Discover Lympstone on the Exe Estuary

Lympstone lies on the eastern shore of the Exe Estuary and combines coastal scenery, maritime history and routes into the surrounding area. The parish encompasses shoreline areas and a harbour, as well as meadows, agricultural land and common land. Those wishing to combine nature experiences, culture and active days on a trip will find various starting points here for their own planning.

Exe Estuary, protected areas and trails

The Exe Estuary, located on the eastern shore of Lympstone, is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site. It is also listed as a Candidate Special Area of Conservation. These designations give the estuary an important place in the landscape around Lympstone. This may play a role in your choice of travel theme if protected landscapes and trails are to be the focus.

The Exe Estuary Trail connects Exmouth, Lympstone and Exton. It offers the opportunity to travel by bicycle or on foot around the entire Exe Estuary. This allows the trip planning to be adapted to different interests: you can make a cycling tour the focus or explore the route on foot. The “Avocet Line: Lympstone to Lympstone Common” walking route begins at Lympstone station, leads inland into the hills above the village and offers views across the Exe Estuary and beyond.

Lympstone is also situated on the Avocet Rail Line. Together with the station as the starting point for the walk mentioned above, the railway line forms part of the local orientation. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore consider whether trails, landscapes or connecting different interests should be the main focus of your trip.

Maritime heritage and historic sites

Lympstone’s maritime history and heritage include cod fishing, whaling, the construction of boats and ships, as well as river and coastal fishing for mackerel and salmon. These themes give the place a clear connection to the water and to work on the river and coast.

A particularly notable historic site is the “Limeburning Kilns Immediately East of Lympstone Harbour”. The two lime kilns probably date from the early 19th century. In them, lime and coal delivered by sea were burned to produce fertiliser for the parish farms. Those who enjoy discovering traces of earlier work and the regional economy can include this aspect in their exploration of Lympstone.

The Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary also represents the long history of the place. A church has stood on its site since the 12th century; the present building was consecrated by Bishop Stafford in 1409. The church is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and welcomes visitors. Inside is a font made from a Norman bowl with unusual moulding, combining cable and scale ornament.

Art, workshops and shared discoveries

The Seaglass Gallery runs art workshops and can organise tailor-made workshops for families and friends by arrangement. It also exhibits and sells works by printmakers, painters, silversmiths, potters and other artists. This complements the landscape and historical themes with a creative perspective. If different interests come together within your travel group, you can combine nature trails, maritime history, church art and contemporary crafts without committing to a single holiday theme.

Which holiday accommodation suits your travel plans?

The facts about Lympstone help you view the search for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage as more than just a search by place name. First consider whether you would like to spend your days mainly on the Exe Estuary Trail, walking into the hills, making historic discoveries or attending art workshops. For families with different age groups, it may be useful to incorporate active and cultural interests into the shared planning. It is equally important to consider whether the Avocet Rail Line plays a role in planning your journey.

You can then choose the right location within the parish according to these personal priorities.

Discover more places

A selection of other places in Devon: Bigbury-on-Sea, Chittlehamholt, Milton Abbot, Lynton, Ipplepen, Appledore, Spreyton and Plymtree.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.