Things to Do in Exmouth, Devon: A Complete Visitor Guide

Exmouth is one of East Devon’s best-known seaside towns, located south of Exeter on the River Exe and at the start of the Jurassic Coast. This guide to Exmouth explores its two-mile sandy beach, watersports, the Exe Estuary Trail and the coastal and countryside walks that make the town such a popular destination.

Unlike smaller East Devon neighbours, such as Sidmouth or Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth is a larger town, with a population of around 35,000, offering visitors a wide, sandy beach, markets, independent shops, and a lively town centre, alongside opportunities for watersports, walking, and nature.

Exmouth makes an ideal base for exploring the coast and countryside of East Devon. It’s also a destination in its own right, with attractions ranging from the famous Exmouth Beach to the nearby World of Country Life, plus accommodation choices from Exmouth Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, to seafront hotels like the Imperial Hotel Exmouth Devon or Exmouth Premier Inn.

This guide will introduce you to Exmouth: how to get there, what to do, where to shop, and how to make the most of your visit.

Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.

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Map of Exmouth Town Centre

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A Brief History of Exmouth

Life in Exmouth has always revolved around the sea. Lying at the mouth of the River Exe, it began as a small fishing and trading settlement before developing into one of Britain’s earliest seaside resorts during the Georgian period.

The arrival of the railway in 1861 transformed the town, bringing thousands of holidaymakers to its two-mile sandy beach and helping establish Exmouth as one of Devon’s leading coastal destinations. The former docks have since evolved into a modern marina, although fishing boats still work the estuary today.

Visitors can still see traces of Exmouth’s past in its elegant Regency buildings, Victorian seafront and historic harbour. At the same time, the town continues to thrive as a centre for watersports, walking and family holidays.

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Things to Do in Exmouth, Devon

Exmouth Beach: What to Expect and Things to Do

Exmouth’s two-mile sandy beach is one of East Devon’s finest and the town’s biggest attraction. Stretching from the River Exe to Orcombe Point, it offers plenty of space for relaxing, family days out and enjoying the sea.

The gently shelving beach is ideal for swimming and paddling, while at low tide, rock pools await exploration. The promenade is perfect for a stroll, with cafés, amusements and ice cream kiosks lining the seafront, while a cycle path runs almost its entire length. Designated areas are also dog-friendly year-round.

Exmouth is one of the South West’s leading watersports destinations, with paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing all popular on the estuary and along the coast.

Several local providers operate from the seafront, marina and estuary, including Exmouth Watersports, Edge Watersports, Exewake, Exe Powerboat & Ski Club, Exe Sailing Club and Sail Exmouth.

During the summer months, RNLI lifeguards patrol the main beach, while facilities include public toilets, water refill points, beach huts, lockers provided by the lifeboat station and a range of cafés and refreshment kiosks, making Exmouth Beach an excellent choice for a full day by the sea.

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Explore Exmouth Marina and Shelley Beach

Exmouth Marina is a lively waterfront destination where colourful homes, cafés, restaurants and leisure boats create a relaxed maritime atmosphere. Built on the site of the former docks, it remains a working marina while also serving as a popular place to stroll, enjoy a meal overlooking the water or join one of the many boat trips exploring the River Exe and Jurassic Coast.

The marina is an excellent starting point for exploring the western side of Exmouth, with level walkways, plenty of places to sit and watch the boats come and go, and easy access to the estuary. It is also home to several independent cafés and seafood restaurants serving locally landed fish and shellfish.

Just a couple of minutes’ walk away lies Shelley Beach, a small sandy beach overlooking the Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren. Far quieter than Exmouth’s main beach, it is a favourite spot for watching the sunset, birdwatching and relaxing by the water. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the beach is popular with locals for evening picnics and barbecues.

Shelley Beach is highly tidal and can disappear completely at high tide, so it is worth checking tide times before visiting. Swimming is not recommended because strong estuary currents can develop as the tide changes.

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Walk or Cycle the Exe Estuary Trail

The Exe Estuary Trail is one of Devon’s best walking and cycling routes, following the edge of the estuary from Exmouth to Exeter and, via the Starcross Ferry, onwards to Dawlish Warren. The largely traffic-free path passes bird reserves, waterside pubs and picturesque villages including Lympstone and Topsham, with beautiful views across the estuary throughout.

