Best Exmouth Beaches: 6 Beaches in Exmouth

Are you looking for the best Exmouth beaches? This blog post will give you a list of them! 

Miles of golden sand stretching down the coastline ensure that Exmouth is a prime holiday destination in Devon.

The beaches in Exmouth are popular in the hot summer season, so it’s a good idea to know where the secret spots are.

Best Exmouth beaches

Exmouth Beach

Exmouth’s town beach is a large sandy beach that extends a couple of miles down the coastline, just south of the town centre. 

It stretches from the end of the Exe Estuary, where the River Exe meets the sea, and ends at Orcombe Point which is the start of the Jurassic Coast. 

One of the closest beaches to Exeter, it’s also popular with daytrippers from Bristol.

Water sports are among the best things to do in Exmouth. The town is a famous water sports destination, and there are plenty of places to go paddle boarding and kayaking. 

Plus, there are also fascinating rock pools around the middle of the beach. 

It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline, and there are plenty of attractions along the beach like swing boats and arcades. The western end is within walking distance to Exmouth town centre. 

The orange cliffs at the end are incredible! 

Be aware of bather safety if you are exploring Exmouth Beach. The estuary current can be strong, so you shouldn’t swim in certain areas.

Watch out for the red flags and don’t swim when they are present. For additional safety, swim only when the lifeguards are working. 

Dogs are only permitted on the beach from September to May.

There is great accessible parking right by the beach. 

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a gorgeous estuary beach at the end of the Exe. 

With sweeping views across the Exe Estuary and lover to Dawlish Warren, it’s a beautiful spot for an evening stroll. 

There are also plenty of barbeque facilities available on Shelly Beach. Barbeques are permitted here, unlike on Exmouth Beach. 

It is very tidal, and you’ll find that it completely disappears sometimes! But it is a beautiful sandy beach where you can relax and enjoy the Devonshire sunshine. 

Sandy Bay Beach 

Sandy Bay Beach is a delightful hidden cove and secluded beach close to Orcombe Point. 

It’s a half-mile long privately owned beach, but the public is welcome to use it. 

It’s just underneath Devon Cliffs Haven Holiday Park, which offers glorious beachfront accommodation. It’s one of the best places to stay in Exmouth.

One of the best beach locations in East Devon, it’s known as the best beach in Exmouth for wild swimming. 

You can also go rock pooling in Sandy Bay. 

You need to climb down from the clifftop to reach this beach. 

Budleigh Salterton Beach

Budleigh Salterton is a shingle beach located by the town with the same name. 

Extending 2.5 miles along the coastline from Littleton Cove to Otterhead, Budleigh Salterton beach encompasses traditional fishing boats, takeaway eateries and a beautiful coastline. 

It’s not a beach for sunbathing, as it’s completely pebbly. 

But it’s a local favourite, and it’s a very scenic place for seafront walks. 

You can also hike along the Otter River to Otterton, home of Otterton Mill.

There are quite a few nearby parking spaces in the town. 

Ladram Bay Beach

Ladram Bay Beach is a privately owned beach with blue waters and orange cliffs soaring high into the sky. 

You can’t go down onto the beach unless you’re a resident or are staying at the Ladram Bay Holiday Park. 

However, it’s a lovely spot for hiking. You can walk on the cliffs from Budleigh Salterton or over to Sidmouth, which is another one of the best places to visit in Devon.

Dawlish Warren Beach

Dawlish Warren has one of the busier beaches in the area, especially in the summer months. 

The sandy beach is lined by beach shops, refreshment kiosks and ice cream stalls. It’s the perfect place to laze on during a heatwave. 

It’s an award-winning beach; it was awarded a Blue Flag for having safe, clean bathing water. 

If you want to take a walk, venture along the South West Coast Path a little. This route follows the railway, which is the most photographed tranline in the country. 

There are also lots of family-friendly attractions to enjoy, like go-karts, crazy golf and watersports opportunities.  

You can get to Dawlish Warren from Exmouth by taking a water taxi from Starcross and walking. Alternatively, you can drive or take a train, which is a really scenic route around the estuary. 

It’s also worth going into Dawlish town and seeing the town beach!

FAQs about Exmouth’s beaches

Can you swim in Exmouth beach? 

Yes, you can swim in Exmouth. 

However, there are several no-swimming areas at the beach. These are marked by red flags. 

They can change depending on the tides, but generally, they are in the area where the river meets the sea.

The safe swimming areas are generally a bit closer to the cliffs.  

Is Exmouth beach dog friendly? 

Exmouth beach is dog-friendly from September to May.

However, in the summer, dogs aren’t allowed. 

Does Exmouth have nice beaches? 

Yes, Exmouth has wonderful beaches! 

The main beach is a lovely and accessible town beach, with beautiful cliff views. 

But Sandy Bay is a paradise beach set in a beautiful cove. 

It’s set below Devon Cliffs holiday park. 

Are there lifeguards on Exmouth beach? 

Yes, there are seasonal lifeguards in Exmouth.

They generally operate in the summer months and at weekends; peak hours when the beaches are busiest. 

If you are swimming in Exmouth on a quieter day, be aware that the lifeguards may not be there. 

How long is Exmouth seafront? 

Exmouth seafront is two miles long. 

What are some other beautiful beaches in Devon? 

• Barricane Beach: this is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Devon, with incredible sunsets. Woolacombe Beach is very popular too! See all Woolacombe beaches here.
• Bantham Beach: this is widely regarded to be the best surfing beach in South Devon.
• Saunton Sands: this is one of the best places to surf in North Devon.
• Tunnels Beaches: located in Ilfracombe, these beaches are historically where people would bathe in privacy. They are now privately owned, but are well worth visiting. See all Ilfracombe beaches here.

How to get to Exmouth

Exmouth is located on the south coast of East Devon. 

From London, you can reach Exmouth by taking the M3 and A303, then taking connecting country roads to Exmouth. 

From Bristol and other cities further north, you can take the M5 to junction 30 and then the A376 to Exmouth. 

The nearest airport is Exeter international airport. It’s also about a 90 minute drive from Bristol Airport. 

You can also take trains from major cities to Exeter and then there’s a regular service on the regional line to Exmouth railway station. 

Coaches are also available from other nearby cities. 

You can read my blog post about how to get to Exmouth for more information.

What is the warmest month in Exmouth? 

The warmest month in Exmouth is July. It has a maximum daytime temperature of 21°C and a minimum nighttime temperature of 12°C. 

July is also the sunniest month in Exmouth and Devon. 

Bear in mind that it’s school holidays at the end of the month, so it’s peak season.

These Exmouth beaches may be at their busiest then!

If you want hot weather and quiet beaches, it might be best to visit in early July. 

The coldest month is December, with an average temperature of around 5°C. Unlike other places in the UK, it rarely snows. 

Best Beaches Around Exmouth

If you’re looking for some of Devon’s best beaches, then head to Exmouth.

It has a wonderful mix of sandy Estuary shores and the dramatic Jurassic Coastline.

This list of Exmouth beaches should help you to decide which beach to choose!