Exmouth is one of Devon’s loveliest seaside towns, with long sandy beaches, estuary views, marina walks, town-centre shopping, pretty gardens, family-friendly days out and plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxed visit.
This page is a broad guide to things to do in Exmouth, whether you are visiting for the day, staying nearby, enjoying a holiday at Devon Cliffs or looking for something special to do with family or friends.
✨ Why Everyone’s Talking About Exmouth
It’s not just us who love it here — Exmouth has recently been named one of the UK’s Best Places to Live 2026 by The Sunday Times.
With its beautiful coastline, relaxed seaside feel and growing food & drink scene, it’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting coastal destinations to visit.
Looking for fresh ideas? Read our latest guide to things to do in Exmouth this weekend .
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Places to visit in Exmouth
A big part of Exmouth’s charm is how easy it is to enjoy both the coast and the town in one day. You can wander the seafront, explore the marina, stop for coffee, browse the shops and still fit in something memorable and creative.
Exmouth Marina
Exmouth Marina is one of the prettiest spots in town, with colourful waterfront buildings, boats bobbing in the water and a relaxed holiday feel. It is lovely for a stroll and works especially well if you want to combine your day with lunch, coffee or an easy wander.
Exe Estuary views
The estuary side of Exmouth has a gentler, calmer feel and is perfect if you want scenic views, peaceful moments and that lovely sense of slowing down by the water. It is one of the best places in Exmouth simply to pause and take it all in.
Beaches and coast
If you are searching for classic seaside things to do in Exmouth, the beach is naturally one of the highlights. Long sandy stretches, sea views and the red cliffs nearby make this part of Devon especially beautiful.
Orcombe and the nearby coastline
The coast around Orcombe is one of the most striking parts of Exmouth, with wide sand, open sea views and those beautiful red cliffs that make this area so distinctive. It is ideal for a beach walk, a quiet moment or simply enjoying the scenery.
Devon Cliffs beach
Just beyond the centre of Exmouth, Devon Cliffs gives you another lovely stretch of coastline to enjoy. If you are staying nearby, this is a great option for sea air, sandy views and an easy day out before heading into town for food, shopping or an indoor activity.
Town centre and gardens
One of the nicest things about Exmouth is how easy it is to wander between the beach, town and green spaces. You can move from sea views to shops, cafés and gardens all within a short walk.
Exmouth town centre
The town centre has a relaxed, friendly feel with a mix of independent shops, cafés and places to stop for a drink or something to eat. It’s a great place to browse, especially if you want a slower pace after time on the beach.
Manor Gardens
Just a short walk from the seafront, Manor Gardens is a lovely green space to sit, relax and enjoy a quieter moment. It works beautifully as part of a gentle day exploring Exmouth.
With gardens, shops and the beach all close together, Exmouth makes it very easy to create a relaxed, varied day out without needing to travel far.
Family-friendly things to do in Exmouth
Exmouth is a great choice for families because there is a mix of simple outdoor fun and activities that feel a bit more special. Whether you want a beach day or something more structured, there is plenty to choose from.
- Beach walks and playing by the sea
- Exploring the marina and town centre
- Relaxing in gardens and green spaces
- Choosing a creative activity everyone can enjoy together
If you are looking for things to do in Exmouth with kids, activities where everyone can take part together tend to be the most memorable. A creative session is often a lovely way to slow down and enjoy quality time.
Indoor activities and rainy day ideas
Although Exmouth is best known for its coastline, it is always helpful to have indoor options too. Whether the weather changes or you simply fancy doing something different, a warm indoor activity can easily become the highlight of the day.
Arty Boat
Arty Boat is one of the most unique indoor activities in Exmouth, where you can paint wooden ducks or other items in a relaxed, welcoming setting and take your creation home the same day.
It’s beginner-friendly, suitable for all ages and perfect if you want something more memorable than just waiting for the weather to improve.
A relaxed local experience
Located in Exmouth town centre, Arty Boat is a lovely choice for families, couples, friends and visitors looking for something creative, welcoming and a little bit different.
Looking specifically for rainy day ideas?
See our full guide to rainy day things to do in Exmouth .
Things to do near Exmouth
One of the best things about visiting Exmouth is how easy it is to explore beyond the town itself. Within a short distance you can find beautiful coastline, scenic countryside and other lovely places to visit.
- Devon Cliffs and the surrounding coastline
- Coastal walks and estuary views
- Pretty nearby towns and villages
- Historic houses and gardens in East Devon
This makes Exmouth a brilliant base — you can enjoy the beach, town and a creative activity all in one day, or use it as a starting point for exploring more of Devon.
Staying in Exmouth
If you are planning a short break or holiday, Exmouth has a range of lovely places to stay close to the seafront and town centre. Staying locally makes it easy to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.
Some nearby Airbnb options include:
Staying nearby makes it easy to enjoy the beach, marina, town centre and a creative Arty Boat session all in one visit.
Why Exmouth is such a lovely place to visit
What makes Exmouth special is the balance it offers. You have wide sandy beaches, peaceful estuary views, colourful marina scenes, green spaces and the option to enjoy something creative and memorable.
Whether you are visiting for a day, staying for a weekend or planning a longer break, there are plenty of things to do in Exmouth to suit every kind of visit.
Planning your visit?
If you are putting together your Exmouth itinerary and want one standout indoor activity, Arty Boat is a lovely choice for families, couples, friends and visitors staying locally.
This guide shares some of the most enjoyable things to do in Exmouth, from beaches and coastal walks to indoor activities, local experiences and nearby places to explore.
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🎨 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.
