Natural monuments around Starcross offer a diverse landscape for exploration. This waterside village in Devon, England, is situated on the Exe Estuary, a significant site for wildlife and habitats. The surrounding region features geological marvels like the Jurassic Coast and protected areas such as the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore a variety of natural settings, from expansive mudflats to dramatic cliffs and ancient woodlands.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Forget the bucket and spade—at Budleigh Salterton, it’s all about the "Budleigh Buns!" These giant, smooth, oval pebbles are the beach’s signature, making it a paradise for stone-stackers and rock-pool explorers. Part of the Jurassic Coast, the beach is framed by dramatic, red Triassic cliffs that look like they’ve been toasted. It’s a wonderfully "posh and peaceful" spot where you can swap noisy arcades for the gentle crunch-crunch of your footsteps. Grab a crab sandwich, watch the colorful fishing boats, and see if you can find a pebble with a hidden fossil. It’s geology, but make it fashion!
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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If you plan ahead, or if you are lucky, you can walk along the beach around Orcombe point when it is low tide. And from down here you are given a different perspective of the red cliffs of the jurrasic coast. The red sandstone cliif tower above you and boulders lay strewn across the beach from landslides in decades gone by. Continue walking the beach, being wedged between the sea and cliffs, but with plenty of space not to scare you, until you reach the slope up to Sandy bay park. Lots of refreshments await you, and the firework sound of gun fire, on a day when the troops test their rifles.
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check the tide. If it's low you can walk back along the. beach. Nice cliffs with plenty of caves and boulders to explore and scramble over.
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Devon, England that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle represents the rock types found along the Jurassic Coast. It was commissioned from artist Michael Fairfax and unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.
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Orcombe Point is a coastal feature near Exmouth, The two beaches are part of a long strip of sand and are connected to each other below Orcombe Point at low tide. Sited high upon the hill, Orcombe Point is marked by the "Geoneedle", which was unveiled by Prince Charles, in 2002. The Geoneedle is constructed from a variety of different stones, representing both the major building stones to be found on the Jurassic Coast and the sequence of rocks that form this part of the coastline.
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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
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Budleigh beach is a long stretch of shingle next to the coast path. It's tough running if you choose to run on the beach but good training.
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The Starcross area is rich in diverse natural features. You'll find internationally important estuaries with expansive mudflats and saltmarshes, dramatic red sandstone cliffs, pebble beaches, ancient geological formations part of the Jurassic Coast, and protected heathlands and woodlands. The region is characterized by its unique coastal ecosystems and river valleys.
Yes, the Starcross area is a prime location for birdwatching. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is an excellent spot, known for its significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders like redshank, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. The Exe Estuary, where Starcross is located, is also internationally important for birdlife, especially during autumn and winter when migrating birds gather.
Many natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. Otter Estuary Nature Reserve offers easy walks and birdwatching opportunities. Budleigh Salterton Beach is a picturesque pebble beach with safe bathing water and amenities. Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle provides stunning views and a chance to learn about the Jurassic Coast's geology, suitable for older children.
You can experience the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, which marks the most westerly point of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see rocks that are 185 million years old and dramatic red-colored steep walls. Budleigh Salterton Beach, with its red sandstone cliffs, is also part of the Jurassic Coast.
Yes, Woodbury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort cloaked in beech trees, offering a fascinating glimpse into history. It features exceptional earthworks and interpretation boards explaining its archaeological significance. The site is within the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Area, blending natural beauty with historical importance.
The Starcross area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the easy "St Clement's Church, Powderham – Kenton Brook loop" or moderate "Langstone Rock – Cockwood Harbour loop" (find more at Hiking around Starcross). Cycling is popular, especially along the Exe Estuary Trail, with routes like "Cockwood Harbour – Turf Lock loop" (explore more at MTB Trails around Starcross and Road Cycling Routes around Starcross).
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, autumn and winter are ideal, as thousands of migrating and overwintering birds gather in the Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren. For coastal walks and enjoying the beaches, late spring to early autumn offers milder weather. The East Devon AONB is beautiful year-round for walking and cycling.
Absolutely. Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle offers panoramic sea views along the Jurassic Coast. Cockwood Harbour provides idyllic views of the tidal harbour, the Exe Estuary, and passing trains. Many points along the Exe Estuary Trail also offer exceptional vistas of the estuary's diverse habitats.
Yes, the region is home to several important protected areas. The Exe Estuary itself is an internationally important site for wildlife. Dawlish Warren is a nationally and internationally recognized nature reserve, designated as a National Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site. The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) encompasses a broad landscape of heathland, river valleys, and coastline.
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning coastal scenery, the rich opportunities for birdwatching, and the geological significance of sites like the Jurassic Coast. The peaceful atmosphere of places like the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and the historical intrigue of Woodbury Castle are also highly appreciated. The blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities makes the area very appealing.
Starcross is well-connected by rail, and the train line runs along the coast, offering stunning views and access to nearby areas like Dawlish Warren. The Exe Estuary Trail is also accessible from Starcross, providing a flat route for walking and cycling to various points around the estuary. For specific destinations, local bus services connect Starcross with surrounding towns and villages.


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