Weekend in Exmouth

How to spend 2 days in Exmouth — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.

Friday Evening

Arrive and Settle In

Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.

Exmouth Seafront Gardens

Free 100m from centre

A series of formal gardens along the seafront promenade, with flower beds, benches, and a children's play area. Links the town centre to the beach.

Tip: The 'Sensory Garden' section is a quiet spot with herbs and scented plants—good for a break from the wind.

Exmouth Beach

Free 200m from centre

A long stretch of sandy beach with views across the Exe Estuary to Dawlish Warren. Good for swimming, kite surfing, or just walking the dogs.

Tip: Head to the far western end past the lifeboat station for quieter spots, especially at low tide when the sand extends further.

Friday dinner pick

The Swan Inn
Saturday — Full Day

The Main Sights

Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.

1

Exmouth Museum

Free Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00 (closed Su

Small local museum in a former council building, covering Exmouth's maritime history, Victorian tourism, and the Second World War. Run by volunteers.

Tip: Check their Facebook page before visiting—opening days vary seasonally. Ask the volunteer about the 1944 D-Day rehearsals held on the beach.

2

The Maer Local Nature Reserve

Free Open 24 hours

A coastal headland with grassland, dunes, and seasonal wildflowers. Paths lead to a viewpoint over the estuary and Lyme Bay.

Tip: Spring brings orchids and skylarks; autumn is best for migrating birds. The entrance via Queens Drive is less crowded.

3

Woodbury Common

Free Open 24 hours

A large area of heathland and woodland east of town, crisscrossed by public footpaths. Offers views of the coast and occasional wild deer.

Tip: Park at the layby on the B3179 near the entrance to Woodbury Park. The trails are sandy and can be boggy after rain—wear boots.

Saturday dining

Lunch Warren Cafe
Dinner Hakaryu
Sunday Morning

Before You Leave

Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.

Sunday brunch

Postcards Cafe

Getting Around Exmouth

bus
Stagecoach 57/157

Exeter Bus Station (Paris Street) → Exmouth Town Centre (Parade stop, 5-min walk to hotel)

From £2.50 GBP 40 min
taxi
Exeter Airport Taxis

Exeter Airport (EXT) → Best Western Exmouth Beach

From £35 GBP 30 min
taxi
Exmouth Town Taxi

Exmouth Station → Best Western Exmouth Beach

From £5 GBP 5 min
train
Great Western Railway

Exeter Central or St Davids → Exmouth Station (10-min walk to hotel along seafront)

From £6.50 GBP 30 min

Where to Stay for a Exmouth Weekend

For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.

Weekend in Exmouth — FAQ

Is a weekend enough to see Exmouth?

A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Exmouth. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.

When is the best weekend to visit Exmouth?

See our full best time to visit Exmouth guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.

Where should I stay for a weekend in Exmouth?

For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Exmouth for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.

How do I get around Exmouth for a weekend?

The main transport options in Exmouth include Stagecoach 57/157 and Exeter Airport Taxis. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.

More Exmouth Guides