Attractions and Places To See around Exmouth - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Exmouth include a diverse range of natural landscapes, historic landmarks, and cultural sites in this charming seaside town in Devon, England. Exmouth serves as the western gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, and is situated on the Exe Estuary, a globally important area for wildlife. Visitors can explore golden sand beaches, significant estuaries, and historic structures, offering varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Exmouth
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that offers a 36 km, mainly flat cycle route and walkway around the Exe Estuary, connecting Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. It provides views along the River Exe and is suitable for cycling and walking.
- Another must-see spot is Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a natural monument known for its marshes around the River Otter, offering prime birdwatching opportunities. This reserve supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders.
- Visitors also love Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk, a wheelchair accessible cycle way and viewpoint along the Exe Estuary. This section is part of the 36 km trail, providing spectacular views and a well-surfaced path for cyclists and walkers.
- Exmouth is known for its natural features like the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary, historic landmarks such as A La Ronde, and cultural sites including Exmouth Museum. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from coastal walks to watersports and historical tours.
- The attractions around Exmouth are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 14 photos shared.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham.
The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops.
Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
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Exe Estuary Trail
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Well surfaced and ideal for any type of bike as well as walkers and runners. Be mindful of other users, especially when it's busier at the weekends and holidays.
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Countess Wear Bridges
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Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk
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Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
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Popular around Exmouth
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Tips from the Community
Look out for an entrance onto a footpath on your right, which follows beside the railway tracks on your left, and the exe estuary on your right. The path is too narrow for cycling but great for walking and running.
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
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Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
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Exeter Ship Canal is a canal leading from (and beside) the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon. It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham. The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops. Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
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Countess Wear Bridges are two bridges in Exeter, Devon that cross the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. They have a D-Day connection because they were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944. The bridges were chosen because they resembled two bridges in France that were part of the Operation Deadstick, a daring mission to capture and hold the crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne. The training involved rehearsing different scenarios and tactics in case the plan went wrong on D-Day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Exmouth?
Exmouth offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore the Exe Estuary Trail for cycling and walking, or visit the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve for birdwatching. The two-mile stretch of Exmouth Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. You can also access the South West Coast Path for scenic walks or take boat trips around the Exe Estuary and along the Jurassic Coast.
Are there good walking and cycling trails around Exmouth?
Yes, Exmouth is an excellent base for walking and cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular 36 km, mainly flat route suitable for both, connecting Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish with fantastic views. For more options, you can find various running trails, easy hikes, and gravel biking routes in the area.
Where can I experience the Jurassic Coast near Exmouth?
Exmouth serves as the western gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast. You can experience its dramatic cliffs and ancient rock formations by visiting Orcombe Point, which is the official start of the Jurassic Coast and features the striking Geoneedle sculpture. The South West Coast Path also offers picturesque vistas and opportunities to explore this renowned coastline.
What opportunities are there for birdwatching in Exmouth?
The Exe Estuary is a globally important area for overwintering birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. You can observe thousands of migratory birds, including dark-bellied brent geese and wigeon, especially during autumn and winter. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is another excellent location, known for its marshes around the River Otter, supporting a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders.
Are there any nature reserves to explore in Exmouth?
Absolutely. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a natural monument known for its marshes and prime birdwatching opportunities. Additionally, The Maer Local Nature Reserve, situated behind Exmouth Beach, is a peaceful haven for rare plants, birds, wildflowers, and butterflies, offering excellent nature walks. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, across the Exe Estuary, is also home to rare wildlife and plants.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Exmouth?
Yes, Exmouth has several family-friendly options. The Exe Estuary Trail is suitable for families, and the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also family-friendly. World of Country Life, a short drive away, is an indoor/outdoor park with a farming museum, vintage vehicles, and opportunities to interact with animals. Exmouth Beach itself is great for family fun, swimming, and building sandcastles.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is a notable wheelchair-accessible cycleway and viewpoint along the Exe Estuary. This section is part of the wider Exe Estuary Trail, providing spectacular views and a well-surfaced path for all users.
What historical sites can I visit in Exmouth?
Exmouth boasts a rich history. You can visit A La Ronde, a unique 16-sided National Trust property from the late 18th century. The Exmouth Museum, housed in a Victorian building, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's maritime past and its role as a Victorian seaside resort. Powderham Castle, a short distance away, also offers guided tours and historical insights.
Are there cultural attractions or unique buildings to see?
Beyond historical sites, Exmouth offers cultural experiences. The Exmouth Pavilion is a Victorian-era theatre hosting various performances. Otterton Mill, a historic working watermill over 1,000 years old, showcases traditional milling and has picturesque gardens. The Exmouth Town Centre itself features charming Georgian and Victorian architecture, blending traditional and modern influences.
When is the best time to visit Exmouth for outdoor activities?
Exmouth is enjoyable year-round, but for outdoor activities like watersports, cycling, and beach visits, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. For birdwatching on the Exe Estuary, autumn and winter months are particularly rewarding as thousands of migratory birds arrive.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Exe Estuary Trail?
Visitors frequently praise the Exe Estuary Trail for its well-surfaced, traffic-free path, making it ideal for all types of bikes, walkers, and runners. The spectacular views of the estuary are a highlight, and it's considered perfect for a family ride or for those seeking a less strenuous outdoor experience.
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Most popular attractions around Exmouth
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