Between Exmouth And Torquay Is A Vibrant Coastal Town With Fresh Seafood, Quaint Shops, And Beaches

Anyone craving a seaside getaway while visiting England will find that Devon ticks all the right boxes. The county is home to what is often called the "English Riviera," where there are buttery-sand beaches backed by windswept moors to explore, dotted with ancient market towns. Just beyond the Riviera, at the estuary where the River Teign meets the English Channel, backed by picturesque green cliffs, sits Teignmouth, a laid-back coastal town with history stretching back to the 11th century. Whether you're in the mood to lounge on the sand or browse local boutiques, Teignmouth offers all kinds of adventures.

Sightseers will no doubt enjoy the town's iconic landmarks. A stone lighthouse marks the harbor entrance, while the Victorian-era Teignmouth Grand Pier stretches out into the sea. Over in the town center, Triangle Square is dominated by a decorative stone fountain, beckoning visitors to find a bench to sit and soak up the scenery. Quaint local shops are dotted throughout the streets, giving keen shoppers the opportunity to spend the day picking out fun souvenirs. Meanwhile, two distinct beaches on either side of town offer sandy shores for sunbathing and strolling amidst the gentle lull of crashing waves. After enjoying the seafront, head to one of the local eateries for a bite of fresh seafood and other coastal favorites.

Locals to the north in Exmouth can drive to Teignmouth in about 40 minutes (or hop on a train for a little over an hour), while anyone down south in Torquay on the idyllic Seafood Coast is barely 25 minutes away by both car and train. Meanwhile, weekenders from London can reach Teignmouth in just under four hours by car, or less than three hours by train from Paddington. Accommodation options range from rustic bed-and-breakfasts to cozy holiday rentals.

Among the picturesque buildings in the town center, shoppers can spend the day browsing independent boutiques and local shops. Near the fountain in Triangle Square is ROAM, a stylish gift shop with a painted pastel facade, which is "definitely worth a visit if looking for gifts or just treating yourself," according to a previous visitor on Google Maps. Poke around for souvenirs like scented candles, patterned towels, and greeting cards. Parents will also find children's books and toys here. The boutique even serves coffee for customers who need an energy boost before carrying on.

Right next door is the Teignmouth Rock & Fudge Shop, where anyone with a sweet tooth can browse the selection of rock candies and handmade fudge. Tourists will also find all the essentials for a fun day by the beach, from boogie boards and bouncy balls to inflatable loungers in fun shapes. From there, just a short walk away is The Laura Wall Gallery, featuring a pastel facade and oversized window display which beckons customers inside to browse vibrant watercolor prints to hang on the wall, notebooks, calendars, and umbrellas.

While shoppers browse the boutiques, history buffs can spend the day at the Teign Heritage Centre, just a short walk from the square, which a previous visitor on Google Maps describes as "small, but absolutely jam-packed with artifacts." Various displays and immersive exhibits trace Teignmouth's maritime and social history, with artifacts ranging from fragments of an old shipwreck to an Edwardian-era bathing costume.

Teignmouth's beaches offer two different ways to enjoy the coast, from the open seafront beside the pier to the quieter setting of the River Teign estuary. Beside the Grand Pier is Teignmouth Town Beach, a mix of sand and pebbles. Rows of white townhouses and wooded cliffs frame the water's edge, creating a scenic setting for sunbathing and strolling. Those who prefer to stay off the sand can stroll along a paved seafront promenade, which offers views of the English Channel, and explore the Grand Pier to see how it stacks up against the best piers in England.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town is Back Beach, which overlooks the River Teign and offers "a quieter alternative to the bustle of the main resort area," according to a previous beachgoer writing on Google Maps. Throw a towel down amidst the fishing boats to lounge with views across the estuary towards the hills, or bring a snack to enjoy at the picnic tables.

After a few hours by the water, head into town to find some tasty seafood at places like Ye Olde Jolly Sailor, considered the oldest pub in town, with records of an alehouse here as far back as the 12th century. Inside, rugged stone walls and exposed ceiling beams create a rustic atmosphere for dining, and check the menu for prawns cooked in garlic butter, a fish pie, or even a seafood pizza. Another option is the Jolly Good Fish Cafe, where the fish and chips are "cooked fresh to order," and those behind the counter are "very chatty and pleasant," according to a previous customer on Google Maps. With Teignmouth behind you, why not head into the English Riviera and explore Brixham and its famous fish market?