Exmouth is an ideal starting point for exploring the trail. Bike hire is available from local operators, including Exmouth Cycles and The Cycle Hive, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely ride or a full day exploring one of the South West’s most scenic routes. The estuary is also a haven for wildlife, with wading birds and wildfowl regularly seen along the way.

Planning to explore the trail? Don’t miss our complete guide to the Exe Estuary Trail, featuring maps, route options, ferry information, cafés and pubs, cycle hire and practical tips for making the most of your day.

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Visit Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station and Visitor Centre

For us, no visit to Exmouth is complete without stopping at the RNLI Lifeboat Station on Queen’s Drive. Overlooking the beach, it offers a fascinating insight into the work of the volunteer crews who protect this stretch of the Devon coast.

Visitors can browse the small visitor centre and shop, while upstairs viewing areas offer a closer look at the station and its modern Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat. The station also provides convenient beach lockers, making it a useful stop for anyone spending the day by the sea. If you’re lucky, you may even catch one of the regular training launches, which often take place on Wednesday evenings.

The current all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat continue a lifesaving tradition in Exmouth that stretches back more than 200 years, making this one of the town’s most interesting things to do.

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Visit Orcombe Point, Exmouth, for Jurassic Coast Views and Walks

Orcombe Point marks the western gateway to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast and is one of Exmouth’s most spectacular viewpoints. Just beyond the end of the seafront, it offers panoramic views over Lyme Bay and the striking red sandstone cliffs that make this part of East Devon so distinctive.

The landmark Geoneedle sculpture was unveiled by King Charles III in 2002, when he was Prince of Wales, and celebrates the unique geology of the Jurassic Coast. The surrounding area is one of Exmouth’s most photographed locations and a wonderful place to watch the sunrise or simply admire the coastal scenery.

One of our favourite spots is the quieter stretch of beach below Orcombe Point. Sheltered by the cliffs, it often provides welcome protection from south-westerly winds and cooling sea breezes, making it an ideal spot to relax.

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Walk to Budleigh Salterton

From Orcombe Point, the South West Coast Path continues east towards Sandy Bay and Budleigh Salterton, passing dramatic cliffs and some of Devon’s finest coastal scenery. The walk to Budleigh Salterton is around five miles and usually takes two to three hours.

This is one of our favourite walks in East Devon. A coffee and cake stop at the South Beach Café overlooking Sandy Bay makes a perfect halfway break before continuing to Budleigh Salterton. From there, it’s easy to return to Exmouth on the regular Stagecoach 157 or 357 bus services, which stop near Budleigh Town Hall and take about 15 minutes.

Visit Sandy Bay

Tucked beneath the dramatic red sandstone cliffs east of Exmouth, Sandy Bay is one of East Devon’s most beautiful beaches. This award-winning half-mile stretch of golden sand is popular with families thanks to its clean water, shallow bathing areas and fascinating rock pools at low tide.

During the summer months, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, while the clifftop South Beach Café offers refreshments and panoramic views across Lyme Bay. At low tide, it is also possible to walk along the sand between Sandy Bay and Exmouth Beach, a spectacular coastal stroll of around two miles. Always check tide times before setting out.

Sandy Bay is beneath Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, one of Haven’s largest holiday parks, which offers accommodation, entertainment, restaurants and family facilities overlooking the coast. Although the beach is open to everyone, parking is restricted during the main holiday season, so many visitors arrive on foot via the South West Coast Path or by the seasonal Number 95 open-top bus from Exmouth town centre.

Access to the beach is via a fairly steep ramp from the clifftop. Dogs are welcome outside the main summer restriction period, but are not permitted on the beach between 1 May and 30 September.

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Visit World of Country Life

Located near Sandy Bay in Exmouth, World of Country Life is an award-winning, all-weather family attraction and one of the things to do in Exmouth when it rains. Visitors can enjoy hands-on farm encounters, from feeding lambs and goats to walking among deer, alongside fascinating vintage transport and farming displays. With indoor and outdoor play areas, seasonal events, and easy access from the Jurassic Coast, it’s a fun day out for all ages.

