Exeter Ship Canal

Canal in Exeter

The Canal Basin At Exeter
The canal basin at Exeter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bill Boaden

The Exeter Ship Canal is one of the top attractions in Exeter for travellers who love historic engineering blended with peaceful waterside scenery. First constructed in the 1560s-long before Britain's famous canal-building boom-it was created so that ships could bypass the silted River Exe and deliver their cargo directly to Exeter Quay. Before its construction, merchants had to unload at Topsham, several miles downstream, making the canal an essential lifeline for the city's trade.

Today, this beautifully preserved waterway offers a calm, scenic route linking the Quay with the Exe estuary. It's often visited on walking tours of Exeter thanks to its combination of history, nature, and easy paths along the towpath. Whether you come for a short riverside stroll or to learn more about Exeter's trading past, the canal provides a relaxing yet meaningful way to explore the city.

History and Significance of the Exeter Ship Canal

Work on the canal began in the early 1560s, making it one of the earliest artificial waterways in Britain and a genuine engineering milestone. Its creation stemmed from a long-running conflict between Exeter’s merchants and the Earls of Devon, who controlled the lower River Exe and restricted access for trading ships. As the river silted up, reaching the city became increasingly difficult, so the canal became a bold solution.

The canal allowed vessels to bypass Topsham and unload directly at Exeter Quay, restoring the city's economic strength. Over centuries it was widened, deepened, and extended to handle larger ships, reflecting Exeter's growing commercial ambitions. Although eventually superseded by rail and road transport, the canal remained a vital industrial route well into the 20th century.

Its legacy today is both historic and recreational. As one of the oldest artificial waterways still in use in the UK, it stands as a monument to early engineering, civic determination, and the maritime trade that shaped Exeter’s past.

Things to See and Do in the Exeter Ship Canal

Start your visit at Exeter Quay, where the canal meets lively waterside cafés and historic warehouses. From here, you can walk or cycle along the towpath, enjoying open views across the canal and the meadows beside the River Exe. Interpretation boards explain how ships once navigated these waters, and how changes in the river transformed the city's trading landscape.

Further along, the canal offers quiet stretches perfect for birdwatching, photography, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of Exeter's green outskirts. Locks, bridges, and old quayside structures provide glimpses into how barges and cargo boats once worked their way inland.

This is one of the best places to visit in Exeter for travellers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities combined with local heritage. On sunny days, the towpath is especially pleasant, with cyclists, kayakers, and walkers sharing the space in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

How to Get to the Exeter Ship Canal

The canal begins at Exeter Quay, close to the heart of the city. The nearest airports are Exeter Airport and Bristol Airport, both offering convenient UK and international links. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Exeter on Booking.com.

Exeter St Thomas and Exeter Central railway stations are within walking distance of the Quay, with regular services from London, Bristol, Plymouth, and Devon towns. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is easy, with several car parks around the Quay and the western riverside area. From there, it’s a short walk to the start of the canal.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Exeter Ship Canal

  • Best time to visit the Exeter Ship Canal: Spring and summer are ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the Quay’s outdoor seating.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit.
  • Opening hours: Open year-round as a public towpath and waterside route.
  • Official website: Information is available through Exeter City Council and Quay heritage pages.
  • How long to spend: One to two hours for a walk from the Quay; longer if you follow the towpath toward the estuary.
  • Accessibility: The main towpath near Exeter Quay is level and accessible; further stretches vary in surface.
  • Facilities: Cafés, pubs, and toilets are available at the Quay; benches and picnic spots appear along the canal.
  • Photography tip: Capture reflections on the water during early morning or evening light for serene images.
  • Guided tours: Occasionally included in themed walks about Exeter’s trading history.
  • Nearby food options: Excellent riverside cafés and pubs line Exeter Quay, perfect for post-walk refreshments.

Where to Stay close to the Exeter Ship Canal

Staying near Exeter Quay offers easy access to the canal's starting point and a lively atmosphere filled with independent shops and places to eat. A comfortable option is Leonardo Hotel Exeter, located within walking distance of the Quay and city centre. For boutique charm and historic appeal, Hotel du Vin Exeter provides elegant rooms close to riverside paths. Travellers seeking a classic stay can choose Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, which offers quick access to both the Quay and central Exeter.

Add a Is the Exeter Ship Canal Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Exeter Ship Canal is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travellers who enjoy peaceful walks, historic waterways, and places where natural beauty and civic history blend seamlessly. As one of the things to do in Exeter with both charm and depth, the canal offers a relaxing escape close to the city centre while also telling the story of Exeter's maritime past.

FAQs for Visiting the Exeter Ship Canal

Where does the Exeter Ship Canal start?
It begins at Exeter Quay and runs alongside the River Exe toward the estuary.

Is it free to walk or cycle along the canal?
Yes, the towpath is free and open year-round.

Can you kayak or paddle on the canal?
Yes, sections of the canal are used by kayakers and paddlers, especially near the Quay.

How old is the Exeter Ship Canal?
It dates back to the 1560s, making it one of Britain’s oldest artificial canals.

Is it suitable for families?
Yes, the path near the Quay is level and safe for families, with plenty of places to stop.

Nearby Attractions to the Exeter Ship Canal

  • Exeter Quay - A lively historic waterfront with shops, cafés, and activities.
  • Exeter Cathedral - A magnificent Gothic cathedral at the heart of the city.
  • Royal Albert Memorial Museum - Exeter's main museum, full of local and global history.
  • Exeter Phoenix - Arts centre hosting exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
  • Medieval Exe Bridge - Remarkable surviving arches of a 12th-century bridge with a chapel.

The Exeter Ship Canal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Exeter!

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Visiting Exeter Ship Canal

Exeter: 1 km

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