With superb entertainment for all ages plus a wide range of places to stay and eat & drink, Exmouth has built a reputation as a hot spot for the family. Read on for the top ten things to do in and around Exmouth…
Top 10
1. Find life-size dinosaurs on the Exmouth Dinosaur Safari
A Jurassic experience made right here in Devon. Big ones, small ones; they’re all here! Can your expedition find them all before they find you?
Pick up a copy of the Exmouth Dinosaur Safari trail map at Exmouth Tourist Information Service.
2. A good old fashioned day at the seaside
If you love the feel of sand between your toes, look no further than our beautiful beach! And if boredom sets in, grab yourself a bucket and a crab line from one of the beach shops and head to the rock pools at Maer Rocks to discover a world of wonderful sea creatures. East Devon District Council’s Countryside team and our local National Trust rangers host rock-pooling events and mud walks during the school holidays to help you explore the seashore.
3. Queen’s Drive Space
Queen’s Drive Space is a seafront attraction offered to you by East Devon District Council. This new area includes an enthralling Jurassic themed children’s play area, a contemporary, relaxing seating area with a bar and street food and an exciting programme of evening events, including pop up cinema, music, theatre and live opera screenings..
4. Stuart Line Cruises & Exmouth Land Train
Explore Exmouth and its surroundings in style! Stuart Line Cruises is a family owned business which offers weather, family and dog-friendly boat trips from Exmouth Marina. When you are back on terra firma, Exmouth Land Train is the perfect way to explore the town. Hop on & off to visit the picturesque seafront and town centre and enjoy a lively and informative commentary.
5. Get out on your bike!
Hire a bike from Exmouth Cycle Hire and cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail to Lympstone or Topsham, where you can enjoy a pub lunch or an ice cream. You can always get the train back! Or cycle along the old railway track to Budleigh Salterton.
6. World of Country Life
Take the open top 95 bus and enjoy acres of award winning family fun for all the family at World of Country Life including a deer train safari, petting farm, Hawkridge Birds of Prey and much more. You can even walk a goat!
7. Starcross Ferry to Turf Hotel via Powderham Castle
A day-long adventure loop on land and water to take in the best of the Exe Estuary. Take the ferry from Exmouth Marina to Starcross and walk (or cycle) to Turf Hotel, one of the few pubs in the country that cannot be accessed by car and an ideal place for a lunch break, before continuing on to Topsham Lock Keepers Cottage, to take the Topsham Passenger Ferry to Topsham.
Continue to Exmouth by foot or cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail or take the train. A shorter, but equally popular option, is to take the ferry to Starcross and walk to Powderham Castle, home of the Earl & Countess of Devon, where you can enjoy a deer park safari or a guided tour of the historic castle and end your day with a visit to Powderham Farm Shop, which is in the estate’s grounds, before making your back to Starcross Ferry for the return crossing.
8. Ocean
Ocean is the stunning home to a giant soft play area, a state of the art bowling alley, live music & events, and a range of food options. A great solution to rainy days in Exmouth!
9. Exmouth Eye
The Exmouth Eye is a 28-metre observation wheel which attracts thousands of visitors each year and is sited at beach gardens from Easter until early September. Take in the sensational views of the South Devon coastline in the daytime or take a ride as the sun is about to set; the wheel is the perfect way to admire our beautiful environment in all its glory.
10. River Exe Cafe
Last but by no means least, no visit to Exmouth is complete without a trip to the River Exe Cafe: a floating restaurant which is located offshore in the middle of the River Exe. Open from 1st April until the 30th September each year, the Restaurant offers a wide range of locally-sourced food and is surrounded by amazing views. The River Exe Cafe can only be accessed by boat, either a Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina, or on your own boat. Booking is essential.