Exmouth, Devon travel guide and Exmouth information

Visit Exmouth

Exmouth is a substantial town and resort on the coast of south-east Devon. Backed by traditional gently rolling Devon countryside, it is also the largest seaside resort in this region of Devon - as it has been for the last 200 years.

The extensive beach area, some three kilometres long and a fine sandy beach perfect for family playing, is the focus of activities for most visitors to Exmouth, and the beach itself offers a wide range of leisure activities and water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. There is a long traditional seaside 'promenade' behind the beach.

Explore Exmouth

The town centre itself is also very substantial, and offers all facilities for visitors including a very wide range of shops, cafes, pubs and places to stay. Numerous tourist focussed activities are available, from donkey rides to crazy golf and a boating lake (and much more besides).

Exmouth also has a good selection of Georgian regency (19th century) architecture to discover, along with many Victorian and Edwardian townhouses, and a scattering of older buildings - collect the Heritage trail guide from the Exmouth visitor centre so you can find all the highlights and start exploring!

Exmouth is believed to be the oldest seaside resort in England and has the longest seafront in Devon. To discover a bit more about its heritage you can follow the Blue Plaque heritage trail which passes by the main sights and gives you a closer look at the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the town.

Behind the seafront and the regency villas and on the estuary side of Exmouth is its new harbour development which is very attractive filled with boats and colourful houses. It makes for a very pleasant stroll.

Attractions near Exmouth

There are quite a lot of family-focussed activities in the region around Exmouth including the World of Country Life, where you can see a large collection of steam engines and historical vehicles while the children will love the extensive animal park.

Another popular excursion is to take a boat trip along the protected Jurassic Coast heritage site to admire the coastal scenery.

The estuary of the River Exe is a designated site of special scientific interest, with a wide range of bird life that makes it vey popular with birdspotters. You can also hire a bike and cycle along the specially designated cycle route along the seafront and along the Exe estuary.

A couple more architectural highlights near Exmouth include an unusual 16 sided house built near Lympstone in the 18th century and called 'A La Ronde' (to the north of Exmouth and a National Trust property); and an Arts and Crafts Hotel called 'The Barn' to the east.

Places to visit nearby

To the north of Exmouth both Beer and Branscombe are beautiful villages that merit a visit. To the south Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are all very popular holiday resorts. Indeed this part of the Devon coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England!

You can find more local travel ideas in the Devon guide and the Devon guide.