Exminster

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Exminster is a village situated on the southern edge of the City of Exeter on the western side of the Exeter ship canal and River Exe in the county of Devon (Great Britain). It is around 5 km (3 miles) south of the centre of Exeter, and has a population of 3,084 (census 2001). It is famous for its marshes a major site for birds especially migratory ones. It is also home to the very rare Cirl Bunting, with only around 600 left [1].

[edit] Landmarks

A little known fact is that it has a large former lunatic asylum on a hill overlooking the Exe estuary. Devon County Asylum was opened in July 1845 and designed by Charles Fowler, the architect of Covent Garden Market. It features a central administration block with six radiating arms and had a capacity of around 800 beds. The hospital closed in the mid-eighties when it was known as Exminster Hospital [2]. After years of neglect, the surrounding land was developed for housing and the grade II listed hospital was converted to apartments and town houses and is now known as Devington Park.

Another landmark feature was the signal box situated on the Isambard Kingdom Brunel built South Devon Railway. This was in need of preservation and was removed in September 2006 to Broadway in Gloucestershire.

[edit] Economy

Exminster's amenities include a surgery, pharmacy, local shops including Rosemary's Village Shop, a small Tesco Metro, several estate agents, a hairdressers, as well as an excellent new community facility (The Westbank) which incorporates a gym facility, an IT suite with web access and daytime family & toddlers groups. Exminster also has its own primary school, several good parks for children including a skate park and 2 welcoming pubs - The Stowey Arms and The Royal Oak. It has a small brewery - the Topsham and Exminster Brewery who produce the popular Ferryman Ale, located at a former RAF GCI (Ground Controlled Interception) radar station in the midst of the Exminster Marshes RSPB reserve.

Exminster is a popular choice for those working around the Exeter area, who prefer a village pace of life whilst retaining excellent travel distance to the city. Those looking to keep fit will find commuting via bicycle is a pleasant affair thanks to well planned cycle paths leading from Exminster directly into the heart of Exeter via the Exeter Canal cycle path.