Take an Exmouth and Exe Estuary Boat Trip

Based in Exmouth, Stuart Line Cruises has been sailing Devon’s waters for over 50 years, offering a wide range of boat trips year-round. Their cruises explore the River Exe, the South Devon coastline, and the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, giving passengers the chance to enjoy spectacular scenery, spot wildlife, and learn about local history from onboard commentary. With everything from relaxing daytime sailings to themed evening events and private charters, Stuart Line Cruises provides a memorable way to experience the region from the water.

For us, a cruise with Stuart Line is one of the best things to do in Exmouth. It’s a relaxing way to experience the coastline from a different viewpoint while learning more about the area’s history and wildlife from the onboard commentary. From leisurely estuary sailings to longer coastal cruises and themed evening trips, there is something to suit almost every visitor. And there are refreshments on board.

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Take the Starcross to Exmouth Ferry

Linking to the Exe Estuary Trail on the opposite side of the River Exe, the Starcross to Exmouth Ferry offers a scenic 15–20 minute crossing of the Exe Estuary, running seasonally between Starcross Pier (by the railway station) and Exmouth Marina. It’s a practical shortcut for walkers and cyclists on the Exe Estuary Trail, as well as a leisurely trip with great views of local wildlife and the estuary landscape.

The ferry also opens up opportunities to explore further afield. From Starcross, it is around a 30-minute walk to the golden sands and family attractions of Dawlish Warren, while the magnificent Powderham Castle is a similar distance away, making either an excellent addition to a day out in Exmouth.

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Visit A La Ronde

Just outside Exmouth, A La Ronde is an unusual 16-sided Georgian house built in the 1790s by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter after they travelled in Europe. Now cared for by the National Trust, the property is filled with quirky collections, including the famous Shell Gallery, and surrounded by gardens with sweeping views over the Exe estuary. A La Ronde offers a fascinating glimpse into eccentric design, women’s history, and life in 18th-century Devon.

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Take a Stroll to Phear Park

If you fancy a break from the beach, Phear Park is a delightful green space just a short walk from Exmouth town centre. The park lies alongside the Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton cycle path, which follows the route of the old railway line, making it easy to find from Exmouth railway station by simply following the signs.

Popular with both locals and visitors, the park offers more than 10 hectares of open space for relaxing, picnics and family fun. Children will enjoy the adventure playgrounds, while older visitors can make use of the skatepark, outdoor gym, tennis courts, bowling green, and 18-hole pitch-and-putt course. There are also pleasant walking and cycling paths, and plenty of room for dog walking.

The Bumble and Tee Café serves drinks, light meals and ice creams, making it an ideal place to stop for refreshments before continuing your walk or cycle ride. With free entry and facilities for all ages, Phear Park is one of Exmouth’s best-loved community spaces and a worthwhile detour from the seafront.

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Explore Exmouth Town Centre

Exmouth has a lively town centre focused around The Strand. This pedestrian-friendly square, with its almost continental feel, is home to a variety of cafés, shops, and events.

What shops are there in Exmouth, Devon?

Exmouth’s shops include:

• High street names like Boots and New Look.
• Supermarkets for essentials.
• Independent boutiques and gift shops.
• Bookshops, bakeries, and local delis.

While it’s not a major retail destination like Exeter, Exmouth is good for browsing, picking up beach essentials, or finding unique gifts.

Exmouth Market

Exmouth Indoor Market has been part of the town’s life since 1980. It was founded by local garage owner Michael Miller, who transformed his business premises into a community indoor market. Over time, his son, Jerry, took on management, and the market became known as a place where new businesses and entrepreneurs could start small before expanding into bigger ventures.

Today, the market features around 30 stalls under one roof, offering a diverse range of products, including fresh local produce, artisanal foods, crafts, clothing, gifts, and everyday essentials. The friendly, undercover setting makes it a great spot to browse, regardless of the weather.

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What’s On in Exmouth, Devon: Festivals and Seasonal Highlights

Looking for what’s on in Exmouth? These events take place throughout the year, from seaside festivals to community days and major summer highlights.

Spring begins with practical and community-focused events such as the Exmouth Boat Jumble (typically held in April at the RNLI on Queen’s Drive), where boating equipment, marine bargains and local fundraising come together in a relaxed seafront setting. Early May brings the Exmouth Funfair at the Imperial Recreation Ground, a traditional bank holiday event with classic rides, family attractions and a lively holiday atmosphere close to the seafront.

