Top Ten Things to do in Exmouth

Is it Spring yet? One day it seems to be warm enough to sit out on our veranda in short sleeves, the next it’s back to scraping frost and ice off the car windscreen! Exmouth comes alive in the Spring and if you’re keen to get out and about, here are ten suggestions that won’t leave you disappointed, whatever the weather. But have I missed any?

1. Coastal walk from Sandy Bay to Budleigh Salterton

It’s still cold outside but Exmouth was once a desert zone  – the red cliffs, dating back 250 million years, are the clue here! The East Devon and Dorset Coast has been officially ranked alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the natural wonders of the world and it starts at Orcombe Point in Exmouth! This part of the cliff is signified by a ‘Geoneedle’ (a pointed stone needle). You can start walking in Exmouth docks or park up at Sandy Bay, and walk the coastline to Budleigh Salterton.

2. World of Country Life – motor museum

While you’re parked up at Sandy Bay and all set for some Jurassic time-travelling, you could take a step back in time through this century with a visit to the motor museum at the World of Country Life. Even hardcore petrol heads will be silenced, pottering about through an amazing collection of vintage cars and bikes. The collection includes Sunbeam, Swift, Austins, Daimler, Austin Milkfloat, Austin 7 Tourer, Austin Seedsman, Ford Model T, Renault, Peugot, Crossley and Trabant to name a few. Reg Imray who has restored them all was a former Silverstone car raer in 1962 and a former speedway rider in 1949.

3. The Blue Plaque Trail

Who lives in a town like this? Exmouth is one of Devon’s oldest seaside resorts and it has attracted some famous residents and visitors. A Millennium project saw 17 Blue Plaques fixed to various buildings around the town to commemorate the town’s famous former residents. Visit Devon has detailed information but look out for the homes of Conrad Martens, the artist on board the Beagle, with Charles Darwin, Lady Nelson, Mary Ann Clarke, mistress to the Duke of York, Lady Byron and a 19th century bath house. Do you know where Exmouth town centre’s last remaining thatched roof cottage is?

4. A la Ronde, National Trust

Quirky in shape and history, Exmouth’s only National Trust house is situated two miles outside the town centre and houses the souvenirs of two spinster cousins’ Grand Tour of Europe. This 45-ft, sixteen sided, Byzantine style thatched house has 20 rooms set out around a central octagonal hall. Built in 1795, it is decorated with seashells. Open between April 1st and October 31st.

5. Cycle path from Exmouth to Lympstone

The new wide cycle/walkway starts at Exmouth Raiway Station, takes in a few yards by road but then switches to a mostly level tarmac path and wooden walkways to Lympstone, giving safe and easy access. The path has great vantage points across the Exe estuary and once the walkway finishes, you can walk past allotments and through lanes in to the village or, at low tide, walk along the river bed. Enjoy a well-earned refreshment sitting outside one of the village’s popular pubs, The Swan or The Globe.

6. Happy Cruising

Seeing the town and coast from the sea is definitely worth doing, and it’s a treat that shouldn’t just be enjoyed by visitors to the town!  Finalists in national tourism awards, Stuart Line cruises run relaxing river cruises and day trips to Torquay, Brixham and Sidmouth. Exmouth has its own safari opportunities, too! Stuart Line runs guided bird watching cruises, departing at low tide, with a full commentary on the different species including Egrets, Herons and Avocets.

7. Angling Charters

And you thought Africa had cornered the market on safaris and deserts? Well, Exmouth’s Tiger Charters operate fishing trips for beginners to experts, with skippers and crew to show you how it’s done. They have two boats and operate daily throughout the peak season. Whether you want a half-day, day or evening charter, there’s plenty of choice.

8. All Stars at Exmouth Pavilion

Situated on Exmouth’s two-mile stretch of sands, the Pavilion hosts some big names and some fantastic cover bands. Coming up, events include: Magic a kind of ELO, Boycie and Marlene, Fiddler on the Roof,  Take That Mania, Talon – The Best of the Eagles, Dana, Noddy , Country Roads – a Celebration of John Denver, Dire Traits, The Bootleg Shadows, Rob Kingsley – A Vision of Elvis, Westcoast – The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers and Friends, Roy Orbison and The Beatles Tribute and Devon’s very own The Wurzels.

9. Exmouth Farmers Market

It’s currently being held at the Imperial Road Car Park but this fabulous feature of Exmouth life is held on the second Wednesday of every month, from 9am to 1pm and will return to The Strand Gardens in November. This event transforms the town centre and attracts all those Tesco-repelling green-fingered locals who come to sell and buy some excellent food and drink, and craftwork, and then take their goods home in one of their environmentally friendly bags. This is sustainable shopping at its best. Turn out to support your local producers and see what all the fuss is about!

10. The Magical Maer

Behind the shifting sand dunes on Exmouth seafront is a small static sand dune habitat, home to more rare species of plant than the rest of the District Local Nature Reserves combined! The Maer, once a shallow lagoon is home to beautiful sea holly, pea flowers and a small non-stinging bee called Dasypoda hirtipes –with the biggest hair orange legs of any bee you’ll see. Head to the information sign and devote a few moments to finding out about this beautiful area, often overlooked by locals.