5 top things to do in Lympstone, Devon
One of my favourite places to take a walk to in Devon is, conveniently, right up the road.
It’s the village of Lympstone, and while it might not be one of Devon’s bucket-list villages to visit, it’s absolutely charming. And I even love it in the off-season. On a crisp, sunny autumn/ winter’s day, I’ll walk down to the estuary and watch the water, take a hike across Lympstone Fields and gaze at the red sandstone cliffs.
Here’s my guide to Lympstone, including what to do, where to stay and how to get there!
Things to do in Lympstone
It won’t surprise you that Lympstone isn’t awash with attractions, but that’s part of the charm. There are a few things to do in Lympstone that generally involve the outdoors, sights in the village, or country pubs – and there’s actually a National Trust property not too far away.
The Exe Estuary Trail
Sitting at the heart of the Exe Estuary Trail, from Lympstone you can hike in either direction. Head south to Exmouth; it’s around 2 miles from the village to the town’s suburbs, and another mile or so to the sea.
The other way, Topsham is around 4.5 miles and Exton around 2 miles. I’m usually running (I did a lot of my marathon training on this route!), but I always love the spectacular river views as I go. In the winter, there are chances to spot migratory birds such as oystercatcher, curlew and avocet, which the train line running down the estuary is named after.
Lympstone Village
Lympstone Village itself is worth a browse. It’s small, but cobbled streets lead off the main throughfare, with whitewashed cottages, many decorated with flowers and nautical items.
The parish church has a medieval tower, which is around 600 years old. I’ve never found any myself, but the village was once a smuggling hotspot, and houses allegedly have hiding places for contraband! Of course, the smuggling trade doesn’t exist here today (as far as I know…).
Local businesses to support include cafe High Tide, which serves a fantastic cappuccino, and art gallery Seaglass.
Right in the heart of the village, you’ll find The Swan pub. This is somewhere my friends and I often stop when we cycle up the path! The Globe is also in Lympstone Village.
Peters Tower
Peters Tower is the most notable “landmark” of Lympstone. It was built in 1885 by William Peters, in memory of his wife, Mary Jane. It was in disrepair by the 1980s, so was transferred to the Landmark Trust, who renovated it as a holiday let.
Nowadays, you can stay in Peters Tower! See its listing here.
Lympstone Manor
Another place you can stay (with a rather high price tag!) is Lympstone Manor. This five-star hotel, set in 28 acres of grounds, is the most luxurious in the area, but you don’t have to stay to enjoy it!
There’s a vineyard here, and tours and tastings are bookable. Plus, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant run by local celebrity chef Micheal Caines. Apparently, the Exe mussels are farmed right infront of the hotel!
A La Ronde
Around 1.5 miles from Lympstone sits A La Ronde, a sixteen sided house that was built in 1796 by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter. Neither married, but they travelled broadly and adorned A La Ronde with items they’d collected from their travels!
Today, it’s operated by the National Trust. Don’t miss the Shell Gallery, it’s quite a spectacle!
I’ve never walked there from Lympstone, but according to this route from Komoot, it’s possible!
How to get to Lympstone
For a small village, Lympstone is surprisingly easy to reach by public transport. It’s a stop on the Exeter – Exmouth line, with trains around every half an hour throughout most of the day. The 57 bus stops on Exeter Road at Saddlers Arms, around a 15 minute walk from the village.
If you’re driving, it’s around half an hour from Exeter (depending on traffic), or 10 minutes from Exmouth.
Where to stay in Lympstone
The obvious place is Lympstone Manor Hotel, and it’s a glorious treat if you have the funds! This five-star hotel is run by Relais & Chateaux, with bedrooms with roll top baths, a sheperds hut with a luxury hot tub and acres of grounds overlooking the estuary.
Click here to read more about it (but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the price!).
There aren’t really any “pubs with rooms” in Lympstone, so instead I’m going to recommend The St George and Dragon by Innkeeper’s Collection, which is on Exeter Road.
The rooms here are decorated beautifully, and they serve a mean roast downstairs. This is around a one hour 10 minute walk to Lympstone, or an 8 minute drive.
It’s closer to Topsham (25 minutes walk), and you can take a scenic train to Lympstone from here! Click here to read more about it.
There are a few holiday lets, but I’m trying to avoid recommending them as you can never be sure if they’re second homes. Staying in a locally-run pub, hotel or guesthouse keeps money in the South West and helps tourism be a force for good!
