Retire to Exmouth

The seafront in Exmouth, with a boat and a green fields across the bay

Retirement living in Exmouth

Exmouth is a vibrant port town on the East coast of Devon, where the River Exe meets the sea. Life here strikes a balance between seaside serenity and lively events typical of a resort.

Local retirees enjoy:

  • Long walks and sea dips along Exmouth’s two miles of golden sandy beaches, as well as day trips along the Jurassic coast. 
  • Enjoy a pint, coffee or fish and chips at one of the many independent pubs, cafes and restaurants along the seafront and in the town centre. 
  • Taking part in community groups and activities, such as sailing and walking clubs, local art and history societies and festivals. 
  • Excellent transport links to surrounding towns, cities, coast and the countryside.
Outdoor dining areas for several restaurants in Exmouth town centre.

Amenities in Exmouth

Exmouth’s modern amenities are balanced by its charming seaside atmosphere. You’ll find everything you need to enjoy daily life on the coast close to home. 

  • Groceries 
    Exmouth has a Tesco Superstore, Co-op Food, and M&S Foodhall in the town centre, as well as a Lidl on the outskirts. The indoor and outdoor markets sell local delicacies as well as gifts.
  • Shops 
    The town offers an eclectic mix of independent retailers, clothing boutiques and antique shops.
  • Healthcare 
    Exmouth Hospital is a 5 minute drive from the town centre, offering care for minor injuries and some specialist treatment. For day-to-day healthcare there are three GP surgeries throughout the town, as well as plenty of pharmacies, opticians and options for dental care. 
Greenway House, a National Trust property in Exmouth, Devon.

Activities for retirees in Exmouth

It’s easy to enjoy an active retirement in Exmouth, with an abundance of nature, social opportunities and amenities available.

  • Sport and leisure - cycling and walking trails wind all around Exmouth, including the spectacular South West Coastal path. Exmouth is also a popular spot for water sports. 
  • Birdwatching at Exmouth Nature Reserve, where birds spend winter in the estuary.  
  • Enjoying local events including the fabulous four day annual festival of arts and music, the Kite Festival in August and, for seafood lovers, the Spirit of the Exe and Exmouth Mussel Festival in September.
  • Explore estuary towns like Topsham and Lympstone known for their charming and serene atmosphere. 
  • The nearby cities of Exeter and Bristol have a wide range of shopping, cultural experiences and restaurants. 
Ice Creamery on Exmouth Beach

Transport links and connections

Exmouth is walkable, with good transport links to nearby towns and cities throughout Devon.

  • By car 
    The A376 connects Exmouth to Exeter, while the M5 provides wider access to the rest of the Southwest of England, including Bristol and Bath. 
  • By bus 
    Buses run regularly through Exmouth, and are generally reliable. Services run to Exeter, Sidmouth, and nearby towns, making it easy for you to get around without a car.
  • By rail
    Exmouth railway station operates several direct services to Exeter, making it easy to reach Bristol, London, and the Midlands with few connections. You can be in London in around three and a half hours.  
  • By air
    Exeter International Airport is just 8 miles away from our retirement homes in Exmouth.

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Frequently asked questions

Exmouth is the safest town of its size in Devon, with a fairly low crime rate and readily accessible emergency services when necessary. For example, The Curlews retirement development includes an intruder alarm and camera entry system to provide you with a sense of safety and security.

Exmouth Hospital offers care for minor injuries, while the nearest hospital with an A&E is Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, a 24 minute drive away. Exmouth also has several GP surgeries, pharmacies, and dentists to choose from when you need care.

Exmouth’s community is known for its friendliness, particularly the U3A (University of the Third Age), which offers retirees a choice of over 100 groups that meet regularly to learn new skills in a relaxed environment.

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