Exmouth Beach Devon
A stunning 2-mile sandy beach with a vibrant promenade, perfect for families, dog walkers, and seaside fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Exmouth Beach Devon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 2-mile sandy beach with a vibrant promenade, perfect for families, dog walkers, and seaside fun.
"Honestly the best beach, I've been coming here several times a year for the last 2 decades. Lovely!"
🐾 Dog-Friendly Zones
Dogs are welcome at either end of the beach, perfect for furry friends to enjoy the sand!
⏰ Check Tide Times
Essential for exploring rock pools and maximizing your beach time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores
The entire 2-mile stretch
Miles of golden sand perfect for sunbathing, playing, and long walks. Ideal for families and dog walkers.
Rock Pool Exploration
Eastern end of the beach
Discover fascinating marine life in the rock pools at low tide. A hit with kids and nature enthusiasts.
Seaside Promenade
Along the beach front
Enjoy ice cream, fish and chips, and stunning sea views from the vibrant promenade.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting There and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Zones
Dogs are welcome at either end of the beach, perfect for furry friends to enjoy the sand!
⏰ Check Tide Times
Essential for exploring rock pools and maximizing your beach time.
🍦 Seaside Treats
Indulge in classic fish and chips or ice cream from the promenade vendors.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or consider public transport to avoid parking hassles during peak times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Zones
Dogs are welcome at either end of the beach, perfect for furry friends to enjoy the sand!
⏰ Check Tide Times
Essential for exploring rock pools and maximizing your beach time.
🍦 Seaside Treats
Indulge in classic fish and chips or ice cream from the promenade vendors.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or consider public transport to avoid parking hassles during peak times.
🏊♀️ Sea Swimming
Brave swimmers enjoy the sea year-round; water can be bracing but refreshing!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Exmouth Beach is widely praised as one of the UK's best, lauded for its vast, clean sandy shores, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundance of amenities. Visitors appreciate the rock pools, promenade activities, and dog-friendly sections, making it a consistently enjoyable destination for decades. Some minor drawbacks include potential traffic delays when driving and parking challenges during peak times.
"The overall vibe is relaxed and friendly. There are also plenty of amenities nearby, including cafes and shops, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. Exmouth Beach is a definite must-visit if you’re looking for a beautiful, dog-friendly coastal escape."
Bubble Jung
"One of the best beaches in the UK. At 2 miles from end to end it's an amazing walk with plenty to see along the way. Loads of options to eat and drink as well as amusements, crazy golf and the recently built lifeboat center. Plenty of beach based activities too with lifeguard cover. Honestly the best beach, I've been coming here several times a year for the last 2 decades. Lovely!"
Keith McKie
"Beautiful clean beach on a beautiful clear sunny day. There's so much to see and do. There was a brave man swimming in the sea which was great to see. I finger tested the water and it didn't feel as cold as I was thinking it would. It's normally a 25 minute drive from Exeter but on the day I drove there it took 60 minutes because there were roadworks with 2 temporary traffic lights. I tried stem ginger ice cream and a latte from one of the food vendors and both were really nice. Overall a great day out with lots to see."
Naveed Rashid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Exmouth Beach is easily reachable from Exeter by car (approx. 25-60 minutes depending on traffic and roadworks ), train (frequent services from Exeter St Davids), or bus. Many students and visitors opt for the train for convenience.
Yes, there are public toilets and car parks available near the beach. However, parking can become very busy, especially during summer and weekends, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, a scenic walk from Exeter to Exmouth is possible, often following the coast or river path. It's a popular route for hikers and cyclists.
Regular bus services connect Exeter to Exmouth, and trains run frequently from Exeter St Davids station, offering a convenient way to reach the beach.
The promenade is generally accessible, and the sandy beach offers a relatively easy surface for wheelchairs, especially closer to the promenade. Specific accessibility details may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exmouth Beach is a public beach, so there is no entry fee to access the sand and sea. Charges may apply for specific activities or parking.
