RSPB Exminster & Powderham Marshes
A free-to-enter estuary nature reserve right on the doorstep, with level trails famous for wintering wildfowl, lapwing and birds of prey beside the River Exe — and the swans that inspired our emblem.
Plan your visit
Find us on the Exe Estuary
Five minutes from Exeter, on the traffic-free estuary trail — and surrounded by some of Devon’s best days out.
Getting here
Easy to reach, easy to park
By car (M5 J30)
Exminster Hill, Exeter EX6 8GA — about five minutes from Exeter city centre and junction 30 of the M5. Leave the M5/A379 and follow signs for Exminster village. Free on-site parking.
By train
The nearest operating stations are Starcross (on the Exeter–Newton Abbot line) and Exeter St Thomas, with Exeter St Davids and Exeter Central the main interchanges for national connections, then a short taxi or bus.
By bus
Stagecoach South West service 2 (Exeter – Dawlish – Newton Abbot) calls at Exminster, linking the village to Exeter city centre and bus station. Please check current timetables before travelling.
On foot or by bike
Exminster sits on the largely level, traffic-free Exe Estuary Trail (National Cycle Network Route 2), so you can arrive on foot or by bike along the estuary from Exeter Quayside, Powderham or Starcross.
Exminster Golf Centre, Exminster Hill, Exminster, Exeter, EX6 8GA
Make a day of it
Things to do nearby
A round at Exminster pairs perfectly with the best of the Exe Estuary and east Devon.
Powderham Castle
The historic fortified home of the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon — a Grade I-listed castle with gardens, a deer park and family attractions, just south along the estuary.
Topsham
A characterful former port on the east bank of the Exe, known for its Dutch-influenced architecture, independent shops, riverside pubs and (in summer) a seasonal foot ferry across the estuary.
Exe Estuary Trail
An almost entirely traffic-free, level walking and cycling route around the River Exe (National Cycle Network Route 2) that runs right through Exminster — perfect before or after a round.
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
A sandy beach and SSSI nature reserve on the dune spit at the mouth of the Exe Estuary — a great spot for a family beach day, walking and birdwatching.
Exeter Historic Quayside
Exeter’s restored waterfront with cafés, bars, independent shops and boat hire, linked to Exminster by the flat canal towpath past the well-known Double Locks pub.
Tee it up
Make a round part of your day
Tee times from £24 for nine holes — five minutes from Exeter, with the estuary on your doorstep.