Late May sees the Exmouth Beach Rugby & Netball Festival, a sociable beach sports weekend that combines tag rugby, netball, live music, and food, creating a festival feel by the sea.

Summer is the busiest season. The Celebration of Speed at nearby Lympstone Manor (usually held in July) brings together supercars, classic vehicles and luxury experiences in an estuary setting, while Exmouth Festival, one of the largest free arts festivals in the South West, takes over the town each summer with live music, theatre, workshops and performances across multiple venues, including Manor Gardens, The Strand and Sideshore.

In autumn, the focus shifts to food and local produce. The Taste East Devon Festival (typically held in September) runs across multiple locations throughout the district, including Exmouth, showcasing local producers, dining experiences, tastings, and workshops from the coast to the countryside.

Event dates and formats can change from year to year, so it is always sensible to check current listings before planning your visit. For the latest updates and a wider selection of events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, see our regularly updated guide to What’s On in South West England.

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How to Get to Exmouth and Travel Around

• By Train: Enjoy a scenic journey alongside the River Exe on the Avocet Line. This offers direct services from Exeter (around 25 minutes). From London, change at Exeter St Davids.
• By Car: Follow the M5 to Exeter, then the A376 to Exmouth.
• By Bus: Regular services connect Exmouth with Exeter, Sidmouth, and Budleigh Salterton.
• On Foot/Bike: The South West Coast Path and Exe Estuary Trail make walking and cycling popular.

Once in town, most attractions, the beach, the town centre and the marina are walkable.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Exmouth

Exmouth has an excellent choice of places to eat and drink, from traditional fish and chip shops to modern restaurants overlooking the estuary. Fresh seafood remains at the heart of the offer – Rockfish serves day-boat fish and shellfish in a chic waterfront setting; the town now also offers sophisticated alternatives. Saveur, with its two AA rosettes, provides an intimate, fine-dining European experience in the town centre.

The River Exe Café is a floating, seasonal restaurant that operates from spring through autumn but closes during the winter months. Guests can enjoy fresh local seafood and panoramic estuary views, reached only by water taxi. Its off-season closure makes it a summer highlight and one of Exmouth’s most memorable dining experiences.

By complete contrast, on the more casual side, the Harbour View Café & Chip Shop is dog-friendly and popular with winter walkers, offering beach views, fresh fish and chips, and simple café fare. Meanwhile, The Ocean’s bar (The Engine Room / The Deck above) bridges the gap between relaxed and refined, serving local beers, elevated small plates, and full dinners with panoramic sea views.

You could also try Heydays, located at Exmouth’s Sideshore development, which offers stylish all-day dining with sweeping sea views and generous outdoor seating, creating a refined yet relaxed setting for everything from leisurely breakfasts to sunset cocktails by the water. Alongside Heydays, Sideshore is also home to HangtimeCafé. This welcoming spot specialises in locally roasted coffee, fresh juices, ice creams and wholesome bites in a laid-back beachfront setting.

Both venues are part of the wider Sideshore community hub — a not-for-profit eco-development designed to give back to Exmouth. With sustainable design, solar power, and a programme of community events, Sideshore has become more than just a dining destination: it’s a space where visitors and locals come together to enjoy food, watersports, and the seafront in a way that celebrates both people and place. We particularly appreciate the water bottle refill tap!

Altogether, these and the many other venues help shape Exmouth’s evolving reputation as a seaside town that’s just as serious about food as it is about the sunshine and sea.

A British Tradition – Fish & Chips

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Where to Stay in Exmouth, Devon

Accommodation in Exmouth suits every budget and style of stay. Families often gravitate towards Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, a popular Haven resort set above the cliffs with pools, restaurants, nightly entertainment, and direct access to Sandy Bay beach.

For those who prefer the convenience of a town-centre base, the Premier Inn Exmouth offers reliable comfort right on the seafront and within easy walking distance of the town centre. Couples and visitors seeking period charm may choose the Imperial Hotel, a Victorian landmark overlooking the Esplanade, where sea-view rooms add a touch of grandeur to a coastal break.

Smaller guesthouses and B&Bs provide more intimate experiences, each with its own character. Self-catering cottages and serviced apartments are also available, offering flexibility for longer stays or for family groups seeking a home-from-home by the sea.

