The Exmouth Mermaid is one of those places that feels a little unexpected the first time you see it. Sitting proudly along the seafront in Exmouth, it’s a striking and playful sculpture that has quickly become a recognisable landmark on the East Devon coast.
For visitors staying in Beer, it makes a great reason to head west for a half-day or full-day trip, combining seaside views, a gentle promenade walk and a bit of local character you won’t find elsewhere.
What Is the Exmouth Mermaid?
The Exmouth Mermaid is a large bronze sculpture created by artist David Annand, installed along the seafront as a celebration of Exmouth’s relationship with the sea. She’s designed to be interactive — people sit beside her, climb onto the rocks nearby and use her as a natural meeting point along the promenade.
Rather than feeling formal or distant, the mermaid has a relaxed, friendly presence that suits Exmouth’s easygoing coastal vibe.
Where to Find Her in Exmouth
The mermaid is located along Exmouth’s seafront promenade, making her easy to reach whether you’re arriving by car, train or on foot. She fits naturally into a wider wander along the front, which stretches for miles and is ideal for relaxed walking and cycling.
If you enjoy exploring coastal towns at a slower pace, Exmouth pairs nicely with the quieter feel of Beer and works well alongside other easygoing days focused on things to do in Beer.
A Great Stop for Families and Casual Visits
The Exmouth Mermaid is especially popular with families. Children love spotting her along the promenade, and the surrounding area is flat, open and easy to explore with pushchairs or bikes.
It’s the kind of stop that doesn’t need much planning — you can build it naturally into a beach day, a café stop or a longer walk along the seafront. Families visiting the area often find it complements the more nature-focused activities covered in Visiting Beer with Children.
How the Exmouth Mermaid Fits Into a Day Trip from Beer
Exmouth is around an hour’s drive from Beer, making it a comfortable day trip if you want a change of scenery. It offers a more traditional seaside town feel, with long sandy beaches, a wide promenade and plenty of places to stop for food and drink.
Many visitors enjoy pairing the Exmouth Mermaid with time on the beach or a longer stroll along the front, before heading back east to the calmer pace of Beer.
Best Time to Visit
The Exmouth Mermaid can be visited year-round. Summer brings a lively buzz along the seafront, while spring and autumn are ideal for quieter walks and fewer crowds. Even in winter, the open promenade and sea views make for a refreshing coastal outing.
If coastal walks are a key part of your stay, this trip also balances nicely with the more dramatic scenery found closer to Beer, which we explore in Jurassic Coast Walks from Beer.
Why We Recommend It When Staying in Beer
Part of the appeal of staying in Beer is how many different coastal experiences are within easy reach. The Exmouth Mermaid adds something light-hearted and distinctly different — a simple, memorable stop that works for all ages.
It’s especially good if you’re staying longer and following ideas from our Beer Devon Itineraries, where mixing quieter villages with livelier seaside towns keeps the trip feeling varied without feeling rushed.
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