D. Quayside, Exeter
?River Exe? and Exeter Canal
Explore Exeter Canal (also called Exeter Ship Canal) which was one of the first canals to be built in the UK and runs alongside the River Exe until it meets the Exe Estuary.
Exe Estuary Trail
The Exe Estuary Trail runs around the edge of the Exe Estuary between Exeter and the South Devon/East Devon coast. Roughly 18 miles (8 miles Exeter to Starcross and its foot ferry. 10 miles from Exmouth to Exeter via Topsham. Measured using Ordnance Survey mapping app). Cycle, walk or run a section or all of the trail.
Hire bikes from Saddles & Paddles on Exeter's Historic Quayside.
Exe Valley Way
The Exe Valley Way is over 50 miles long and follows the River Exe/Exe Valley from Starcross all the way up to Exmoor. See our sister website Holiday in Exmoor for more information.
From Exeter, head south along the Exe Estuary or north into Mid Devon.
Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre
Located on Exeter Quay, Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre offers a huge range of activities including watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and power-boating. Adults, kids and family activities.
Saddles & Paddles
Saddles & Paddles is another outdoor activity supplier based on Exeter Quay. Hire kayaks and canoes. Note that this is a great place from which to hire bikes to ride the Exe Estuary Trail.
AS Watersports
Kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding are among the activities on offer. Again, located on Exeter Quay.
Quay Climbing Centre
Quay Climbing Centre is located on Haven Road on the west side of Exeter's Historic Quayside by the Canal Basin. It has 'the South West's largest indoor climbing wall'. (Quay Climbing Centre website)
Note that Clip 'n Climb runs from Quay Climbing Centre. 'We also use our large space to house other activities that are related to or of benefit to climbing. Clip 'n Climb Exeter, an exciting themed climbing adventure for everyone aged 4+ is based in the centre.' (Quay Climbing Centre website)
Customs House Visitor Centre
Housed in a fine 17th century building, Exeter Customs House Visitor Centre tells the story of Exeter's Historic Quayside and the part it played in Exeter's woollen cloth trade.
Cafes
Try Exeter's Antique Centre and Riverside Cafe, The Coffee Cellar or Jolly Roger by the Canal Basin.
Pubs, bars and restaurants
We'd recommend The Prospect, On The Waterfront and Samuel Jones Smoke & Ale House.
Shopping
Exeter's Historic Quayside is lined with cool, independent shops with an emphasis on antiques, arts and crafts.
Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour
You'll often see large groups of tourists clustered around a guide dressed in a red coat. Join an Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour. Pop into the Custom House Visitor Centre for information.
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