Exmouth Beach is open 24/7, as it is a public natural attraction. However, amenities like cafes and shops will have their own operating hours.
General beach access is free. However, for specific activities like water sports or at activity centers nearby, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
While generally open, always check for any temporary local restrictions or advisories, especially regarding tide times and safety warnings.
For nearby attractions like the Devon Activity Centre, booking directly through their website is usually the best option.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, exploring rock pools, walking, and playing in the sand. Nearby, there are options for water sports and activities like quad biking and segways.
Absolutely! The sandy beach, rock pools, and nearby amusements make it a fantastic destination for families. Lifeguard cover is also available.
Yes, swimming is popular at Exmouth Beach. The water can be bracing, but many enjoy it year-round, with some brave souls even swimming in colder months.
Yes, Exmouth Beach typically has lifeguard cover, especially during the main tourist season, ensuring a safer experience for swimmers and beachgoers.
Capture stunning shots of the long sandy expanse, the colorful promenade, and dramatic sunsets. Rock pools at low tide also offer unique photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous cafes, ice cream parlors, fish and chip shops, and restaurants along the promenade and in the town center, offering a variety of choices.
Many cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff for specific dietary needs.
While there are no designated picnic areas, the expansive beach and promenade provide plenty of space to set up a picnic blanket and enjoy your own food.
Classic seaside fare like fish and chips is a must-try. You can also find local ice cream flavors and fresh seafood.
Many cafes and pubs in Exmouth are dog-friendly, especially those with outdoor seating. It's best to check with individual establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant atmosphere and clear blue skies.
A versatile camera with a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and promenade. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
The promenade offers excellent vantage points. For a different perspective, consider the viewpoints from the cliffs or dunes if accessible.
The long stretch of golden sand, the colorful beach huts (if present), the waves, rock pools, and the iconic pier or lifeboat station are all popular subjects.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. It's crucial to check with local authorities and adhere to all guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing buckets and spades for sandcastle construction and nets for rock pooling. The nearby amusements and crazy golf also offer entertainment options for a full day out. Remember to pack sun protection and plenty of snacks, though there are many convenient food stops available.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Enjoy the tranquility of the beach during quieter times, perhaps with a good book or simply by watching the waves. The promenade provides opportunities to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, and the friendly atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations if you wish.
🐶 Dog Owners
Many local cafes and pubs are also dog-friendly, so you can easily extend your outing and enjoy refreshments with your pet by your side. Remember to always keep your dog under control and clean up after them to maintain the beach's pristine condition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Exmouth Beach: A Coastal Gem
The promenade running alongside the beach is a hub of activity, lined with charming cafes, traditional fish and chip shops, and ice cream parlors. It’s the perfect place to stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the vibrant coastal ambiance. Many visitors highlight the convenience of having amenities like public toilets and car parks readily available, though parking can be a challenge during peak times.
Beyond the sand and sea, Exmouth offers a range of activities. For the adventurous, nearby centers provide options like quad biking and segways. The beach itself is also a popular spot for sea swimming, with dedicated groups even organizing regular dips, showcasing the year-round appeal of this Devonshire treasure.
Getting to Exmouth: Travel Tips from Visitors
Driving is also a popular choice, with Exmouth being a relatively short drive from Exeter. However, be prepared for potential delays due to roadworks or seasonal traffic, which can significantly increase travel time. Parking is available but can be limited and costly during busy periods, so arriving early or exploring park-and-ride options is a wise strategy.
For those seeking a more active journey, a scenic walk or cycle from Exeter to Exmouth is a rewarding experience, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful Devonshire landscape along the way.
Dog-Friendly Exmouth: A Paradise for Pups
At either end of the beach, dogs are permitted year-round, making it a perfect spot for a morning or evening stroll with your canine companion. This dog-friendly policy is frequently praised by visitors, contributing to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere of the beach.
Remember to always be mindful of other beachgoers and to clean up after your pet. Many of the cafes and pubs in the vicinity are also dog-friendly, allowing you to extend the enjoyment for your entire family, including your furry members.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit