The Best Places to Stay in Exmouth

The south Devonshire town of Exmouth is one of the best holiday destinations in the UK.

With staggeringly beautiful cliffs (right at the end of the world famous Jurassic Coast) as well as the charm of the Exe Estuary all within walking distance, Exmouth has plenty to offer the nature loving traveller.

Or, if you prefer to just flop on the beach, there’s plenty of coastline for that too!

Exmouth is the fifth largest settlement in Devon, but it’s not huge in itself – it’s got a population of 38,000, and you can easily walk from one side to another within an hour.

However, this where to stay in Exmouth guide will show you some of the areas of the town and around, and give you some ideas of the best places to stay in Exmouth.

We’ll look at both in and around Exmouth itself, and some of the nearby towns and villages, if you’d rather stay somewhere quieter.

Here are the best places to stay in Exmouth!

Table of Contents

Places to stay in Exmouth – our top picks!

Seafront – the most popular place to stay in Exmouth

It’s unsurprising that most people visit Exmouth for the sea.

This makes the seafront area the most popular area to stay in Exmouth, and it’s probably your answer if you’re wondering where to stay in Exmouth with kids.

Most of the beachy attractions, like amusement arcades, a small funfair, and a mini golf course, are located on the seafront area. There are also lots of lovely seafront restaurants here, as well as plenty of fish and chip shops.

Attractions near Exmouth seafront

The beautiful beach itself!
Orcombe Point, the start of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast
Exmouth Marina
The end of the Exe Estuary, which is an ideal spot for paddleboarding
Amusements, including a pirate-themed mini golf and arcades

Where to eat on Exmouth seafront

Rockfish is always a popular restaurant, serving local seafood
The Grove is a cosy pub, perfect for any rainy days that you might encounter – and the beer garden is ideal for the summer months!

Where to stay on Exmouth seafront

Ash Hotel is a comfortable and cosy hotel near Exmouth Marina. Despite the value rates (rooms start at £50 per night), it’s friendly B&B that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort and customer service. Click here for more information.

The Dolphin Hotel is a charming B&B set just one road back from Exmouth Beach. Each uniquely furnished room has an en-suite bathroom, and there is a bar on site. Full breakfast is included. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.

The Devoncourt Resort is a popular resort hotel with an indoor pool, fitness centre and sauna. Rooms are clean and well equipped, and there is a restaurant on site with views across to the sea and to the cliffs near Orcombe point. Click here for more information.

The Point is a luxury apartment in Exmouth marina. Featuring two bedrooms with double beds (sleeping four people in total), the apartment has deluxe bathroom and kitchen facilities and is a stone’s throw from Exmouth beach. Click here for more information.

Exmouth Town Centre

Exmouth town centre isn’t the most exciting of places – expect all the standard high street stores, with a few different restaurants and takeaways.

However, it’s only a ten minute walk from the beautiful beach, and hotels are a lot cheaper – so if you want to stay somewhere that’s good value, check here first!

Attractions near Exmouth town centre

The beach is only 10 minutes walk away
The Exmouth Museum details life in Exmouth, an interesting place to visit if the weather is not on your side!
Phear Park is a nice spot for a walk around or a picnic!

Places to eat in Exmouth town centre

Krispies is an award winning fish and chip takeaway restaurant. It is the home of the so bad they’re good battered chips, as well as some other delicious menu items. Definitely eat here while you’re in Exmouth.
The Proper Fish and Chip Co is another popular fish and chip restaurant, loved by locals. The battered chip from Krispies does slightly swing it for me, but I enjoyed a meal from the Proper Fish and Chip Co as well!

Where to stay in Exmouth town centre

Yves Town Cottage is right by the station, and it sleeps up to four people. You’ll have the entire cottage to yourself, with a kitchen and bathroom. The rates are fantastic, starting at around 70 per night for the whole property. Click here for more information.

Brixingham/ Bystock

Brixingham is a largely residential area of Exmouth, set back from the town centre (about 45 minutes walk). Another 15 minutes takes you to the Bystock area and the edge of Exmouth. You might want to stay in this area if you are an avid hiker and wish to explore the moors, yet still be in walking distance of the beach. Bystock is very close to a country lane that will take you up to the moorland and forests, and here you will see another side to Devon!

Things to do near Brixingham/ Bystock

Bystock Pools, tranquil places for a walk around
Woodbury Common, which is a lovely spot for a hike
You can actually hike all the way to East Budleigh, Otterton and then down to Budleigh Salterton – click here for my instructions.

Places to eat near Brixingham/ Bystock

You aren’t all that blessed with places to eat in this area – I don’t personally know of any. Other than eating at your hotel’s restaurant, I’d advise going into town or ordering takeaway – Krispies and Indian Ocean are my favourites!

Where to stay near Brixhingham/ Bystock

Seven Acre Corner is a friendly B&B offering twin and king rooms. There are beautiful gardens on the property and a communal lounge, and everybody is served a delicious breakfast each morning. Click here for more information.

