Orcombe Point is a coastal feature near Exmouth, Devon, on the south coast of England. It lies about 10 mi south of the city of Exeter, 2 mi southeast of Exmouth town centre and about 7.5 mi southwest of Sidmouth.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Exmouth is where Exeter goes to exhale; a broad, golden sprawl at the mouth of the River Exe that manages, against the odds, to be both charming and slightly chaotic. From above, it looks like someone smeared custard across the bottom edge of a map, which is oddly fitting: it’s warm, a bit messy, and somehow still inviting. It’s the flagship of local beaches on the south side, and on a sunny weekend, you’ll find half the county there, doing their very best to have a good time and mostly succeeding.
Parking is a bit of a sport. Not impossible, but you’ll need a bit of luck or a strong sense of optimism. Public transport is more of a gentle suggestion than a reliable option, though it does exist if you're patient and not in any particular hurry. That said, if you’ve got a blue badge, things improve noticeably. With a little persistence, patience and insider knowledge, you’ll likely find a spot and feel quite smug about it.
Head along to Orcombe Point and the beach changes character completely. The neat and orderly sand gives way to something far more dramatic; towering red sandstone cliffs, ancient and unapologetically wild. This is the beginning of the Jurassic Coast, and it wears its age with pride. There’s something grounding about standing at the edge of a landscape that was already old when dinosaurs wandered across it.
Dogs are allowed year-round at this end which is a small mercy for anyone accompanied by something furry and enthusiastic. The only real catch is that access past the point is tide-dependent. There were steps once but long gone now, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the sea and pick your moment. It adds a touch of adventure, really, and makes getting there feel like a little victory.
Beyond the cliffs, the beach gets quieter, rougher, and altogether more interesting. Rock pools appear, little ecosystems in miniature, and kids race between boulders with nets and plastic buckets like it’s still 1953. You can swim here too. The water’s bracing but clean enough if you time it right, and if you can overlook South West Water’s occasional lapses in civic responsibility, it’s...
Read more
Oh, what a breathtaking sight, At Orcombe Point, with its view so bright, A view fit for the gods, so divine, A place of beauty, and wonder so fine.
King Charles III once laid his eyes, On this view of heaven, so pure and so wise, A place so special, that a blue plaque stands, A true testament to the beauty of this land.
The Jurassic Coast, a world heritage site, A sight to behold, with its colors so bright, The sea, so vast, and so blue, A view of heaven, that will mesmerize you.
The atmosphere, so peaceful and serene, The air, so fresh, and so clean, A place of tranquility, and peace so true, A perfect setting, to experience something new.
Open your eyes, and see the sights, Of the coast of this kingdom, that delights, Start at Orcombe Point, with its beauty so rare, A view of heaven, that will take you somewhere.
Oh, what a fantastic experience, To witness Orcombe Point's view, so immense, A view of heaven, so dear, And a true testament to nature's...
Read more
Beautifully scenic location between Exmouth and Sandy Bay (Devon Cliffs Holiday Park being the notable on land location there) notable for the Geoneedle which denotes the westernmost point of the Jurassic coastline area of the British coast. A nice spot on a lovely walk (a little hilly, but not completely inaccessible for those with mild mobility impairments). I was there in April 2022 when the weather was dry and sunny, but the well-trodden footpaths did seem to indicate in wetter conditions it might be quite boggy / slippery underfoot. There's also a fenced off slope just off to one side of the Geoneedle which was covered in memorials to loved ones since passed. Out of respect I did not pry or investigate closer, but there are implicitly darker/sadder overtones to that, obviously. Nearby Exmouth would be the closest amenities, and I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes for walking...
Read more