For those travelling on a tighter budget or with a love of the outdoors, caravan and camping parks around Exmouth and nearby East Devon countryside offer excellent value and a chance to enjoy the area’s natural beauty up close.

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Weather in Exmouth, Devon: When to Visit

Exmouth enjoys one of the UK’s mildest climates. Summers are warm but not (usually) extreme, while winters are relatively gentle. For a reliable weather forecast, check out BBC Weather Exmouth Devon before planning trips. The Exmouth webcam is another handy tool for viewing beach conditions in real-time.

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Practical Information for Visiting Exmouth, Devon

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• GetYourGuide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK’s official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Exmouth, England FAQs

Where is Exmouth?

Exmouth is in East Devon on England’s south coast, about 12 miles south of Exeter, at the mouth of the River Exe and the western end of the Jurassic Coast.

What to see in Exmouth

Start at the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, stroll the long sandy seafront and promenade, explore the marina cafés, enjoy Exe Estuary views and visit A La Ronde (National Trust).

What to do in Exmouth

Swim and paddleboard on the main beach, walk the South West Coast Path towards Budleigh Salterton, cycle the Exe Estuary Trail to Lympstone or Exeter, and take river or coastal cruises.

Where to stay in Exmouth

For a central, budget-friendly base, Premier Inn Exmouth (seafront) is steps from the promenade. For period charm, the Imperial Hotel Exmouth overlooks the Esplanade with sea-view rooms. Choose seafront hotels and guesthouses near the promenade, town-centre B&Bs for easy dining, self-catering apartments by the marina, or holiday parks around Sandy Bay and Littleham.

How long is Exmouth beach?

About two miles (roughly 3.2 km) from the River Exe mouth to Orcombe Point.

When is the best time to visit Exmouth?

Late spring to early autumn suits beach days and boat trips. Autumn light is ideal for walks; winter is quieter and good for birdwatching on the estuary.

Is Exmouth good for families?

Yes. The main beach is wide and sandy with level promenades, nearby play areas and plenty of cafés and facilities within a short walk.

How do I get to Exmouth without a car?

Use the Avocet Line train from Exeter St Davids or Exeter Central (about 25–35 minutes). Frequent buses also link Exmouth with nearby towns and villages.

Where can I park?

Town-centre and seafront car parks serve most sights. Long stay by Exmouth Railway Station. Spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends and school holidays, so arrive early and follow local signage.

Are dogs allowed on Exmouth beach?

Yes, with seasonal zones. Dogs are welcome year-round on signed sections at each end of the main beach; summer restrictions apply in central areas.

Does the Exe Estuary Trail run through Exmouth?

Yes. It links Exmouth with Lympstone and Exeter for walking and cycling, mostly on level, shared-use paths with big estuary views.

Can I walk to Budleigh Salterton from Exmouth?

Yes. Follow the South West Coast Path over the headland or use the inland shared-use route towards Littleham and on to Budleigh Salterton.

Are there boat trips or a ferry?

Seasonal river and coastal cruises run from the marina and seafront. The Starcross foot and cycle ferry operates seasonally across the estuary. Check times locally.

Is the seafront accessible?

Promenades are largely level and step-free. Some access points use ramps, although soft sand can make wheelchair access difficult away from paths.

Where can I eat and drink?

Seafront cafés, casual dining and pubs cluster around the marina and town centre, with more options in side streets just off the beach.

What about tides and safety?

Check tide times before long beach walks or estuary trips. Follow lifeguard advice where present and be mindful of currents and mudflats.

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Is Exmouth Worth Visiting?

So, is Exmouth, Devon, worth visiting? Absolutely. With its golden sands, thriving town centre, lively markets, and welcoming community, Exmouth is one of Devon’s standout seaside towns.

• For holidaymakers, it offers beaches, attractions, and affordable accommodation.
• For shoppers, the town centre, independent retailers, and markets offer a diverse range of options.
• For outdoor enthusiasts, the estuary, coast path, and watersports make it an ideal destination.

Whether you’re spending a day at Exmouth Beach, a week at Exmouth Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth combines history, natural beauty, and modern holiday convenience in one destination. We love it!

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Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.