Don’t get me wrong, the University of Exeter and the city surrounding it are great places with tons to do. However, sometimes it’s just nice to get away – especially if you’re escaping to the seaside! Exeter is a great city to study in if you’re a beach lover, since there are so many beautiful beaches just a stone’s throw away. Read on for a list of the best beaches near Exeter. They’re all perfect for a sunny beach day, a hot girl walk or even a winter’s dip if you’re brave!
Exmouth
Exmouth is a tried-and-tested favourite among University of Exeter students, and for good reason. It’s just half an hour away on the train and an open return costs £4.45 with a railcard. Alternatively, you can get the number 57 bus from the city centre bus station which also only takes half an hour. Obviously, there’s the stunning beach, where you can go for a wander or spread out your beach towels and windbreak. Like any good British seaside, the front is dotted with chip shops and ice cream parlours so you can have a classic beach day feast. There’s also a great arcade called Ocean if you’re wanting to try your hand at the 2p machines of your childhood.
Dawlish Warren
If a classic British beach trip (hopefully not complete with rain) is your ideal day, you’re spoilt for choice around Exeter! Dawlish Warren is another great beach and it’s even closer to the city than Exmouth is. It takes just 18 minutes on the train to get there. Since the open return fare’s only £4.45 with a railcard, it’s cheap to boot. Dawlish Warren has a pretty beach with plenty of room to sit and take in the sun, but it’s also got a cute fairground and places to buy food as well. The rides on the fairground are super fun, perfect for a mini adrenaline rush after a relaxing beach day.
Budleigh Salterton
If you’re not a massive fan of sandy beaches, Budleigh Salterton might be the beach for you. This beach is pebble, rather than sand, so you won’t be shaking sand out of your shoes two weeks later! As the town doesn’t have its own train station, it’s a little harder to get to than most. However, you can catch the number 157, 357 and 58 buses between Exeter and Budleigh Salterton. This takes about an hour. You can also get the train to Exmouth, the nearest train station, and catch a bus from there. Despite the fairly long trip, Budleigh Salterton is definitely worth it. It’s a part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, so you know it’s stunning! The town also boasts a ton of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, so there’s something for the shopaholics too.
Sidmouth
Like Buddleigh Salterton, Sidmouth doesn’t have a train station. However, don’t let that deter you as it’s super easy to catch the number 9 bus from the Exeter bus station. After about an hour you’ll be in Sidmouth, which has a promenade with beautiful views of the coast as well as the beach itself. The beach, called Jacob’s Ladder Beach, has both sandy dunes and rocks, so it’s perfect whether you want to relax or be a bit adventurous and see what’s swimming in the rock pools. Sidmouth also boasts the Donkey Sanctuary, where you can go see adorable rescued donkeys.
Bantham
If you’re a surfer, you need to visit Bantham Beach. It’s considered one of the best beaches in Devon for surfing as its waves are super reliable and great for surfers of all levels. Like many options on this list, Bantham town is quite small and doesn’t have a train station. However, it’s still pretty easy to get here by taking a train from Exeter St. David’s to Totnes (about half an hour) and catching the bus to Bantham from there. You can also have a BBQ on Bantham beach – provided you use a disposable one and get rid of it properly – so you can take some provisions to fuel the fun!
Teignmouth
Exeter students love Exmouth and Dawlish in the summer, but if you fancy switching it up then Teignmouth is a great option. It’s incredibly quick and cheap to get to, taking just 15 minutes on the train from Exeter St. David’s. Not to mention it only costs £4.45 for an open return with a railcard! Teignmouth boasts a long, pretty sandy beach, so you’re spoilt for choice when picking the perfect chill spot. The town also has a Victorian Pier, crazy golf and cafes, so there’s plenty to do if you get tired of relaxing on the beach.
Combe Martin
Combe Martin has two stunning beaches – the main sandy beach and the a stony beach – so there’s a beach for every occasion! There’s plenty to do if you don’t want to just kick your heels back, too. You can hire kayaks and paddle boards, fish in the bay or explore the rock pools on the main beach if you’ve got a taste for adventure. There’s also plenty to do close to the town, like Exmoor Zoo, and the Combe Martin Silver Mine. It’s also very close to Exmoor National Park if you fancy a bit of greenery. The town is pretty easy to get to, as you just need to take a train to Barnstaple and then head to the bus station. From there, you catch the number 301 bus and you’re in gorgeous Combe Martin!
And there you have it – the best beaches near Exeter revealed! As you can see, there’s so many stunning beaches near Exeter. They’re all perfect destinations for your term three beach days. They don’t say that Devon is Heaven for no reason! Once you’ve checked out all of the beaches on this list, why don’t you take a look at our articles on free things to do in Exeter or things to do in Exeter for under £10 for some fun that won’t break the bank.
Hi, my name is Lili and I am currently studying for a Psychology degree! When I’m not studying, I love swimming, reading and writing.
