Residents say one of the things they love about Exmouth is the relaxed pace of life and friendly atmosphere; people really do smile at each other in the streets and shops.

Exmouth Journal: Bicton Street in the summer. Ref exe 22-16AW 9093. Picture: Alex WaltonBicton Street in the summer. Ref exe 22-16AW 9093. Picture: Alex Walton (Image: Archant)

Another attraction is Exmouth’s two-mile sandy beach, starting in the busy harbour/marina area and ending on the red Jurassic cliffs of Orcombe Point.

The town centre has a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants, an indoor market, and a spacious paved square. It’s a lively town with plenty to do, and also within easy reach of the beautiful East Devon countryside.

Transport links

Exmouth Journal: A view from Franklins of the Exmouth Carnival Spring Fun Day in the Strand Gardens on Saturday. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exe 2401-21-14SH To order your copy of this photograph go to www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on Photo OrdersA view from Franklins of the Exmouth Carnival Spring Fun Day in the Strand Gardens on Saturday. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref exe 2401-21-14SH To order your copy of this photograph go to www.exmouthjournal.co.uk and click on Photo Orders (Image: Archant)

Exmouth is about 11-and-a-half miles from Exeter city centre and just eight miles from the M5. Buses and trains run regularly to and from Exeter; the bus takes around 30 minutes, the train is five minutes quicker.

Food and drink

There is a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafés in Exmouth, including plenty of good places to sit outside in warm weather. There is even a floating restaurant – the River Exe Café in the estuary, accessed by water taxi. A relatively new addition is the Rockfish, next to the town’s slipway, one of a small chain set up by chef Mitch Tonks to serve the best locally-caught fish and seafood. The Ocean complex on the seafront also has a restaurant, and an open terrace with Mediterranean-style outdoor sofas, offering stunning views across the beach and estuary – a great place for an early-evening drink.

Exmouth Journal: Exmouth beach. Ref exe 25 17TI 4718. Picture: Terry IfeExmouth beach. Ref exe 25 17TI 4718. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Education

There are plenty of primary schools dotted around the town’s residential areas, most rated Good by OFSTED. Exmouth Community College is a popular choice for 11-16-year olds, as well as sixth-form education. Exeter College is also easily accessible via public transport; around two thirds of its students are from outside the city. For those with hearing impairments, Exeter’s Deaf Academy is in the process of relocating to Exmouth and plans to open for the 2019-20 academic year.

Exmouth Journal: Tthe Geoneedle, Exmouth. Photo: Simon Horn.Tthe Geoneedle, Exmouth. Photo: Simon Horn. (Image: Archant)

Leisure and Sport

Exmouth has a very lively rugby union club which plays in National League Three and also fields several youth teams and a ladies’ side. Exmouth Football Club plays in the South West Peninsula League and has a first and second team as well as three youth teams. Watersports fans will be spoiled for choice in Exmouth; there’s boating, kayaking, wind and kite-surfing on offer. There are lovely walks and cycle trails, too. The town also has a leisure centre, a state-of-the-art bowling alley at Ocean and a tennis centre. Boat trips along the Jurassic Coast and into the River Exe run all year round. For a family day out, visit World of Country Life –ideal for animal lovers of all ages.