Beach days, Jurassic Coast walks, boat trips, watersports, family attractions, unusual experiences, rainy-day ideas and all the practical information you need to make the most of a visit to this corner of East Devon.
Looking for the best things to do in Exmouth? We live and work here, so this guide brings together the places, activities and practical local information we think are genuinely useful when planning a day out or holiday in Exmouth.
Exmouth sits where the River Exe meets the sea, with around two miles of sandy beach, the Exe Estuary on one side and the beginning of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point on the other. The town centre, seafront, marina and many attractions are close enough to combine several very different experiences in one day.
Exmouth at a glance
Planning Your Visit to Exmouth
One of the nicest things about Exmouth is that you do not necessarily need to drive from attraction to attraction. The railway station and main bus stops are beside the town centre, while the marina, beach, promenade and central shops are all within the same general area.
By train
Regular trains connect Exmouth with Exeter. From Exmouth station you can walk into the town centre, towards the marina or down to the seafront.
By bus
Stagecoach service 57 links Exeter and Exmouth via Topsham. Seasonal and local services also connect the town with Sandy Bay and surrounding areas.
By car
Exmouth is reached from Exeter via the A376. There are short and long-stay council car parks around the town, marina and seafront.
On foot
The central town, marina and seafront work particularly well on foot, so you may not need to move the car once you have parked.
By bike
The Exe Estuary Trail gives cyclists and walkers a scenic route between Exmouth, Lympstone, Topsham, Exeter and the western side of the estuary.
Tourist information
Exmouth Tourist Information Service is on The Strand and can help with maps, transport, accessibility, local events and current visitor information.
15 of the Best Things to Do in Exmouth
Exmouth is much more than a beach resort. These are some of the main attractions, places and experiences to consider when building your day.
Exmouth Beach & Promenade
The obvious place to start. Exmouth’s long sandy beach is suited to traditional beach days, paddling, swimming when conditions are suitable, sandcastles and long walks along the promenade.
Orcombe Point & the Jurassic Coast
Walk east along the seafront towards Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, marking the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It’s one of the best places around town for coastal views.
Arty Boat
Paint pottery, wood or one of Exmouth’s now rather famous wooden ducks. This town-centre creative experience works particularly well when the weather turns, but is just as popular on sunny days.
Exmouth Marina & the Exe Estuary
Wander around the marina, watch the boats and enjoy a completely different side of Exmouth from the open beach. The estuary is also excellent for scenery, wildlife and waterside walks.
Stuart Line Cruises
Take to the water for sightseeing cruises from Exmouth. Depending on the season and schedule, trips explore the Exe Estuary and the coast, giving visitors a different view of the area’s wildlife and scenery.
A la Ronde
A short distance from the centre, this National Trust property is a distinctive 16-sided house created for cousins Jane and Mary Parminter and filled with unusual objects and decorative details inspired by their travels.
World of Country Life
Near Sandy Bay, World of Country Life is a substantial family attraction with animals, play areas, indoor exhibits and activities, making it useful for families wanting more than a couple of hours at the beach.
Queen’s Drive Space
On the seafront, Queen’s Drive Space includes a free Jurassic-themed play area and regularly hosts seasonal entertainment and events. It’s an easy addition to a family beach day.
Exe Estuary Trail
Walk or cycle beside the estuary towards Lympstone and Topsham, or make the trail part of a longer route. It is one of the best ways to experience the quieter landscape around Exmouth.
Exmouth Pavilion
Exmouth’s seafront entertainment venue hosts comedy, theatre, music, shows and community events through the year. Check the programme if you’re planning an evening or need a wet-weather option.
Exmouth Museum & Heritage Centre
Tucked away near the town centre, the museum tells the story of Exmouth and its local history. It is seasonal, so check current opening days before making a special journey.
Phear Park
A large green space a little away from the seafront with a play park, skate park, tennis, bowls and a nine-hole pitch and putt course. A useful change of pace for families and dog walkers.
Sandy Bay
East of the main Exmouth beach, Sandy Bay has dramatic red cliffs and sweeping coastal scenery. Access and tide conditions matter, so plan your visit rather than assuming every stretch is safely accessible at all times.
Watersports
Paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, wingfoiling, wakeboarding and waterskiing are all available locally through specialist providers. Beginners can book lessons rather than heading onto unfamiliar water alone.
The Strand, Town Centre & Manor Gardens
Leave time to wander rather than rushing straight back to the car. Exmouth has independent shops, cafés and restaurants around the centre, while Manor Gardens offers a quieter green space between town and seafront.
Paint a Duck or Pottery at Arty Boat
We couldn’t write a local guide without including the place we know best. Arty Boat is an independent creative studio in Exmouth town centre and home of the Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience.
Choose a wooden duck, pottery or another piece and spend up to three hours creating your design. No artistic experience is needed and you take your finished creation home the same day.
It’s particularly useful when you want an indoor activity, but visitors also book it as the main event in a birthday, family day or couple’s day out.
Check Painting Availability Discover Duck PaintingWatersports in Exmouth
Exmouth’s position between the Exe Estuary and open coast is a major reason watersports are so prominent here. Conditions vary considerably with wind, weather and tide, so beginners are much better using a recognised local provider than assuming a calm-looking stretch of water is suitable.
