A little known fact is that it has a large former mental health 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. 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 is the signal box situated on the Isambard Kingdom Brunel built South Devon Railway, currently in need of preservation.

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 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 into 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.