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The village ...
Lee has been popular with holiday makers since the 1880s. With the coming of the railway Ilfracombe developed as a popular resort, and a walk from the town into Lee for a cream tea followed by a pony and trap ride back to the town became a must for many visitors.
Unlike a number of other towns and villages in the area, Lee has resisted the developer and looks little different now to the way it was 50 years or more ago. Known as Fuchsia Valley since Victorian times, the hedgrows and gardens are full of colour throughout the spring and summer.
You can still buy a real Devon cream tea at the Fuchsia Tea Room and the village pub, The Grampus Inn, is popular with visitors to Brookdale as a place to eat, drink and meet the locals. Lee Bay Hotel and bistro is also open for lunches and evening meals.
Other places of interest include the craft shop, located in the old schoolroom, and the small but charming village church with its unusual Victorian wall decorations.
... the bay ...
Lee Bay is a pretty cove with rock pools, and sheltered corners where you can sit and enjoy the sun.
Around the head of the bay you will find old buildings such as the 17th Century Smugglers Cottage and the old water mill.
At low tide there is safe bathing in the bay, or you can take the path over the rocks to the 'bathing beach' and swim, explore the cave or climb the steps to the old golf links.
... and walks.
There are miles of footpaths through the woods, up onto the hills and moorland above the village and along the cliffs; some forming part of the South West Coast Path. From the moor above the village you can see across the Bristol Channel to Lundy Island and South Wales. Follow the path to Ilfracombe, and return by bus if you don't fancy walking back, or you could go in the opposite direction towards Woolacombe and visit the old lighthouse at Bull Point.
Visitors to Brookdale are given a booklet with details of walks around the village and the bay.
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