Where Is Exmouth?
Exmouth is located in East Devon, approximately 12 miles south-east of Exeter. The town sits at the mouth of the River Exe, where the river flows into Lyme Bay and the English Channel.
Its position has played an important role in Exmouth’s history. The estuary provided a sheltered environment for boats, while the open coastline offered a long stretch of beach and spectacular sea views.
Why is Exmouth the oldest seaside resort?
Exmouth has a strong claim to being England’s oldest seaside resort because of its early development as a destination for visitors seeking the benefits of sea bathing and coastal recreation.
During the eighteenth century, sea bathing became increasingly fashionable among wealthy visitors. Doctors and writers promoted the supposed health benefits of bathing in seawater and breathing fresh coastal air.
The Georgian Seaside
The eighteenth century saw significant changes in attitudes towards the coast. Seawater bathing became fashionable, particularly among wealthy and middle-class visitors. Exmouth was well placed to benefit from this trend. Its beach, coastal scenery and relatively mild climate made it an appealing destination.
The arrival of visitors encouraged investment in accommodation and other facilities. Elegant houses and buildings appeared, helping create the appearance of a fashionable resort. This period established many of the traditions that remain associated with Exmouth today.
Exmouth Beach
The wide sandy beach stretches along the seafront and provides plenty of space for traditional seaside activities. On warm summer days, families can be found building sandcastles, swimming, playing games and enjoying picnics.
The beach is also popular for watersports. The conditions around the Exe Estuary and coastline make the area suitable for activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing.
The Exe Estuary
The River Exe is one of the defining features of Exmouth. The estuary stretches inland towards Exeter and provides an important habitat for wildlife. Mudflats, reed beds and other habitats support large numbers of birds, particularly during the winter months.
The estuary is an excellent place for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Visitors may see wading birds, ducks and other coastal species, while the surrounding landscape provides attractive views throughout the year.
Walking the South West Coast Path
Exmouth is an excellent starting point for coastal walks. The South West Coast Path passes through the area, providing access to some of Devon’s most spectacular scenery.
One popular route follows the coast towards Budleigh Salterton and beyond. The landscape changes as you leave the town, with cliffs, beaches and open countryside replacing the built-up seafront.
Walking towards Orcombe Point provides beautiful views over the coastline and offers a chance to experience a wilder side of Exmouth.
Orcombe Point
Orcombe Point marks the eastern end of Exmouth’s main beach and is an important landmark on the local coastline. The area provides excellent views over the sea and surrounding cliffs.
Orcombe Point is also associated with the Jurassic Coast, the World Heritage Site that extends along the coast of Devon and Dorset. The coastline here contains rocks and geological formations that help tell the story of millions of years of Earth’s history.
Exmouth and the Jurassic Coast
Exmouth is an excellent gateway to the western end of the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast is famous for its geological importance and stretches along approximately 95 miles of coastline from East Devon into Dorset.
The rocks preserve evidence of ancient environments and provide an extraordinary record of Earth’s history. From Exmouth, visitors can explore the coastline towards Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer and Lyme Regis.
