Orcombe Point Geoneedle
Mark the start of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point, featuring the iconic Geoneedle and dramatic red cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Orcombe Point Geoneedle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mark the start of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point, featuring the iconic Geoneedle and dramatic red cliffs.
"A truly magnificent expression of God’s beauty in nature, incredibly gorgeous and tranquil."
🚶♀️ Walk the SW Coast Path
Follow the SW Coast Path for a scenic walk with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly End
Dogs are welcome year-round at this end of the beach, perfect for furry companions! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Geoneedle
Orcombe Point
A striking sculpture marking the start of the Jurassic Coast, symbolizing 185 million years of history.
Jurassic Coast Cliffs
Western edge of Exmouth
Dramatic red sandstone cliffs that are the beginning of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Buttercup Fields
Clifftop meadows
Expansive fields of buttercups offering stunning views and a picturesque walking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Tide-Dependent Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the SW Coast Path
Follow the SW Coast Path for a scenic walk with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly End
Dogs are welcome year-round at this end of the beach, perfect for furry companions! :dog:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Access beyond the point is tide-dependent. Plan your exploration accordingly. :ocean:
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared for a short wait. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the SW Coast Path
Follow the SW Coast Path for a scenic walk with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly End
Dogs are welcome year-round at this end of the beach, perfect for furry companions! :dog:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Access beyond the point is tide-dependent. Plan your exploration accordingly. :ocean:
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared for a short wait. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular natural beauty of Orcombe Point, particularly the dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs and the iconic Geoneedle sculpture. The expansive buttercup fields and coastal walks are highly praised, offering a tranquil and grounding experience. Some find parking challenging, and tide-dependent access requires planning.
"The outer edge of Exmouth beach cliff area holding Orcombe point and spectacular nature beauty. Buttercup fields spreading on miles. You can have Exmouth beach view from top as well.
For going up you can follow SW coast path up high. Very nice trail for a walk at Jurassic coast. Orcombe Point is marked by the Geoneedle which was unveiled by Prince Charles in 2002. This area has 185 millions years history of fossils. Worth for a walk"
UK Photo Journey
"What a place! It's really amazing. Wonderful place for visit. You can park your car on the carpart and take a walk."
Alen Thomas
"Exmouth is where Exeter goes to exhale; a broad, golden sprawl at the mouth of the River Exe that manages, against the odds, to be both charming and slightly chaotic. From above, it looks like someone smeared custard across the bottom edge of a map, which is oddly fitting: it’s warm, a bit messy, and somehow still inviting. It’s the flagship of local beaches on the south side, and on a sunny weekend, you’ll find half the county there, doing their very best to have a good time and mostly succeeding.
Parking is a bit of a sport. Not impossible, but you’ll need a bit of luck or a strong sense of optimism. Public transport is more of a gentle suggestion than a reliable option, though it does exist if you're patient and not in any particular hurry. That said, if you’ve got a blue badge, things improve noticeably. With a little persistence, patience and insider knowledge, you’ll likely find a spot and feel quite smug about it.
Head along to Orcombe Point and the beach changes character completely. The neat and orderly sand gives way to something far more dramatic; towering red sandstone cliffs, ancient and unapologetically wild. This is the beginning of the Jurassic Coast, and it wears its age with pride. There’s something grounding about standing at the edge of a landscape that was already old when dinosaurs wandered across it.
Dogs are allowed year-round at this end which is a small mercy for anyone accompanied by something furry and enthusiastic. The only real catch is that access past the point is tide-dependent. There were steps once but long gone now, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the sea and pick your moment. It adds a touch of adventure, really, and makes getting there feel like a little victory.
Beyond the cliffs, the beach gets quieter, rougher, and altogether more interesting. Rock pools appear, little ecosystems in miniature, and kids race between boulders with nets and plastic buckets like it’s still 1953. You can swim here too. The water’s bracing but clean enough if you time it right, and if you can overlook South West Water’s occasional lapses in civic responsibility, it’s genuinely refreshing."
