Ottery St. Mary

(12 miles east of Exeter)

This town, the birthplace of Coleridge, is famous for its celebration of Guy Fawkes Day (November 5). It not only features a great bonfire, where Guy Fawkes is burned in effigy ("Let the bugger burn"), but also a race where people run through the streets with flaming tar barrels strapped to their backs. Don't get stuck in the center of town as they race through.