Exmouth has been a go-to seaside destination since the 18th century. Its unspoilt coastline and countryside can be enjoyed all year round, and it offers plenty of local amenities and easy access to Exeter.
Where is Exmouth?
The port town and seaside resort of Exmouth sits on the south coast of England, at the mouth of the River Exe in east Devon. It's just 10 miles south east of Exeter and 50 miles north east of Plymouth.
Unsurprisingly, Exmouth's sea air, sandy beaches and picturesque surroundings carry a high price tag. The average house value is £272,000, up 19.5% compared to five years ago (check the latest prices with the Zoopla House Price Tool). However, this price compares favourably with other averages across Devon.
Take a look at our guide on Devon to find out more about the county.
Living in Exmouth: what to expect
The biggest draw to Exmouth is its location. The town boasts two miles of golden sands and rock pools – the longest seafront in Devon and Cornwall – as well as a wildlife-rich estuary. Inland, the town is surrounded by national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Exmouth’s economy is based on tourism and has led to much redevelopment work in recent years. The Strand area of the town centre has been redesigned and pedestrianised, while a multi-million-pound seafront regeneration scheme is set to provide new leisure and parking facilities.
Plenty of outdoor space and activities make Exmouth ideal for families. Exmouth also has several well-performing schools, including Exeter Road Community Primary School and Withycombe Raleigh Church of England Primary School.
Top places to start your property search
Town centre: In Exmouth town centre there are plenty of flats and terraced houses available, all close to key amenities and the beach. Most are period properties – although there are some modern infills – and there is a wide selection of types and sizes.
Properties in this area are ideal for commuters, as the train station is within walking distance of your front door.
Try Salisbury Road and its neighbouring streets for traditional Victorian two-up, two-down terraces close to the station. Alternatively, have a look at Albion Street for three-storey, three-bedroom townhouses and North Street and Bicton Street for some of the oldest and most characterful properties in Exmouth.
On the main shopping streets, such as Exeter Road, Parade and The Strand, there are lots of flats above retail premises. Some have up to three bedrooms.
Inland: Properties tend to become larger and detached or semi-detached to the north and east of the town centre.
Many of Exmouth’s larger family homes and most sought-after properties are located on the leafy ‘avenues’, such as Halsdon Avenue, Barnfield Avenue, Portland Avenue, Cranford Avenue and Douglas Avenue.
On these roads you’ll find a mixture of sizeable pre-war semis and detached homes, as well as villas, modern flats, large houses and bungalows. There's also the occasional new-build development. Some of the properties on Douglas Avenue boast sea views despite being set back from the seafront.
Young families may wish to consider the town’s suburban villages, such as Littleham and Withycombe Raleigh. The latter has plenty of post-war and modern estates as well as period properties, along with two good primary schools.
Seafront: The seafront is a good area to invest in property in Exmouth thanks to its desirable houses with sea views. Try The Beacon, Louisa Terrace, Trefusis Terrace, Alexandra Terrace, and Morton Crescent.
Many of the buildings on these roads are of traditional Victorian architecture, dating back to the town’s heyday. Whitewashed and terraced, with three or more floors and bay windows, some have been converted into flats. Others remain as standalone properties.
On the western edge of the town some properties enjoy views of the estuary and marina. For period terraced houses, try Camperdown Terrace. For modern apartments and penthouses, the new luxury quayside developments on Shelly Road and Pier Head are particularly desirable and fetch premium prices.
At the town’s south eastern limits, Foxholes Hill enjoys a commanding position above the English Channel. It's also within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you’ll find several large, luxury abodes, and at the far end is an estate of family homes and bungalows. Expect high-end prices along the length of the road.
Best ways to get around Exmouth
By rail: Exmouth has its own train station located close to the town centre. Hourly services to Paignton (90 minutes) and to Barnstaple (roughly one hour 45 minutes) are provided by Great Western Railway.
Both services stop at Exeter Central, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes.
By car: The A376 Exeter Road leads northwards from Exmouth to the M5, which provides access north towards Taunton (50 minutes), Weston-super-Mare (80 minutes), Bristol (one hour 40 minutes), Cheltenham (two hours) and Birmingham (three hours). It also connects up with the M4 for journeys into Wales.
The nearest city, Exeter, sits close to the M5. It takes 30 minutes to get there by road. South west Devon can be reached via the A38. An hour's drive brings you to Plymouth.
By air: Exeter Airport is less than half an hour away by road (11 miles). For more choice, including some direct international flights, Bristol Airport is an hour and a half away (70 miles).
Birmingham, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, which have the widest range of international destinations, are a hefty three hours’ drive away.
Best things to do in Exmouth
Beaches: Exmouth's golden sands stretch for several miles and provide the perfect leisure-time retreat, whether for sunbathing and paddling or evening strolls.
Exmouth Beach and the secluded Sandy Bay are ideal places for rock-pooling. Alternatively, Budleigh Salterton Beach is best known for the Red Devonian Sandstone cliffs, which are within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sports: Exmouth is well-known for its water sports. On the seafront, kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing and paddleboarding are just some of the available activities.
From the 200-berth marina and the Exe Estuary, yachtsmen and women can also enjoy year-round sailing.
Back on dry land, walkers have miles of cliff-top paths stretching both east and west. A selection of easy, moderate and challenging South West Coast Path routes can be accessed from the town, taking in such sights as the Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, the Exe Estuary, Otter Valley and the Maer Local Nature Reserve.
Carparks are available along the length of the path for those wanting to explore new areas of the coastline.
Green spaces: Phear Park, to the north east of the town centre, has an 18-hole golf course, outdoor tennis courts and a café. Manor Gardens, to the south, offers a pleasant spot in which to relax. It also acts as a venue for occasional public entertainment, such as the annual Exmouth Festival.
A little further afield, Dartmoor National Park and the Blackdown Hills and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty offer diverse landscapes of moorland, heathland, forests and farmland.
Shopping: Independent traders selling everything from food to jewellery line Exeter Road and Albion Hill. Yet more local goods are available at the Exmouth Indoor Market, which has 50 stalls selling Devonshire produce and handmade gifts.
Traditional fishmongers and art shops populate The Strand. This area has been redeveloped in recent years and now forms Exmouth's Café Quarter.
The Magnolia Centre is a pedestrianised area with well-known high street names such as New Look, Boots and WH Smith. Smaller local shops, such as The Farm Shop and Porky Down, can also be found here.
Food and drink: Exmouth's proximity to the sea means its restaurant scene is packed with seafood specialists.
The best places to eat in Exmouth include Les Saveurs. It prides itself on classic French cooking and uses local, seasonal ingredients. Menu options include pan-fried scallops and cod served with a garlic butter mash.
The Grapevine Brewhouse is the brewery tap of the Crossed Anchors Brewing company. Many of the beers, such as the Exe Porter and the Red Right Hand ale, are brewed on site. Food is American-styled but uses produce from Devon.
Hidden Exmouth
River Exe Cafe is an eclectic, award-winning place to eat. The café is housed on a floating barge offshore in the Exe Estuary. It can only be accessed by water taxi or private boat and serves the freshest of local produce, including the renowned River Exe mussels.
5 reasons to live in Exmouth
Sea views, golden beaches and unspoilt countryside
Varied property portfolio, especially in suburban villages
Outdoor lifestyle
Good transport links to Exeter
Vibrant shopping areas of local and national shops
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