Where can you book watersports?
Visit Edge Watersports ↗
Visit Exmouth Watersports ↗
Visit Exe Wake ↗
Exmouth Tide Times & Water Safety
Tide times matter in Exmouth whether you’re swimming, paddleboarding, exploring the shore or walking further along the coast. The shape and amount of usable beach changes through the day, and tides can cut off routes that appeared accessible earlier.
The RNLI publishes live tide, weather, wind and surf information for Exmouth Beach.
Check today’s Exmouth tide times on the RNLI website ↗Swimming and beach safety
- Where possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Never assume calm-looking water means there is no current.
- Keep checking the direction of the tide, particularly when walking around rocks or towards more isolated sections of coast.
- Children should be supervised closely around the sea and estuary.
- If someone is in difficulty, alert a lifeguard or call 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard rather than attempting an unsafe rescue yourself.
For the 2026 season the RNLI lists daily lifeguard patrols at Exmouth Beach (West) from 2 May to 27 September, generally 10am–6pm, with additional patrol periods around Easter and late-April weekends. Always check the RNLI page on the day because patrol information can change.
Where to Park in Exmouth
There is no single “best” Exmouth car park — it depends on which part of town you’re visiting. East Devon District Council currently operates a mixture of short and long-stay car parks.
| If you’re visiting… | Car parks to look at | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Town centre / station area | Imperial Road, London Hotel, Imperial Recreation Ground | Town centre, shops, station and walking towards the seafront |
| Marina / estuary end | Camperdown Terrace, Estuary | Marina, estuary, boat trips and waterfront |
| Main seafront | Old Lifeboat Station, Beach Gardens, Queen’s Drive | Beach and promenade |
| Eastern beach / Orcombe | Queen’s Drive, Queen’s Drive Echelon, Maer Road, Foxholes | Beach, Queen’s Drive Space, Maer and walking towards Orcombe Point |
Arty Boat is in Exmouth town centre. If you’re coming to paint with us, town-centre parking is usually the most convenient option. Imperial Road, London Hotel and Imperial Recreation Ground car parks are all useful places to check. From this part of town you can also easily explore the shops, marina and seafront on foot.
Staying in Dawlish or Dawlish Warren? Read our guide to visiting Exmouth from Dawlish, including how to make Arty Boat part of your day out.
Accessibility, Toilets & Getting Around
Central Exmouth is relatively level, and the long promenade is particularly useful for visitors who prefer smoother, flatter routes. There are Blue Badge bays at a number of council car parks and accessible toilets at several locations.
Promenade
The seafront provides a long, generally level paved route with seating and easy access to cafés and attractions.
Public toilets
Public facilities are located at several points around town and seafront. Opening arrangements can vary, so check current information.
Beach wheelchairs
Exmouth Tourist Information Service can provide current information regarding beach wheelchairs and mobility support.
Read Visit Exmouth’s current accessibility information ↗
If accessibility is crucial for a particular attraction, contact the venue directly before travelling because individual buildings and activities vary.
Things to Do in Exmouth for Different Trips
👨👩👧👦 Exmouth with Kids
Combine the beach with Queen’s Drive Space, World of Country Life, a boat trip, Phear Park or a creative painting session at Arty Boat. Keeping one indoor option in reserve is particularly useful with Devon weather.
See our full Exmouth with kids guide →❤️ Exmouth for Couples
Walk to Orcombe Point, explore the marina, book a cruise, have lunch overlooking the water, paint something together, then finish with dinner or a show at the Pavilion.
☔ Rainy Days in Exmouth
Try pottery or wooden duck painting at Arty Boat, visit Exmouth Museum when open, see what’s on at the Pavilion, explore the town’s cafés or use one of the area’s larger indoor family attractions.
Rainy-day ideas → • Indoor Exmouth guide →💷 Free Things to Do
Walk the beach and promenade, explore Orcombe Point, stroll around the marina, enjoy Manor Gardens, use the Exe Estuary Trail or spend time at Queen’s Drive’s free play area.
Things to Do Near Devon Cliffs
If you’re staying at Devon Cliffs at Sandy Bay, don’t assume you need to spend the whole holiday on the park. Exmouth gives you the main beach, marina, town-centre shops and food, boat trips, indoor activities, watersports and evening entertainment within the same wider area.
Where to Eat & Drink in Exmouth
Rather than giving you a list that becomes out of date every time a restaurant changes hands, it is more useful to think about Exmouth in three areas.
Town centre
Best if you’re shopping, visiting Arty Boat or arriving by train. You’ll find independent cafés, pubs, takeaways and restaurants within a relatively compact area.
Seafront
Ideal for traditional seaside food, coffee or a drink without leaving the beach and promenade area.
Marina
A good choice if you’d like food or drinks beside the water and want to combine your meal with a marina or estuary walk.
Opening days and menus can change quickly, particularly seasonally, so check individual venues before making a special journey.
