Attractions and Places To See around Exeter - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Exeter include a variety of historical sites, waterways, and natural areas. Situated on the River Exe, the region offers a blend of maritime heritage and accessible outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore the historic Exeter Ship Canal, which played a significant role in the city's past. The area also features the Exe Estuary, providing opportunities for walks and wildlife observation.
Best attractions and places to see around Exeter
- The most popular attractions is Exeter Ship Canal, a cycle way that was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. It is now primarily used for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and cycling, offering scenic views alongside the River Exe.
- Another must-see spot is Topsham Town Centre, a historical settlement with a rich maritime history. This area features specialist shops, restaurants, and views over the estuary, including the Topsham Museum.
- Visitors also love Topsham Dock, a historical port that was once one of England's busiest. Today, it offers views of moored boats, an antique shop, and a pub with outdoor seating.
- Exeter is known for its historical sites, river-based activities, and family friendly attractions. The region offers a variety of places to see, from historical canals to charming town centers and natural reserves.
- The attractions around Exeter are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham.
The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops.
Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
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Countess Wear Bridges
Highlight • Bridge
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Exeter Quayside
Highlight • Cafe
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Exeter Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
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Topsham Dock
Highlight • Settlement
Today, the dock offers lovely views over the moored boats on the Exe. There's an antique shop full of interesting items and a pub with lots of outside seating.
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Exeter Ship Canal shared path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Topsham Town Centre
Highlight • Historical Site
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Topsham Lock Cottage
Highlight • Structure
Swans, herons and ducks can often be seen here and there's a bench to take a rest on and watch the reeds wafting in the breeze.
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Ducke's Marsh
Highlight • River
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Double Locks Pub
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
There's a few disabled parking spaces right on the Quay and the walks are all wheelchair user friendly, there's bus routes and train station all within a mile of the quay. If like me on your walk you like to re-stall your batteries and have a hot or cold drink there's lots of great pubs restaurants and little cafes on the Quay and they all welcome dogs, if you check out what's on in Exeter you might be lucky to see one of the many events they hold like morse dancing, the boat racing, mental health walk, the food festivals and many more, enjoy the ruins and history walks also.
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you can easily end up walking in circles i followed a public foot path that leads to a dead end amazing looking houses
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Car park and numerous food outlets alongside the river perfect to spend a time to relax
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lovely flat and people jogging cycling walking great place to meet friends have a picnic etc
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Exeter Quay, also known as Exeter Quayside, is a district of Exeter on the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. It was used as a port since prehistoric times, when a sandstone outcrop was used to unload the ships of overseas traders.[1] However, in 1381, the Countess Weir closed the river to shipping. In 1566, a canal was completed to allow ships access. Over time, the number of ships using the quay increased, and so the quay was extended in the late 17th century. Further extension took place in 1830 when a new canal basin was dug. However, in 1840, the railway reached Exeter, and shipping began to decline. The quay is no longer used for shipping, but mainly for recreational purposes.
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Lovely to see so many Cormorants all in a row along the weir, along with a couple of Herons. Also a lovely place to stop for a rest and a drink over looking the weir is the “The Port Royal”. Lovely food too!
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Lovely place to walk can get very flooded around here but the weir is a lovely place to sit and relax
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in the Exeter area?
Exeter is rich in history. You can explore the Exeter Ship Canal, the first canal built in Britain since Roman times, now popular for leisure. The Topsham Town Centre offers a glimpse into a historical maritime settlement with specialist shops and the Topsham Museum. Nearby, Topsham Dock, once a bustling port, provides views of moored boats and an antique shop.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Exeter?
Yes, many attractions around Exeter are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal and its shared path are great for walks and cycling. Topsham Town Centre and Topsham Dock offer pleasant strolls and historical interest. Nature reserves like Goosemoor also provide family-friendly outdoor experiences.
What are some easy walks or cycle routes near Exeter?
The Exeter Ship Canal offers a flat, scenic path perfect for easy walks and cycling. The Exeter Ship Canal shared path is a smooth run into town. Additionally, the Riverside Valley Park Cycleway provides a segregated path through a nature reserve, ideal for a relaxed outing.
Where can I go hiking near Exeter?
Exeter offers various hiking opportunities, particularly along the River Exe. You can find numerous routes, including an easy 7.2 km loop from Topsham Dock to RSPB Bowling Green Marsh, or a moderate 9.7 km loop from Exeter Quayside to the Double Locks Pub. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Exeter on komoot: Hiking around Exeter.
Can I find routes suitable for cycling near Exeter's attractions?
Absolutely. The Exeter Ship Canal and its shared path are excellent for cycling. The Riverside Valley Park Cycleway offers a flat, traffic-free route. For longer rides, consider the Exe Estuary Trail, which offers easy loops from Exeter to Exmouth or Dawlish. You can find more cycling routes here: Cycling around Exeter.
Are there any nature reserves or birdwatching spots?
Yes, the area boasts several natural attractions. The Goosemoor Nature Reserve Birdwatching Hide is an excellent spot for wildlife observation, particularly birds. The Exe Estuary itself is a significant area for nature and wildlife, with trails like the Exe Estuary Trail passing through it.
Are there wheelchair-accessible trails in Exeter?
Yes, the Riverside Valley Park Cycleway is specifically noted as wheelchair-accessible. This segregated path through the nature reserve offers a smooth and flat experience, making it a great option for those with accessibility needs.
What is the Exe Estuary Trail and how long does it take to walk?
The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular route that follows the River Exe and its estuary, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. While the full trail is quite long, an easy cycling loop from Exeter to Exmouth is approximately 29 km. Walking sections of the trail, such as the path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal, can be done in shorter segments, taking anywhere from an hour to several hours depending on your chosen distance.
Where can I find places to eat or drink along the trails?
Along the Exeter Ship Canal, you'll find the popular Double Locks Pub, which is a great stop for refreshments. Topsham Dock also features a pub with outdoor seating, and Topsham Town Centre offers a variety of fine restaurants and specialist shops.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' spots to discover?
While not strictly 'hidden,' the charm of Topsham Town Centre with its eclectic shops and estuary views, and the historical significance of Topsham Dock, offer a unique local experience away from the main city bustle. Exploring the various paths along the River Exe can also lead to peaceful viewpoints and less-trafficked areas.
When is the best time to visit attractions around Exeter?
The attractions around Exeter can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the canal and estuary. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially in natural areas. Even in winter, many paths remain accessible for walks, and historical sites like those in Topsham are open, offering a quieter experience.
Most popular routes around Exeter
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