Discover Starcross

Starcross combines railway history, paths along the Exe Estuary and special opportunities for a varied trip. Anyone looking for suitable accommodation for their stay can consider the village as a base for culture, walking, cycling and a ferry connection to Exmouth. The focus is not solely on individual sights: in Starcross, historical traces and different forms of transport can be brought together.

Railway history at Starcross Pumping House

Starcross Pumping House is an exceptional testament to transport history. It is considered the only fully preserved pumping house of the three atmospheric railway lines that operated in the British Isles. It was designed in 1845 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the South Devon Railway Company; at the same time, it forms part of the South Devon Atmospheric Railway. This combination of a preserved building, a specific year and a connection to railway history makes the Pumping House a distinctive subject for anyone who wants to get to know Starcross through more than just its landscape.

The Church of Saint Paul also forms part of the village’s historic character. It is a Grade II listed building. For your travel planning, this provides a cultural complement to the paths beside the water: a stay in Starcross can combine active outings with an appreciation of the local architectural and transport history, without requiring you to commit to just one type of holiday.

On foot or by bike around the Exe Estuary

The Exe Estuary Trail forms part of Route 2 of the National Cycle Network. It offers a route for cycling or walking around the entire Exe Estuary. This means that planning your day is less about a single attraction and more about how you want to experience the surroundings. Anyone who enjoys travelling by bicycle can take its integration into the National Cycle Network into account. For walks, the same trail offers an opportunity to explore the Exe Estuary on foot.

Another option is the “Riviera Line - Starcross - Cockwood Circular” route. It starts and ends at Starcross station. This fixed starting and finishing point makes orientation easier when planning your day, while the name of the circular route already indicates the character of a closed loop. For families and travel groups wanting to combine different interests in one day’s plan, choosing between a longer exploration of the estuary and a circular route with a clearly defined starting point may be appealing.

Ferry and Starcross Pier

The ferry from Starcross to Exmouth connects Starcross Pier with Exmouth. The Starcross Ferry also forms a link in the Exe Estuary Cycle Trail. This means the ferry can be included in plans for a cycling- or walking-focused trip, rather than being viewed merely as a separate attraction. Starcross Pier can be reached via steps over the railway bridge in Starcross. You should take this information into account when planning your day if the pier is to be part of your outing.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

Choosing a holiday apartment in Starcross may depend on whether you want to make your stay primarily cultural, active or varied. Starcross Pumping House and the Church of Saint Paul appeal to those interested in history and architectural heritage. The Exe Estuary Trail, the circular route and the ferry to Exmouth, on the other hand, offer various options for days involving activity and changing locations. Accommodation in Starcross provides the base from which you can set your personal priorities, without allowing a single activity to determine your entire stay.

For further travel planning, you can also make a note of these places: Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Bigbury-on-Sea, Lifton, Torquay, Axminster, Modbury and Washfield.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.