Jason Ingham, a lifelong resident and oyster farmer, pauses by the River Exe, reflecting on why Lympstone continues to allure so many. “People want to live in a fishing village,” he says, “not an ex-fishing village.”
With over seventy years in this picturesque estuary-side community, Jason embodies Lympstone’s enduring coastal heritage. Today, the village draws holidaymakers, day visitors, families, and a growing number of wealthy newcomers. Some are building stunning Grand Design-style homes on the hillside, while others see these as unsightly ‘mega boxes’—sparking lively local debate. “Just build them in Exton,” one resident quips.
Central to Lympstone’s appeal is its unique location near the Exe Estuary. Daily life here revolves around the tide’s rhythm: as the river floods, locals pull laundry from the beach and volunteers close flood barriers. Sailing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards launch onto shimmering waters, while wading birds return to forage as the tide ebbs.
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Simon Pryor, who lives in a quaint cottage beside the estuary, describes how saltwater spray crashes over his garden wall during storms. “What you hear most in Lympstone is: ‘We’re so lucky to live here.’ The sunsets are breathtaking, and it’s one of the few places in Devon where the sun sets over the water.”
The tightly-knit village buzzes with community life. Noticeboards near The Strand showcase events from film society screenings and brass band concerts to charity runs and beachside talks. A historic ‘love tower’ built by a 19th-century squire stands as a charming testament to local stories and enduring bonds.
Yet Lympstone faces challenges. A proposed development of 100 homes at Courtlands Cross threatens the ‘green wedge’ between the village and Exmouth. Many locals vehemently oppose this, aiming to preserve Lympstone’s distinct identity against encroaching urbanisation.
Though not a secret, Lympstone retains a timeless charm shaped by a millennium of history, from royal connections and smuggling tales to its maritime traditions. The village still feels like a coastal Cornish haven—only more welcoming.
Visitors like Trevor and Pat Strain, who’ve journeyed from Worcestershire for decades, appreciate Lympstone’s unchanged, old-world atmosphere. “We don’t like change,” Trevor admits. “We love that it looks and feels historic.”
The village’s picturesque homes— from thatched cottages and red-brick terraces to grand townhouses—dot a landscape of fields, streams, and green spaces. New builds, like those on Charles Court, command prices up to £1.6 million, reflecting Lympstone’s desirability.
Lympstone’s thriving primary school, led by Hayley Reynolds, educates 170 pupils and maintains close ties with the nearby Royal Commando Training Centre. The school’s ‘beach school’ and frequent field trips create a unique, nurturing environment, reinforcing the village’s strong sense of community.
At the village’s heart is The Saddlers pub, managed by 19-year-old Alfie Webb. This community hub hums with local customers and visitors alike, offering affordable drinks and hearty carvery meals. Despite wider hospitality struggles, The Saddlers remains a vibrant gathering place, alongside The Swan, which attracts cyclists and locals with its welcoming atmosphere.
Jason’s oyster farm symbolizes Lympstone’s living heritage. A robust, authentic fishing tradition once flourished here, with boats and families dedicated to the trade. Now, his is the last fishing dynasty left. “People get a good feeling living in a fishing village,” he says, proud of the village’s artisanal soul and hopeful about its future amid change.
For residents and newcomers, Lympstone offers a rare blend of coastal beauty, community spirit, and timeless charm—a place they feel truly fortunate to call home.