10 Things to Do in Exmouth, Devon For First Timers!
If you’re visiting Exmouth, here are the top 10 things to do in Exmouth, Devon. I had a long weekend visiting friends and want to share what you can do for your trip!
Historical harbour town in East Devon, the longest seafront in the county and the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Welcome to Exmouth.
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Easiest Way to Get to Exmouth
How to Get to Exmouth By Car – When driving to Exmouth, if you’re coming from North you’ll need to drive down the M5, take exit 30 for Exeter and A376 straight to Exmouth. If you need to rent a car, compare via Discover Cars.
How to Get to Exmouth By Bus – I always use BusBud to compare bus times and prices for companies like National Express from London or Flixbus from Bristol to Exeter. From Exeter, you’ll need to find a different bus to Exmouth or take the train. BusBud also includes BlaBlaCar which is a car-pooling system and usually the cheapest and direct option from Bristol to Exmouth.
How to Get to Exmouth By Train – You can use a comparison site like Omio to search from your starting point straight to Exmouth train station. Your accommodation and things to do in Exmouth is all in close proximity to the station. You usually need to switch at Exeter train station but the train ride from Exeter to Exmouth is a scenic one (make sure you sit on the right hand side on the way to Exmouth for the views)!
Best Accommodation Options in Exmouth
Ash Hotel B&B is the top-rated accommodation on booking.com. With its bright green walls, you can’t miss it when walking the marina/beach areas of Exmouth. It is the perfect location for a weekend in Exmouth.
The Imperial Hotel Exmouth is a more luxurious stay with views of the Devon coast, grand bedrooms and dining rooms, lots of outdoor space and another great location on the Esplanade.
Wisteria Cottage is the option if you’re looking for an entire private house for your stay in Exmouth. The location is a little out of the centre/beachfront but accessible to public transport.
What Are The Things to Do in Exmouth, Devon
In Exmouth, you can see seals, cruise along the river, eat in a restaurant on the water, walk the Jurassic Coast, discover best beaches Exmouth has to offer and see a Victorian 16-sided house. Most of the below list are free Exmouth things to do! Read more below for an ideal Exmouth itinerary for a weekend to see the best parts.
1. Explore the Jurassic Coast
Did you know that Exmouth is the start of the Jurassic Coast, an UNESCO World Heritage Site? Well, the start if you’re coming from the West but the end if you’re coming from the East! This means the area is not only home to steep cliffs but steeped in history too.
95 miles of coast between Devon and Dorset that has stood the test of time for over 185 million years. You can head to Devon Cliffs Park to see the cliffs (redstone and limestone) up close or from a distance by walking along the beach (only if the tide’s out and staying out for your walk).
2. Walks: Free Exmouth Things to Do
Devon has some truly beautiful walking routes and Exmouth boasts strolls and hikes by the sea, in woods and along cliffs. Take your pick:
- Manor Gardens will brighten your eyes full of colourful flowers, trees, families and dogs enjoying a top picnic spot
- Walk the entire length of the beach and end in Esplanade Gardens
- Find the street art around the town
- A 5 mile walk from Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton
- A short walk to Phear Park for some greenery
- Bystock Pools located just outside Exmouth is a woodland nature reserve, home to lots of wildlife to spot on your walk
- Or you could join a guided walking tour of Exmouth to learn about wildlife and the history of pirates and smugglers
3. Beaches of Exmouth
The best beaches in Exmouth include Exmouth Beach and Sandy Bay but there are more beaches to discover just a little outside of Exmouth such as Budleigh Salterton or Dawlish Warren.
You can marvel at the impressive red sandstone cliffs on Exmouth Beach.
4. A La Ronde National Trust
Ever seen a magical 16-sided house? Well you can at A La Ronde, a national trust house built by the Parminter cousins in the 1700s. Full of momentoes of their travels, art and decorations surrounded by harmonious nature in the form of the gardens, orchard and views of the Exe estuary.
