Best places to stay in Exmouth: my top picks as a local
Here are all the best places to stay in Exmouth, one of Devon’s top seaside towns!
Apparently, I live a 20 minute walk from the best beach in England? Exmouth Beach has recently been dubbed so, not just for its scenery (which is pretty incredible if you know where to go), but also for its facilities, location and accessibility.
As an Exmouth local – I live in the heart of the town centre – I always knew the town had something special about it, and it seems like the rest of the country is waking up to this!
It’s right at the end of the world famous Jurassic Coast – although our cliffs are actually Triassic – and there’s two miles of sand as the coastline weaves around the to Exe Estuary.
Then, the Exe Estuary trail runs all the way to Exeter.
But what are the best places to stay in Exmouth? Well, Exmouth is the fifth largest settlement in Devon, but it’s not huge compared to places elsewhere in the country – it’s got a population of around 38,000, and you can easily walk from one side to another within an hour.
This means that the best hotels in Exmouth are concentrated mainly in the town centre and beach areas.
In this where to stay in Exmouth guide, we’ll cover the centre, surrounding areas and some of the nearby towns and villages, if you’d rather stay somewhere quieter. Many of these hotels are tried and tested by family and friends when they come to visit!
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.
The Sideshore area is a collection of cafes, a beach shop and restaurant Heydays and it comes alive in the summer. I often come here on a Saturday morning to grab a coffee from a cafe called Hangtime! And during summer evenings, there’s sometimes a DJ here (check out Hangtime’s Instagram for “Sunset Sessions”!).
There are plenty of other restaurants along the beach including Rockfish (seafood and fish and chips), The Grove (a Youngs on Tap pub) and Abys (great breakfasts and roast dinners!).
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
See all the best things to do in Exmouth here.
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
Like many coastal towns in the UK, Exmouth’s town centre is a little run down, although I think it has improved in recent years!
The Strand is a large town square, and there are a few restaurants and pubs with al fresco seating. I recommend Grapevine for drinks (they are a microbrewery), Alleria for the best pizza I’ve had outside of Italy and heading to Bumble and Bee for coffee or breakfast.
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 though!
- Alleria does incredible pizzas.
- Namaste is fab for Nepali/ Indian food!
Where to stay in Exmouth town centre
Royal Beacon Hotel is between the town centre and the beach, and it’s a historic residence with sea views from some windows.
My sister has stayed here before, and said while her room was a little dated, it was still clean and functional and the location was excellent!
Click here to read more about it.
Brixingham/ Bystock
Brixingham is a largely residential area of Exmouth, set back from the town centre (about 45 minutes walk). My grandma lived here for 40 years, so I know it pretty well!
Another 15 minutes takes you to the Bystock Pools 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 by a country lane that will take you up to the moorland and forests – here you’ll see another side to Devon!
Things to do near Brixingham/ Bystock
- Bystock Pools, which are a wonderful tranquil nature spot.
- Woodbury Common, which has dozens of miles of hiking paths.
- 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 – most people will head down to Exmouth centre for food.
Where to stay near Brixhingham/ Bystock
There are a few self-contained properties around the area, mainly catered for people who want to stay between the beach and the moor. Here are a few options:
This property which has parking, sea views and can sleep up to six people.
This property sleeps up to three people and sits right on the edge of the moors! This country road leads up to Bystock, close to St John’s In The Woods Church. Both my grandparents are buried there, so I often pop down to enjoy the serenity of it.
Littleham/ Sandy Bay
Just along the coast from Exmouth, Sandy Bay is home to Devon Cliffs Haven Holiday Park. You can walk along the beach at low tide, although I’ve actually only done this once! Do be careful of the incoming tide if you do walk along it!
Littleham is a short walk north west of the bay.
Devon Cliffs Haven Holiday Park is ideal 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 in Littleham
- Mash and Barrel, a cosy pub in the Haven holiday park
- South Beach Cafe, a cafe at Haven 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. On a sunny day, there’s nowhere better!
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.
I actually run here sometimes, it’s around 3km from my house in Exmouth!
The village is charming, and you can walk to other nearby villages like Exton and Topsham too.
Things to do in Lympstome
- 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 George and Dragon is a little further out, but is close to the Exe Estuary trail and sits right on the bus route to Exeter.
It’s a pub with well-furbished rooms and I love the Sunday roast!
Click here to read more about it.
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, where my dad grew up!
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. The drawback is it doesn’t have a sandy beach – it’s all stones – but it is a lot quieter because of this!
From Budleigh Salterton, you can travel (or hike!) 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
- Taj Mahal Indian restaurant is popular for curries.
- 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!
- Marco’s Italian Restaurant has always come highly recommended!
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.
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 Raleigh 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
Coachman’s Cottage is an entire house that is rentable in East Budleigh. Sleeping six people, it boasts exposed beams, a roll-top bath and plush comfy beds, in the heart of the village. Click here to read more.
Places to stay in Exmouth: which will you choose?
I hope this round-up of the best places to stay in Exmouth has been helpful!
There’s so much on offer in the town, and I highly recommend staying here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
