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Exmouth

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Exmouth

Best natural monuments around Exmouth include a diverse range of coastal and estuarine landscapes. This area, situated on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, features ancient geological formations and significant natural habitats. Visitors can explore dramatic red sandstone cliffs, expansive pebble beaches, and rich estuary ecosystems. The region offers a unique blend of marine and terrestrial natural monuments, making it a notable destination for nature enthusiasts.

Best natural monuments around Exmouth

  • The most popular natural monument is Otter Estuary Nature…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Otter Estuary Nature Reserve

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The marshes around the River Otter are part of the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and are a brilliant place for birdwatching. You can walk all the way up to Otterton …

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Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle

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Orcombe Point is the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which stretches from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. It’s a wonderful feeling …

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Cockwood Harbour

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Cockwood Harbour is a small tidal harbour in Cockwood, a village on the western bank of the Exe Estuary in Devon. It is a popular boating spot with a church, …

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Ladram Bay Sea Stacks

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The awe-inspiring red sandstone stacks of Ladram Bay are a dream for artists, photographers and indeed anybody who loves a dramatic landscape. The views to Sidmouth are sublime, too. A …

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Budleigh Salterton Beach

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Budleigh Salterton is a seaside town on the coast in East Devon, England. It lies within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the Jurassic …

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MCW73
March 22, 2026, Budleigh Salterton Beach

Forget the bucket and spade—at Budleigh Salterton, it’s all about the "Budleigh Buns!" These giant, smooth, oval pebbles are the beach’s signature, making it a paradise for stone-stackers and rock-pool explorers. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is framed by dramatic, red Triassic cliffs that look like they’ve been toasted. It’s a wonderfully "posh and peaceful" spot where you can swap noisy arcades for the gentle crunch-crunch of your footsteps. Grab a crab sandwich, watch the colorful fishing boats, and see if you can find a pebble with a hidden fossil. It’s geology, but make it fashion!

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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife

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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.

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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.

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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.

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November 1, 2024, Ladram Bay Sea Stacks

Ladram Bay is a secluded bay with a pebble beach. Among the most impressive sights along the Jurassic Coast are the sea stacks at Ladram Bay. The sandstones contain many vertical fractures and joints that were formed deep in the Earth's crust during past mountain building periods. The sea picked out these planes of weakness to form caves and natural arches that have since collapsed to produce sea stacks. The “Otter Sandstone” that forms the cliffs and sea stacks were deposited in a hot dry climates in the Triassic Period, about 220 million years ago. The stacks are composed of the same rock, which is relatively soft, but they have a harder band of sandstone at their base which prevents their rapid erosion by the sea. The striking red colour of the rock is caused by iron oxide, which indicate that the layers were formed in a desert. The presence of ripple marks and channels in the sandstones, together with the remains of the long-extinct plants, insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles, show that the desert was crossed by fertile river valleys.

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Orcombe Point is a coastal feature near Exmouth, The two beaches are part of a long strip of sand and are connected to each other below Orcombe Point at low tide. Sited high upon the hill, Orcombe Point is marked by the "Geoneedle", which was unveiled by Prince Charles, in 2002. The Geoneedle is constructed from a variety of different stones, representing both the major building stones to be found on the Jurassic Coast and the sequence of rocks that form this part of the coastline.

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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Exmouth?

Visitors frequently enjoy the diverse landscapes around Exmouth. Highly rated spots include the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its birdwatching opportunities, and Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, which marks the westernmost point of the Jurassic Coast. Another favorite is Budleigh Salterton Beach, appreciated for its pebble beach and red sandstone cliffs.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see among Exmouth's natural monuments?

The natural monuments around Exmouth offer a rich variety of features. You'll encounter dramatic red sandstone cliffs, expansive pebble beaches, and significant estuary ecosystems. Highlights include the marshes of the River Otter, ancient geological formations along the Jurassic Coast, and impressive sea stacks.

Are there any significant geological features to observe?

Absolutely. Exmouth is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. At Orcombe Point, you can see the Geoneedle, which represents the geological sequence of the coastline, and observe 185-million-year-old rocks. Further along, Ladram Bay features awe-inspiring red sandstone sea stacks, formed from rocks deposited in a hot, dry climate about 220 million years ago.

Are the natural monuments around Exmouth family-friendly?

Yes, many natural monuments in the Exmouth area are suitable for families. For example, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve offers easy deck routes for birdwatching, and Budleigh Salterton Beach provides clean bathing water and a picturesque setting for a day out. Orcombe Point is also considered family-friendly.

Can I see wildlife at the natural monuments in Exmouth?

Yes, wildlife spotting is a key attraction. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is an excellent place for birdwatching, supporting significant populations of wintering wildfowl and waders like redshank, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. Reed warblers, sedge warblers, and reed buntings also breed on the site.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The area around Exmouth offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking on routes like the "Topsham to Woodbury Common" or "Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk" (Gravel biking around Exmouth). Road cycling routes include "Budleigh Salterton & Sidmouth loop" (Road Cycling Routes around Exmouth). For running, consider trails such as "Exmouth Beachfront Path – The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point loop" (Running Trails around Exmouth).

Are there easy walks suitable for all abilities near Exmouth's natural monuments?

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve has a deck route around the salt marshes, perfect for a gentle stroll and birdwatching. The flat beachside road at Budleigh Salterton Beach also provides an easy path to enjoy the views. Many sections of the Exe Estuary Trail are also suitable for easy walking.

Where can I find impressive coastal viewpoints around Exmouth?

For stunning coastal views, head to Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, which offers panoramic vistas of the Jurassic Coast with its imposing red cliffs. Ladram Bay Sea Stacks also provides a dramatic landscape, ideal for photography, with views extending towards Sidmouth. Budleigh Salterton Beach, flanked by red sandstone cliffs, offers picturesque coastal scenery.

What makes the Jurassic Coast section near Exmouth unique?

The section of the Jurassic Coast near Exmouth is unique for its ancient geological formations and dramatic red sandstone cliffs. It's the westernmost point of this World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into 185 million years of Earth's history. The striking red color of the rocks, particularly at Ladram Bay and Orcombe Point, indicates their formation in a desert environment during the Triassic Period.

Are there any natural monuments suitable for a relaxing beach day?

Yes, Budleigh Salterton Beach is an excellent choice for a relaxing beach day. It features a 2.5-mile pebble stretch, overlooked by stunning red sandstone cliffs, and is known for its clean bathing water. It's considered one of Devon’s most unspoilt and charming coastal destinations.

What do visitors enjoy the most about Exmouth's natural monuments?

Visitors particularly appreciate the dramatic landscapes, from the imposing red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the tranquil birdwatching havens of the estuaries. The opportunity to witness ancient geological formations, enjoy clean bathing waters, and spot diverse wildlife are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects of exploring Exmouth's natural monuments.

Is public transport available to reach natural monuments around Exmouth?

While specific public transport routes to every single natural monument may vary, Exmouth itself has good bus links to nearby towns like Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, which are home to several natural monuments. The Exe Estuary Trail, which follows the River Exe, is also accessible and connects to various points of interest.

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