Exmouth, Devon
Head to Exmouth for a great day on the beach when you’re on your large group holidays in Devon. A 2 mile stretch of golden sand makes this a huge pull for families; while away the hours making sandcastles, paddling and beachcombing, explore the rockpools at low tide. Watersports fans love it here too; they come for the sailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Barely a day goes by when you won’t see them out on the waves enjoying life.
If you don’t want to spend the day down by the sea, there’s plenty more to do; hire bikes from Exmouth Cycle Hire and set off on the 11 mile Exe Estuary Trail to Exeter, stopping enroute to admire the gorgeous scenery and spot the wildlife in the Local Nature Reserve. Lace up your boots for a stroll up over the cliffs on the South West Coast Path (more spectacular views), amble along the esplanade and stop for lunch in the sunshine, browse the shops and the indoor market in the town centre, soak up the relaxed vibe of the marina, take 5 amongst the palm trees and flowers in Manor Gardens.
Depending on the time of year you can get caught up in the upbeat atmosphere of one of the festivals, but otherwise for family entertainment ride the Exmouth Land Train around the town, follow the Dinosaur Trail or go out to see on a mackerel fishing trip with Exe Fishing. Take a safari tour of the beautiful Jurassic Coast by kayak with Sea Kayak Exmouth or if you’re feeling adventurous, a kitesurfing lesson from Edge Watersports; Stuart Line Cruises offer boat trips along the coast, or a lovely thing to do is to catch the ferry across to Starcross and walk along the estuary, the go to The Atmospheric Railway Inn for homemade pub food.
For eats you’re spoilt for choice; among the many cafes, pubs and restaurants are Mickey’s Beach Bar & Restaurant for casual dining, for seafood, Rockfish or the River Exe Café, set on a floating barge in the estuary, reached by water taxi or boat.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to September.
All information correct at the time of writing