One Day in Exmouth: A Relaxed Itinerary
Start with the beach & Orcombe Point
Walk part of the promenade and, if you have the energy, continue towards Orcombe Point for coastal views.
Explore the town or marina
Head back towards the centre, browse independent shops or wander around Exmouth Marina and the estuary.
Choose town, seafront or waterfront
Pick whichever area fits the next part of your day rather than moving backwards and forwards across town.
Add an experience
Book a cruise, try watersports, visit A la Ronde or spend a few hours painting a wooden duck or pottery at Arty Boat.
Finish beside the water
Enjoy the marina or seafront, have dinner, or check whether the Pavilion has a show or event that evening.
Only Have Half a Day?
🌞 If the weather is good
Exmouth Beach → promenade → Orcombe Point → coffee or lunch in town.
☔ If the weather is poor
Town-centre lunch → Arty Boat painting session → Pavilion, museum or cafés.
Where to Stay Around Exmouth
For a short break, where you stay changes the feel of the visit.
- Town centre: easiest for restaurants, shops, public transport and walking around central Exmouth.
- Seafront: ideal if the beach and promenade are the priority.
- Sandy Bay / Devon Cliffs: useful for a holiday-park stay with Exmouth itself as a day trip.
- Wider Exe Estuary: good if you’re also exploring Lympstone, Topsham, Exeter and the cycle/walking trail.
Visit Exmouth maintains current accommodation listings if you’re comparing hotels, self-catering, camping or caravan options.
Exmouth Map
Exmouth’s main town centre, station, marina and beach are relatively close together. Zoom the map to get a feel for the layout before choosing where to park.
Dogs on Exmouth Beach
Dogs are welcome in many parts of Exmouth, but seasonal restrictions apply to designated sections of the beach. East Devon District Council currently operates dog-exclusion areas on parts of Exmouth Beach between 1 May and 30 September.
Restrictions apply to specific areas rather than simply the entire coastline, so check the council’s current maps and signage when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exmouth
What are the best things to do in Exmouth?
Popular choices include Exmouth Beach, Orcombe Point and the Jurassic Coast, the marina and Exe Estuary, boat trips, watersports, Arty Boat, A la Ronde, World of Country Life, Exmouth Pavilion, the Exe Estuary Trail and Exmouth Museum.
Is Exmouth worth visiting for a day?
Yes. The town combines beach, coastline, marina, shops, restaurants, indoor attractions and outdoor activities within a relatively compact area, so a full day is easy to fill without spending hours travelling between places.
What can you do in Exmouth when it rains?
Indoor options include painting at Arty Boat, visiting Exmouth Museum when open, checking events at Exmouth Pavilion, exploring cafés and shops, or heading to one of the larger family attractions nearby.
Is Exmouth good for children?
Yes. Families can combine the sandy beach with Queen’s Drive Space, World of Country Life, boat trips, watersports, parks and creative indoor activities.
Can you get to Exmouth without a car?
Yes. Exmouth has a railway station with regular services from Exeter and bus links including Stagecoach service 57. Many central attractions are then walkable from the station and town centre.
Where should I park for Exmouth Beach?
Council parking options serving the seafront include Queen’s Drive, Queen’s Drive Echelon, Maer Road, Foxholes, Beach Gardens and the Old Lifeboat Station area. Choose according to which section of the beach you want to visit and check current restrictions and charges.
Where can I check Exmouth tide times?
The RNLI publishes tide times, weather, wind and surf information for Exmouth Beach. Always check conditions before swimming, paddleboarding or exploring the shore.
Can you do watersports in Exmouth?
Yes. Local providers offer activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, wing sports, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Lessons are available for beginners and activities depend on tide and weather conditions.
What can I do near Devon Cliffs?
As well as Sandy Bay and the holiday park itself, nearby Exmouth offers the beach, Orcombe Point, Arty Boat, marina, cruises, watersports, restaurants, shops and Exmouth Pavilion.
Are there free things to do in Exmouth?
Yes. Walking Exmouth Beach, the promenade, Orcombe Point, the marina, Manor Gardens and sections of the Exe Estuary Trail can all be enjoyed without an attraction ticket.
Fancy Creating Your Own Exmouth Souvenir?
Come and paint with us at Arty Boat in Exmouth town centre. Choose pottery, wood or one of our signature wooden ducks, enjoy up to three hours creating and take your finished piece home the same day.
Check Arty Boat AvailabilityLocal visitor guide updated August 2026. Opening hours, transport, tides, parking arrangements and individual attraction details can change. Always check directly with the relevant provider or official source before making a special journey.
Can’t see the date or activity you need?
Send us a quick message and we’ll try our best to accommodate you 💕
- Preferred date & time
- Preferred activity
- How many people
🎨 Popular creative activities at Arty Boat
Looking for something fun to do in Exmouth? Try our pottery painting in Exmouth — paint your chosen piece and take it home the same day (no kiln needed).
Or book onto our wooden duck painting workshops — a relaxed, feel-good session that’s perfect for families, friends, and creative dates.
More Things to Do in Exmouth
Looking for more things to do in Exmouth? Alongside your visit to Arty Boat, explore these trusted local guides and ideas to help you plan your perfect day by the coast.