If you’re asking what are the best attractions in Exmouth – A La Ronde is a perfect option to spend an afternoon in Exmouth.
5. Boat Trip Along the River Exe & See Seals
Boat trips Exmouth is a must! Stuart Line Cruises offer lots of boat trips along the river so you can see the town from the water, catch a tan, do water-based activities, have a BBQ, observe the cliffs or do day trips to places like Torbay and Dawlish.
I saw a cute seal when I did the boat trip and locals said they are spotted fairly often so you’ll have a good chance to see them too!
Alternatively, you could boat hire in Exmouth so you can explore the river and go further at your will. This way you’re not tied to an Exmouth boat itinerary and can dock/cruise as you wish. If you do this, I highly recommend you visit The River Exe Cafe even if it’s just for a drink (see #8).
6. Orcombe Point: The Ultimate Things to Do Exmouth!
Head here for the Geoneedle that is the official start (or end) of the Jurassic Coast, the only natural UNESCO world heritage site in England! The Geoneedle was unveiled in 2002 by, the then, Prince Charles.
To get to Orcombe Point, walk along Exmouth Beach promenade and climb the signed steps near redstone cliffs to get to the landmark.
For the perfect sunset spot, start your walk a little later and enjoy the sky changing colour over Exmouth.
7. Blue Plaque Trail
Mix the blue plaque trail with a landmark walk around the town to see the 1897 seafront clock tower, history of pirates and smugglers in the town, The Strand War Memorial, and the Exmouth Museum & Heritage Centre. Keep your eyes peeled for the cute crochet covers on the post boxes!
8. The River Exe Cafe
As a foodie, I was beyond excited when we managed to get a reservation at this incredible restaurant in Exmouth that sits on the Exe estuary and only open in summer.
How to get a reservation at River Exe Cafe: Follow this link and even if it says fully booked, keep trying as we got one just a week before our visit!
If you don’t manage to get a dinner reservation for your trip to Exmouth, I recommend taking the boat and going for a drink on the deck. We saw lots of people doing this and it seemed casual as people were barefoot and in swim wear. I won’t lie, watching the sun go down in the middle of the river with an Espresso Martini was a little bit perfect!
Other best restaurants in Exmouth include Saveur, but the food, atmosphere and experience makes The River Exe Cafe the best restaurant in Exmouth!
Exmouth filming locations include Bergerac Series 2 (BBC) and The Big Short movie.
9. Afternoon Tea in Exmouth
It’s the ultimate West Country debate. Devon vs Cornwall. Jam first or cream first. Which one are you choosing?
In Devon, it’s cream first. So when you visit Exmouth you need to find an afternoon tea to experience the scone the Devonian way!
- Arty Boat offers traditional afternoon tea with the option to paint some pottery or a themed afternoon tea like Beauty and the Beast or Alice in Wonderland.
- Stuart Line Cruises offer cream tea on the river if you’re looking for a unique Exmouth experience.
Fun fact: Devon locals call tourists ‘Grockles’
10. Spend a Day on the Esplanade/Beachfront
This is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the town on the seafront. For breakfast head to Rise Bakery and try their amazing toasties and pastries as well as a local souvenir like tinned fish, biscuits, crisps and meats. I got the Reuben toastie and a huge sausage roll for later. I actually ended up buying two of the Reubens because I walked straight out the cafe and a seagull practically bowled me over and took it straight out of my hand!!
Option for dinner in Exmouth? Rockfish on the esplanade has perfect views over the water and a delicious seafood/fish menu.
Get an ice cream, grab a pint, play a round of mini golf, rent a deck chair and sunbathe, do water activities in Exmouth like wind surfing, kayaking or paddle-boarding.
Remember, life’s a beach but watch those seagulls!!
Now you’ve got a solid must do list for activities Exmouth, book the trip and enjoy a wonderful weekend in Devon š
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