Once a major stopping place on the great Roman road, Fosse Way, which ran from Lincoln to Exeter, Honiton these days is an attractive market town that many a visitor will stop at as they journey into the southwest of England. Famous for its Honiton lace, this industry was first brought to the town by Flemish immigrants in the 16th century, and reinvigorated by Queen Victoria in the 19th century when she insisted on wearing Honiton lace on her wedding day!
At its peak, by the end of the 17th Century, the lace industry employed over 5000 people in the town. Of course, the industry is a fraction of what it once was, but handmade lace can still be purchased here, and for those interested in the history and heritage, All Hallows Museum of Honiton describes, very effectively, the story of Honiton lace. There’s more to the town than lace, of course, and Honiton these days is a key location for antique shops, with over twenty for visitors to enjoy.
For those that like to combine their shopping with some adventure, nearby activities such as sky diving, gliding, and off-road driving courses are available. Honiton serves as an excellent base from which to explore the East Devon area, and to discover a beautiful region that mass tourism has mostly chosen to pass by, including the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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