Haven Cliff Axmouth - Seaton
From the A3052 (The main coast that runs from Exeter to Lyme Regis) take the Seaton turning and follow the signs for the seafront. Follow the sea road along the Esplanade with the sea on your right shoulder. Follow the road and on the hill ahead of you will see the imposing Axmouth Golf Club building. Go over the bridge and just before the golf club entrance take the right turn signposted Axmouth harbour. Keep to the left and follow the the river as far as you can (With the river on your right shoulder). The dive site is reached by following the path at the end of this road. Parking is very limited and so it is necessary to get as far along the left side of the Harbour as possible, drop your gear and buddies, and then park offsite. As you exit the harbour onto the main road turn right and there is a large lay-by just past the entrance to the golf club. If there are no spaces here your best bet is to head back towards Seaton and find a parking space.
The site is reached by carrying all of your gear along the path, past the harbour entrance and onto the beach - a long trek with full kit! Your shore cover will have to help you.- it may be worth taking a shore cover team.
The site is reached by carrying all of your gear along the path, past the harbour entrance and onto the beach - a long trek with full kit! Your shore cover will have to help you.- it may be worth taking a shore cover team.
Site Description
Although small and narrow Axmouth Harbour is a proper working harbour - and so is busy and can get congested. The site is quite a long walk from the road and you will need a support team - however they will not be stuck for something to do while you dive. There are numerous fossils to be found along the base of the cliffs and by the harbour side is cafe, a chandlery, photographs of the local dolphin pod, local guide books and leaflets, and an aquarium. The aquarium is more relevant than most as it features local sea life. There are displays with conger eel, edible crab, spider crab, lobster, anemones, mullet, trigger fish, and numerous other locally caught sea creatures.
There is a coastal walk to Lyme Regis although it is very arduous and should be done on an outgoing tide to avoid getting cut off.
The diving is well worth the effort required to get onto the beach. Deep fissures run away from the shore and this is a good place to find crabs and lobsters. Flatfish can found on the silty bottom. Diving is not allowed in the harbour.
There is a coastal walk to Lyme Regis although it is very arduous and should be done on an outgoing tide to avoid getting cut off.
The diving is well worth the effort required to get onto the beach. Deep fissures run away from the shore and this is a good place to find crabs and lobsters. Flatfish can found on the silty bottom. Diving is not allowed in the harbour.
Wheelchair Access Very very difficult - almost impossible.
Toilets No known
Cafe Snacks and drinks are available from cafe by theharbour
Fills available on site? No
Dive Centre on site? No
Nearest Dive Centre? Aquanaught Dive Centre in Exeter 01392-218825 (Seaton Dive Centre has been closed for a number of years)
Nearest Pub Seaton: 2 - 3 minutes from the harbour
Nearest Restaurant Seaton: 2 - 3 minutes from the harbour - cafes restaurants and tea shops
Toilets No known
Cafe Snacks and drinks are available from cafe by theharbour
Fills available on site? No
Dive Centre on site? No
Nearest Dive Centre? Aquanaught Dive Centre in Exeter 01392-218825 (Seaton Dive Centre has been closed for a number of years)
Nearest Pub Seaton: 2 - 3 minutes from the harbour
Nearest Restaurant Seaton: 2 - 3 minutes from the harbour - cafes restaurants and tea shops
Wreck / Archaeological / Topographic feature & Details:
Unusual geography - Site of Special Scientific Interest, and National Nature Reserve
Marine Life Details
Conger eel, edible crab, spider crab, lobster, anemones, mullet and plaice
Other information
Worth the visit even without diving, a great example of classic English small working harbour, fossils, and a bacon butty /toasted sandwich /coffee by the sea experience - lovely!
Nearest Webcam
Exmouth |
Postcode For Satnav:
EX12 4AA |
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