This Newly Converted Self Contained Annex with Garden is a lovely modern place to stay, perfect for 2 people. It is located in the residential area of Brixingham. Click here to read more.

Littleham/ Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is just along the coast from Exmouth, and Littleham is a short walk north west of the bay.

Sandy Bay is home to Devon Cliffs Haven Holiday Park, a wonderful Haven park which is great for families. Littleham is a smaller settlement, with a friendly atmosphere and a couple of pubs.

If you’re staying in Sandy Bay, you’ll have the epic experience of staying on the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast itself!

Things to do near Littleham/ Sandy Bay

Orcombe Point, the end of the Jurassic Coast
Sandy Beach
You can hike along the coastline all the way to Budleigh Salterton

Places to eat near Littleham/ Sandy Bay

The Clinton Arms, a friendly pub with a Sunday carvery
Mash and Barrel, a cosy pub in the Haven holiday park
South Beach Cafe, a cafe with an epic beach view

Where to stay near Littleham/ Sandy Bay

There are a few cabins available to rent at the Haven holiday park.

The Haven park has a holiday-like atmosphere, with a swimming pool, a private beach, and a few pubs and restaurants.

The cabins are like little apartments, with bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Click on the below to find ones available:

If you are visiting with a larger group, Exmouth Country Lodge and Cottage is located in Littleham and offers accommodation for up to 14 people. Click here for more information.

Lympstone

Lympstone is a smaller settlement on the Exe Estuary, and is one of the best places to visit near Exmouth.

It’s a quieter place to stay than Exmouth itself, and it does have a small tidal beach of its own.

The village is quite charming, and you can walk to other nearby villages like Exton and Topsham too.

Things to do in Lympstone

Check out the tidal beach
The famous Lympstone clock tower
Go birdwatching along the Exe Estuary
Hike to Exton or Topsham
A La Ronde, a 13 sided house and National Trust property, is nearby

Places to eat in Lympstone

The Puffing Billy is a nearby pub with a great pub grub menu, and a beer garden for the summer!
The Swan Inn is a pub in the centre of Lympstone
The Redwing Bar and Dining serves an a la carte menu and plenty of drinks!

Where to stay near Lympstone

The Old Dairy B&B has friendly atmosphere with spacious, airy rooms and a dining area for a delicious breakfast. Click here for more information.

Lympstone Manor Hotel is a huge 5* hotel on the edge of the village. With plush bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, some with roll top baths, the hotel is the best place to stay near Exmouth if you’re looking for luxury. Click here for more information.

Budleigh Salterton

Along the cliffs from Exmouth is the smaller town of Budleigh Salterton. Budleigh Salterton is a lot more chilled out than Exmouth, and is a relaxing place for couples or families with older kids to visit and stay in. From Budleigh Salterton, you can travel to lots of other nearby villages, like Otterton and East Budleigh.

Things to do in Budleigh Salterton

Relax on the pebble beach
Check out the many independent stores of the town
Walk along the River Otter to Otterton (and check out its mill!)
Hike on the nearby moorland
Hike to Ladram Bay, a small and secluded bay east of the town

Places to eat in Budleigh Salterton

A slice of lyme is an independent bistro that serves light bites and hearty lunches
Taj Mahal Indian restaurant is perfect if you want some Indian cuisine
The Salterton Arms is a popular hangout with locals and tourists, serving a comprehensive food menu (with plenty of vegetarian options) as well as lots of local and international drinks!

Where to stay in Budleigh Salterton

The Long Range has comfy rooms, a bar and a communal garden, all in the heart of Budleigh Salterton. Click here for rates and to read more.

Park House provides cosy yet sophisticated rooms with all the mod cons you could need, including TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included and there is a lovely communal patio to enjoy. Click here to read more.

East Budleigh

East Budleigh is a tiny village located inland from Budleigh Salterton. It was the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, and there is a statue commemorating him there. The village is like a step back in time; with thatched roof cottages and a historic church, it’s a must-visit place for history lovers.

Things to do in East Budleigh

Go to the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, which is about 1km from the village
See the statue of Sir Walter Raleigh
Explore inside the historic church
Admire the thatched-roof cottages of the village

Places to eat in East Budleigh

The only real option is the appropriately named Sir Walter Raileigh Inn, which serves pub grub. Otherwise, you will need to cook at your accommodation or travel to Budleigh Salterton or Exmouth centre.

Where to stay in East Budleigh

Bayeux Cottage is an entire house that is rentable in East Budleigh. Sleeping 5 people, the cosy cottage has a bathroom and kitchen. Click here to read more.

Syon House Hotel has cosy double and twin bedrooms, with delicious breakfast served on site. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom. Click here for rates and to read more.

Where to stay in Exmouth

If you’re looking for where to stay in Exmouth, you should find it on this list!

The Best Places to Stay in Exmouth

Places to stay in Exmouth – our top picks!