Exmouth

The oldest seaside town in Devon, Exmouth boasts two miles of sandy beach, and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

A popular holiday destination since the 18th century, Exmouth truly represents the British seaside at its best with golden beaches for building sandcastles, rock pools to hunt for elusive crabs, and sparkling sea in which to paddle, swim, windsurf, and water ski.

As you would expect there is plenty of seasonal entertainment, while the popular World of Country Life at Sandy Bay is a great all-weather attraction with lots of animals, rides, play areas, and a Victorian street.

However, Exmouth is also the Western Gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, a fantastic journey through 185 million years of the Earth's geology that begins here at the five metre futuristic cone of the "geoneedle" at Orcombe Point, unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2002.

An excellent way to view the vibrant red and burnt orange of the ancient Triassic rock of the Exmouth coastline is by taking a Jurassic Coast trip with Stuart Line Cruises. They also offer bird-watching cruises as the mudflats and grazing marshes of the Exe estuary attract a huge variety of birdlife. In winter months special RSPB Avocet Cruises from Exmouth docks allow passengers to view rare avocets, a birdwatcher's delight.

Explore the town by following the Blue PlaqueTrail available from Exmouth TIC to places of interest including Nelson House, where Lady Nelson lived in tragic isolation during Nelson's affair with Emma Hamilton. One of Exmouth's most charming buildings is A La Ronde (NT), a unique 16-sided house with exquisite decoration including ornate feather friezes and a beautiful shell - encrusted gallery.

For more information please contact the local Tourist Information Centre:
Exmouth Tourist Information Centre
Alexandra Terrace
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 1BD
Tel: 01395 222299
www.exmouth-guide.co.uk