Lympstone lies on the eastern bank of the Exe Estuary. The village combines a maritime history with waterside scenery and walking routes that offer different perspectives: the Exe Estuary Trail can be explored by bike or on foot; another walking route leads inland from the railway station to the hills above the village. Other highlights include a historic church and lime kilns at the harbour.
Estuary, harbour and paths
The parish of Lympstone includes waterside areas and a harbour, as well as meadows, farmland and common land. The landscape is therefore shaped by more than its waterside location. The surrounding countryside is also part of the picture conveyed by the paths around the village.
The Exe Estuary Trail offers the opportunity to circle the entire Exe Estuary by bike or on foot. It connects Exmouth, Lympstone and Exton. Check the local route before setting out so that your plans match the route as it currently runs.
The Avocet Line: Lympstone to Lympstone Common walking route offers a different way to explore. It starts at Lympstone railway station and leads inland to the hills above the village. Along the way, there are views across the Exe Estuary and beyond; weather and vegetation can affect visibility. You should also check route conditions before your walk.
Lympstone is on the Avocet Rail Line. Check train services and stopping patterns before travelling. When choosing between the walking routes, the main difference is their course: the trail circles the estuary, while the walking route leads from the station into the hills above the village.
Church, lime kilns and maritime history
A church has stood on the site of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary since the 12th century. The Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated by Bishop Stafford in 1409. The church contains a font made from a Norman bowl. Its unusual moulding combines cord and scale ornament—a specific architectural detail alongside the long history of the church site.
Immediately east of Lympstone Harbour stand the two lime kilns known as the Limeburning Kilns Immediately East of Lympstone Harbour. They probably date from the early 19th century. Lime and coal delivered by sea were burned there to produce fertiliser for the parish farms.
Lympstone’s maritime history and heritage include cod fishing and whaling, boat and shipbuilding, and river and coastal fishing for mackerel and salmon. The harbour and lime kilns tell of other kinds of work besides fishing; together, they show different aspects of the village’s historic connection with the water.
Tradition, art and practical information
The Lympstone Furry Dance is an annual tradition held on the first Saturday in August. Exact programme details may vary; if you would like to plan your visit around it, check the dates and current programme.
The Seaglass Gallery exhibits and sells works by printmakers, painters, silversmiths, potters and other artists. The gallery also runs art workshops and can arrange tailor-made workshops for families and friends by appointment. Artists and works on display may change; check the current workshop options in advance.
The Parish Church welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; opening hours may change. There are toilets at Lympstone Village Car Park, including wheelchair-accessible toilets. A Radar key is required to access the accessible toilets. Check current access arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Broadhembury, Shirwell, Shaugh Prior, Stoke Gabriel, Hemyock, Newton Poppleford, Frithelstock, Seaton.
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