Chris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orcombe Point is located at the western edge of Exmouth. You can drive and park at the designated car park, though it can get busy. Public transport options exist but require patience. The South West Coast Path also leads directly to the point, offering a scenic approach for walkers.
Yes, there is a car park at Orcombe Point. However, it's known to be challenging to find a spot on busy weekends. Arriving early or being patient is recommended. Blue badge holders have better access.
Public transport to Exmouth is available, and from there, you can walk or take a local bus towards the beach area. However, it's described as more of a 'gentle suggestion than a reliable option' and requires patience.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the South West Coast Path, which offers spectacular views of the cliffs and coastline. Exploring the rock pools at low tide is also a popular activity.
While the terrain can be uneven, blue badge holders experience noticeably improved access to parking. The main paths are generally manageable, but always be mindful of the natural landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Orcombe Point and the surrounding natural landscape are free to access. There are no admission fees for visiting the Geoneedle or walking along the cliffs and beach.
Orcombe Point is an open natural area and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Jurassic Coastline at Orcombe Point. It is a natural heritage site that is freely accessible to the public.
The primary restriction is tide-dependent access beyond the main point. Otherwise, it's an open natural space. Always be mindful of cliff edges and weather conditions.
While there aren't specific 'tickets' for Orcombe Point itself, local tour operators in Exmouth may offer guided walks along the Jurassic Coast. It's best to check with local tourism information for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Geoneedle is a distinctive sculpture made from local rock, unveiled in 2002. It marks the western start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and symbolizes the area's 185 million years of geological history.
Expect dramatic red sandstone cliffs, expansive buttercup fields on the clifftops, and views over Exmouth beach and the River Exe estuary. It's a beautiful natural landscape.
While Orcombe Point itself is a natural site, there are often facilities like public restrooms and sometimes small cafes or kiosks located near the main car park area in Exmouth. It's advisable to check local listings for current availability.
You can enjoy walking along the South West Coast Path, explore rock pools at low tide, admire the Geoneedle, take in the cliff views, and enjoy the natural beauty. Dogs are also welcome year-round.
While the views are spectacular, always exercise caution near cliff edges. Stick to marked paths and be aware of the terrain, especially if conditions are wet or windy.
📸 📸 Photography
The Geoneedle with the dramatic cliffs as a backdrop is a must-capture. The sweeping coastal views, buttercup fields in bloom, and the changing light during sunrise and sunset offer fantastic photographic potential.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful warm light that enhances the colors of the cliffs and landscape. Sunrise can also be stunning, offering a quieter experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the cliffs or distant sea views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. :camerawithflash:
The area around the Geoneedle offers a primary viewpoint. Continue along the South West Coast Path for elevated perspectives of the coastline and Exmouth.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current UK drone laws and any local restrictions or bylaws before flying a drone in this area to ensure compliance. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is rewarding. Dogs are allowed year-round, which is a bonus for families with furry members. Keep a close eye on children near the cliff edges and be aware of tide times if you plan to explore further along the coast.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Ensure you wear appropriate hiking gear, including comfortable and supportive footwear, and carry water and snacks. Checking weather forecasts and tide times is crucial, as coastal paths can be affected by conditions. The well-maintained paths make it accessible for many levels of hikers.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near cliff edges and wildlife. Always be considerate of other visitors and clean up after your pet. The natural environment offers a refreshing experience for both you and your furry friend.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Significance of Orcombe Point
Visitors can learn about the fossil discoveries and the processes that shaped this coastline over millennia. The area provides a tangible connection to prehistoric times, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in natural history. The dramatic cliffs offer a visual narrative of the powerful forces of erosion and sedimentation that have sculpted the landscape.
Exploring the South West Coast Path
This section of the path is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the aforementioned buttercup fields that bloom vibrantly in season. It's a popular route for both day-trippers and serious hikers. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections can be uneven, and always be mindful of the weather and tide times, especially when venturing off the main path.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
The coastal environment supports various bird species, and the rock pools exposed at low tide teem with small marine life, offering a miniature ecosystem to explore. Dogs are also welcome year-round at this end of Exmouth beach, making it a popular spot for pet owners to enjoy the scenery and let their companions roam.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit