and Dartford warblers.
How do you get from Aylesbeare to Exeter?
By bus or car. Stagecoach runs an hourly service from the village that takes about 34 minutes, while driving the 8 miles or so takes around 17.
Is Aylesbeare near the sea?
Not on it. The coastal towns of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton lie on the far side of the Pebblebed Heaths, so plan to drive to the beach.
When are the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, near Aylesbeare?
Around Guy Fawkes Night. Locals born or long settled in the town carry blazing tar-soaked barrels through Ottery St Mary, which borders the Aylesbeare parish.
Nearby towns to Aylesbeare
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
Find Your Perfect Villa in Aylesbeare
Our villa experts are here to help you find the ideal property for your vacation. Contact us for personalized recommendations.