Best attractions and places to see around Poltimore encompass a range of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. This village in Devon, UK, offers access to significant historical locations and diverse outdoor opportunities. The area around Poltimore is characterized by its riverine landscapes and proximity to the city of Exeter, providing both tranquil natural settings and cultural points of interest.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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Look out for an entrance onto a footpath on your right, which follows beside the railway tracks on your left, and the exe estuary on your right. The path is too narrow for cycling but great for walking and running.
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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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Car park and numerous food outlets alongside the river perfect to spend a time to relax
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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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lots to do along the Quay, saw ducks, swans great places to eat and drink, there are many different routes you can stay on a path or walk through mud path. wheelchair friendly the Quay got lots of history and gift shops
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lovely section to the canal with a great surface nearby a well known hotel.
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The area around Poltimore is rich in history. You can explore the Exeter Ship Canal, which was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. The Countess Wear Bridges also hold historical significance, having been used for D-Day military training. Additionally, Topsham Dock offers a glimpse into the region's maritime past, and the historic Turf Hotel & Marina is a Grade II listed pub with a long history.
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and Exeter Ship Canal are great for walks and cycling with children. Nearby, you'll find Killerton, a National Trust property with activities for all ages, and Crealy Theme Park & Resort for a wide range of entertainment. Go Ape Haldon and Canonteign Falls also offer outdoor adventures and playgrounds.
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling, walking, and running along the traffic-free Exe Estuary Trail or alongside the Exeter Ship Canal. For more structured adventures, Go Ape Haldon offers high ropes courses. The area also provides opportunities for horse riding, climbing, zip-lining, and various water sports like sailing, kayaking, and swimming at nearby beaches, lakes, and lidos.
For scenic views, the Exe Estuary Trail offers beautiful river and coastal vistas. The Turf Hotel & Marina provides panoramic views across the Exeter canal, River Exe Estuary, and Powderham Estate. The region itself is characterized by riverine landscapes and access to the Exe Estuary, offering tranquil natural settings.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find easy to moderate trails like the 'Killerton Gravel – Columbjohn Chapel loop from Killerton House' (5.6 km, easy) or the 'Burrough's Almshouses loop from Poltimore' (4.8 km, easy). For more options, explore the hiking guides around Poltimore.
Cyclists can enjoy the well-surfaced, traffic-free Exe Estuary Trail, which is suitable for all types of bikes. The path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is also popular for cycling. For road cycling, routes like the 'Fenny Bridges loop from Broadclyst' (40.6 km, easy) are available. Discover more options in the road cycling guides around Poltimore.
The Turf Hotel & Marina is an iconic Grade II listed pub and cafe, uniquely accessible only by foot, bike, or boat, offering stunning views. Topsham Dock also has a pub with outdoor seating. Additionally, the towns and villages surrounding Poltimore, such as Exeter and Topsham, offer various cafes and pubs.
While Poltimore itself is known for Poltimore House, which played a role in the 1646 surrender of Exeter, the nearby city of Exeter offers significant cultural sites. These include the historic Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, providing cultural enrichment for visitors.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The traffic-free paths of the Exe Estuary Trail are loved for their accessibility and scenic views. The historical context of sites like the Exeter Ship Canal and the unique location of the Turf Hotel & Marina are also highly rated by the komoot community.
The Turf Hotel & Marina could be considered a unique gem due to its extraordinary waterside location and its accessibility only by foot, bike, or boat, offering an exclusive experience. The D-Day connection of the Countess Wear Bridges also adds a fascinating, lesser-known historical layer to the area.
Beyond outdoor activities, the area around Poltimore and Exeter offers diverse indoor entertainment. Options include arcades and gaming cafes, arts and crafts centers, cinemas like Vue Cinema Exeter, and theatres such as Exeter Phoenix. For interactive challenges, Escape Hunt Exeter is available, along with indoor skydiving, ice skating, laser tag, and pottery centers.


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