Things To Do In Exmouth: A Seaside Town In South Devon
Exmouth is a lovely town in South Devon, with plenty to see and do. It is a coastal town on the River Exe, so it has some picturesque scenery nearby. Exmouth is a port town, a seaside resort and a great place for a holiday.
I visited for a few day trips from nearby towns and stayed in Exmouth and the nearby Devon Cliffs Holiday Park. I found it a suitable base camp or day trip for those living within a few hours’ drive. There are many options for hiking, sightseeing, and coastal walks.
I’ve lost many of my photos. The cover photo is The Marina at Sunrise by Red Zeppelin on Unsplash.
Tourist Attractions to see & Things to do in Exmouth
Exmouth and South Devon offer a variety of things for visitors to see or do. There are many options for hiking or just relaxing on the area’s beaches. The town centre has a tourist information centre on The Strand.
Ride on the River Exe Ferry
A trip across the River Exe towards Starcross is a fun activity and a great way to reach the Dawlish nature reserve and beaches across the water. The boat trip offers many superb views, and if you’re lucky, as I was, you can see wildlife such as a seal.
The ferry runs hourly and costs £5 for an adult single or £6.50 for a return. They are dog-friendly; however, the dog fare is £1 each way. If you are cycling, cycles are welcome aboard, but there are limits on how many you can bring.
Enjoy The Beach at Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay, along the coast to the east of Exmouth, is a great beach resort and popular with families. The beach is sandy, with some great rock pools and cliffs to explore. This secluded bay has a lovely sandy beach, roughly a mile long. At low tide, this beach joins Exmouth Beach, making it a great place for a beach walk at the right time.
The beach is easily accessible if you’re staying at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park. The South-West Coast Path also leads to the beach.
Exmouth Beach & Dog-Friendly Sections
Exmouth also has a 2-mile-long beach. There is also a promenade along this beach. It’s not the best beach for swimming, as the swimming area is small. However, it is a brilliant spot to try your hand at water sports. Popular activities at the beach include kitesurfing, kayaking, SUP or windsurfing.
The beach also has a dog-friendly section; this is great if you travel with your dog. This beach is completely dog-friendly in the winter. However, in summer, this is limited to the two ends. The beach has many cafes and other places to eat, with some very special views of the coast.
Hike The South-West Coast Path
The South-West Coast Path passes through Exmouth, where you can head west or east. Heading east, you reach a lovely section considered the start of the Jurassic Coast towards Dorset. Heading west takes you along the coast of South Devon and onwards to Cornwall. There are many options for shorter walks in the area.
Stuart Line Cruises
In the town’s marina is Stuart Line Cruises, which does a variety of boat trips in the area. Available cruises include day trips to Torbay, River Exe Cruises, and some to see the Jurassic Coast. Their boat is nice and is suitable in all weather conditions throughout the year.
Other Tourist Attractions and Things to See
- Visit World of Country Life
- Visit the Exmouth Museum to learn about local history.
- Exmouth Amusement Centre is a traditional seaside attraction.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Exeter: a pleasant city with many attractions, including a cathedral. It’s also good for a day out shopping.
- Dawlish: a seaside town on the other side of the River Exe with a lovely sandy beach and a picturesque park.
- Budleigh Salterton: a small town with a lovely sandy beach with a section for naturists. It is also within the East Devon National Landscape, which is great for hiking in the countryside.
- Catch the train to the English Riviera for a day out in the popular resort.
Hotels & Holiday Parks in Exmouth & South Devon
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There are many places to stay in town, including hotels, B&Bs, and holiday parks. You can book many of these directly via Booking.com.
Restaurants & Pubs
Exmouth has many options for dining out or having a drink.
The Grapevine Brewhouse
The Grapevine Brewhouse is a pub in the town centre serving food and beer. Their beer menu is pretty special, including some brewed on-site.
Spoken Bar
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Spoken has a rather interesting menu that covers many nationalities’ cuisines. Their food is delicious, and it is a great place to dine out at lunchtime.
Getting To Exmouth
Exmouth is 11 miles from Exeter and thus has transport connections. The M5 motorway ends in Exeter; thus, it is easy to reach by car or motorbike. Regular trains to Exeter run from the Midlands, London, and the North, making it easy to reach. You can also get a train from Exeter St Davids to Exmouth every half hour during the day.
Is Exmouth Worth Visiting?
I have visited Exmouth many times and have always enjoyed my time there. Day trips from nearby resorts were a pleasure. Food shopping options are good in the town, thus making it a good option for a self-catering holiday.