The beautiful Exe Estuary is internationally known as one of Europe's most important havens for migrating birds as they journey between the Arctic and Africa. Many species of migrating and British birds can be spotted from the comfort of your cottage windows as the tide ebbs and flows.

The estuary is protected as an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is a nature reserve only four miles away with sand dunes and bathing beaches, a perfect picnic outing for the whole family.

The land by the Exe River is a walker's paradise, along towpaths, past a deer-park and farms and over lock gates for a pasty and cider at an island pub! It has easy access to riverside paths and stiles. The river walk can be tackled with easy stages during a week's stay, or the 24 miles from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren, crossing on the Topsham Ferry to Turf Lock Hotel and the island, can be accomplished in one day by keen walkers. The whole estuary as far as Orcombe Point is a beachcomber's paradise.

Starcross got its name from the Ferry. There was definitely a ferry operating in the 12th Century owned by the Abbots of Sherbourne. They put a cross at the top of the steps (stairs) leading from the end and the village that grew there became known as Starcross.

Starcross is also closely associated with nearby Cockwood Village, the harbour and stories of smugglers using the sands of Dawlish Warren to hide from customs and Excise officers. Today the Starcross pier (600 yards away) will help you board the ferry to Exmouth or a riverboat trip. Deep Sea Fishing can be arranged from Exmouth.