11 best things to do in Teignmouth, Devon

Teignmouth is a traditional seaside town in South Devon with a lovely mix of old-fashioned charm, coastal scenery and just enough going on to keep everyone entertained.  We visited as a family, using Teignmouth as a base to explore nearby Exeter, and it turned out to be an ideal choice.  There are so many things to do in Teignmouth for families, whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer.

We’d already seen Teignmouth from afar, when we visited Shaldon, which sits across the estuary, so were familiar with this stretch of coastline and its striking red sand beaches.

If you’re looking for places to visit in South Devon that still feel authentic and relaxed, Teignmouth should definitely be on your list.  Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Teignmouth and nearby places to visit.

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Teignmouth is located on the South Devon coast, right at the mouth of the River Teign.  It’s just a short drive from Dartmoor National Park, making it a great base if you want a combination of coast and countryside.  It’s also just a short drive from the historic city of Exeter.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the town is simply to go for a wander.  Teignmouth town centre is compact and easy to explore, with independent shops, cafés, and plenty of places to stop for an ice cream.

Teignmouth Promenade is perfect for a slow stroll.  It’s flat, wide and runs alongside the beach, which is ideal if you’re visiting with children, pushchairs, or bikes.  On a sunny day, it’s one of the simplest and best free things to do in Teignmouth.

The pier in Teignmouth is a classic Victorian Pier, built in 1865, and has been entertaining visitors for around 160 years.  It’s one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the traditional seaside attractions you’d expect.

Alongside the amusements and games, there’s also a play area, a skate park, and a miniature golf course, making it a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Teignmouth for families.

Teignmouth has two beaches, the main Town Beach, and the Back Beach on the River Teign Estuary.

The Town Beach has a long stretch of distinctive red sand, which we’d previously seen when visiting nearby Shaldon.  It’s perfect for traditional seaside fun, paddling, sandcastles, and sunbathing (weather permitting!)

Being right next to the promenade means toilets, cafés, and shops are all close by, which is handy if you’ve got kids in tow.

Teignmouth Lido is a seasonal, heated pool located near St Michael’s Church.  We didn’t get the chance to visit during our stay, but it looks like a good alternative to the beach on a sunny day.

On the other side of town is the River Beach, more commonly known as the Back Beach.  This pretty, sandy beach sits along the working harbour, with fishing boats and lovely views across to Shaldon.

It’s quieter than the main beach and not as spacious for families, but it’s a lovely place to stop and relax.  It’s popular for crabbing, which makes a great low-cost activity for kids.

In the evenings, this area has a great atmosphere, especially on a summer’s evening.  If you enjoy sea food, The Crab Schack is well worth a visit.  The Ship Inn is also popular, with outdoor seating overlooking the harbour.

If you enjoy coastal walks, don’t miss the South West Coast Path from Teignmouth to Holcombe Beach.  This stretch runs alongside the dramatic South Devon Railway Sea Wall, with the sea on one side and trains passing on the other.

At the end of the walk, you can stop for a drink at the Salty Dog Kiosk, before retracing your steps back to town or continuing inland to Dawlish.

If you fancy something more active, head to the Back Beach, where you can hire paddleboards or kayaks and head out onto the calm waters of the estuary.  You can hire equipment from Seasports Southwest.

One of the most popular and enjoyable things to do in Teignmouth is hopping on the Teign Ferry to the pretty village of Shaldon.  The large black and white fishing boat makes regular crossings with lovely views of the estuary.

The journey only takes 10 minutes and is thought to be the oldest passenger ferry service in England.

Once in Shaldon, you can explore the village, visit the zoo, or head to Ness Cove, a hidden beach accessed by an old pirate tunnel.

If you’re staying in Teignmouth for more than a day, a wildlife adventure with Devon Sea Safari is well worth considering.  It’s a fantastic way to explore the coastline and spot local wildlife.  They offer a range of boat tours including:

• A 1-hour tour to Labrador Bay
• A 2-hour tour going further into Lyme Bay

It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for unique things to do in Teignmouth and want to see more of South Devon from the water.

For a bit of local history, the Teign Heritage Centre is a small but interesting museum that tells the story of the town.  It doesn’t take long to visit and makes a good option if you’re looking for things to do in Teignmouth when it rains.

Another good rainy-day option is Pavilions Teignmouth, a local arts centre which hosts events, performances. It’s a useful alternative to the beach and worth checking out what’s on during your visit.

Absolutely.  With its mix of beaches, coastal walks and family-friendly attractions, Teignmouth ticks lots of boxes.

It’s a great base for visiting Dartmoor, Exeter, and other places to visit in Devon, like Shaldon and Totnes.  If you’re looking for relaxed seaside days, affordable family fun, or a base for exploring other places to visit in Devon, it’s worth adding to your travel list.

We stayed at the Cliffden Hotel, which was ideal for a family stay.  It’s a large hotel set on the cliff overlooking the seafront, with gardens that lead directly to the promenade.

The hotel also has its own indoor swimming pool, which we had to ourselves during our stay and offers a good breakfast buffet, which is also a bonus when travelling with teens.

If you prefer self-catering accommodation, you could try Mermaid Cottage or Customs Cottage, which both look amazing.

Getting to Teignmouth is easy.

By train: Teignmouth has its own station, with regular services along the scenic coastal railway.  The stretch between Dawlish and Teignmouth is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK.  I’ve passed along this route several routes on my visits to Perranporth and Porth in Cornwall and it’s stunning.

By car:  It’s easily reached via the A380, with good links to Exeter and the rest of Devon.

By bus:  There are frequent local buses connecting Teignmouth with nearby towns and villages.

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