Throughout the summer there is a regular programme

of waterside events held around the Historic Quayside.

This is the ideal location to enjoy open air concerts,
markets, charity events, heritage walks and cycle rides.
Events on the River Exe, at the Transit Shed, canal
basin and on the Piazza Terracina include:

Dragon boat racing

Canoe shows and races

Free Red Coat Guided Tours (summer only)

Cycle events (National Bike Week - June)

For more information contact the

Quay House Visitor Centre t: 01392 271611 or
Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets t: 01392 665700

Events

Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets offers a wide range

of services to help make your stay in the area
as enjoyable as possible.

Historic Quayside
Activities, Food & Drink, Shopping

These include:
Accommodation bookings
Theatre tickets
Local event information and tickets
Bus and train times
Discount vouchers for local attractions
A wide range of maps, books and souvenirs
Cycling and walking information
Dixs Field, Exeter EX1 1GF
t: 01392 665700 f: 01392 665260
e: evit@exeter.gov.uk
www.exeter.gov.uk/visiting
www.heartofdevon.com
Open: Apr Sept, Mon Sat, 9am 5pm
Oct Mar, Mon Sat, 9.30am 4.30pm
Reduced opening hours between Christmas and New Year
and bank holidays.

Whats nearby?

Why not discover what else is nearby?

Here are a few suggestions:
Belle Isle Park
Tenpin bowling 3-4 Haven Banks Retail Park
t: 0871 873 2450
Riverside Leisure Centre Cowick Street
t: 01392 221771
Haven Banks Retail Park
Exebridge Retail Park

Please tell us if you would like a copy of this document

in another format. t: 01392 665700 f: 01392 665260

Design: The Marketing Department

www.mdepartment.co.uk
Printed by Peninsular
Photography by Exeter City Council,
Tony Howell, Stonefree Photography,
Jay Knight, Dominic Lowther, Jenny Steer

All details in this brochure are

believed to be correct at time of
printing. Exeter City Council
cannot be held responsible for any
inaccuracies contained within.

www.heartofdevon.com

Welcome

History

Shopping

Exeters Historic Quayside is a 10 minute walk or a short

bus ride from the city centre. It is one of the most
interesting and picturesque areas of the city, popular
with locals and visitors alike for its fascinating history,
interesting architecture, lively events and friendly
pubs, cafs and restaurants.

Exeter has had a quay since Roman times. During the

13th and 14th centuries, rival merchants built weirs
across the river near Topsham to prevent cargoes
reaching Exeter. Between 1564 and 1566 John Trew built
the first stretch of the Exeter Canal to enable delivery
of cargo closer into the city. The increase in trade led to
the construction of the Custom House in 1680.

Exeters Quayside is a great place for shopping. Choose

from an eclectic mix including antiques, water sports
equipment, clothing, home wares and works of art.

Exeters wealth came from the woollen cloth trade

which reached its peak in the mid 18th Century. Cloth
produced in the area was finished around Cricklepit
Mill and loaded on to ships at the Quay to be taken
all over the world. Warehouses were built in 1835 to
house the cloth and imported goods such as olive oil,
wine and salt cod.

Cross the River Exe by Butts Ferry (summer only) to

reach more galleries and shops, which are located on
the canal basin and the Piazza Terracina. There has
been a ferry crossing here for over a thousand years
and Butts Ferry is one of only five floating bridges in
the country.

The Quayside has changed greatly over the years, and a

once industrial landscape has now evolved into a place
for leisure and relaxation for all the family.
Activities on offer here include cycling, walking,
relaxing boat trips, Red Coat Guided Tours and
discovering the rich history of the area at the newly
refurbished Quay House Visitor Centre.
The Quayside is also home to an interesting mix of shops,
specialising in arts, crafts, antiques and collectables.

Public Transport
G bus from the High Street runs hourly Monday
Saturday between 10.15am and 3.15pm, with
the return service from the Quay running hourly
between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
PR5 Matford Park and Ride service between South
Street and Haven Road runs every 10-12 minutes
between 8am - 6pm Monday Saturday. Leave the
car behind, come directly from the Matford Park
and Ride to Haven Road.

The arrival of the railway in 1844 was the beginning

of the end for the canal trade as the railway was a
more efficient way of transporting goods. Evidence of
Brunels broad gauge railway can be found next to the
turntable on the Piazza Terracina.

Many of the Quaysides old bonded warehouses have

found a new lease of life as craft workshops. Here local
artists can be seen making their wares from a variety
of materials including wood, glass and metal.

From Piazza Terracina, take in the view of the Historic

Quayside and the graceful Georgian Colleton Crescent,
which is located above the river.

Food & drink

Cycling & walking

Cruises & canoeing

Whether you fancy brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or

dinner, the Quayside and Piazza Terracina offer a
great choice of local and international cuisine. Most
cafs and restaurants use regional produce wherever
possible, so look out for local specialities on the menu.

The Quayside is the ideal place for a relaxing walk or

cycle ride. Whether you fancy a short stroll or a more
ambitious bike ride, there are a number of dedicated
walking and cycle routes to choose from.

To experience the Quayside from the water why not

take a boat trip?

Work up an appetite with a walk, canoe trip or cycle

ride, then stop for a breather at one of the historic
riverside pubs. Alternatively stock up on supplies for
a riverside picnic before setting out, and enjoy lunch
by the water.
For an evening al fresco summertime drink, or a glass
of wine or local ale by the fire in winter, the Historic
Quayside is hard to beat.

Cycle or walk through the Exeter Riverside Valley Park

along miles of towpaths and enjoy two great pubs along
the way - Double Locks and The Turf. The Valley Park is
also home to local nature reserves, rich in wildlife.
If you fancy a more challenging trip, why not hire a
bike from Saddles and Paddles and head towards the
sea along the new Exe Estuary Cycle Trail. This mainly
traffic-free route links Exeters Quayside to Exmouth
and passes through the beautiful riverside town
of Topsham. The town is steeped in maritime history,
offering river walks, excellent bird watching,
great shopping, restaurants and pubs. Two ferry
services operate from Topsham, one to The Turf
www.turfpub.net and one to the Lock Keepers Cottage
www.topshamlockcottage.co.uk. Ferry services are
limited during winter months.
For further information about the Exe Estuary Cycle
Trail, visit www.devon.gov.uk/exeestuarytrail
Saddles and Paddles provide bike hire for adults and
children including child seats and tag-alongs for the
under 5s. t: 01392 424241
www.saddlepaddle.co.uk

Exeter Cruises from Quayside to Double Locks.

Operating weekends and bank holidays during April,
May & September and daily during June, July and
August (weather permitting). t: 07984 368442
www.exetercruises.com
White Heather
Ferry service operating three times a day between
Double Locks and Turf Locks at weekends and
throughout school holidays between Easter and end
of September/early October (weather permitting).
Weekday cruises available by private arrangement.
t: 07842 374663
Stuart Line Cruises
Once a month between May and September, cruise
along the canal to the Historic Quayside to and from
Exmouth. This trip takes around two and a half hours
in each direction. t: 01395 222144
www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Exeter Red Coat Guide Canal Trip - Free
Tour includes a brief description of the Historic
Quayside and a one-way boat trip to the Double Locks
with on-board commentary. Return journey is an
escorted walk back to the Quayside. Tours run twice
a week June - August and tickets can be obtained
from the Quay House Visitor Centre. t: 01392 265203
www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours
Hire a canoe or kayak from Saddles and Paddles
and take to the water. Single, double and family
canoes are available with basic instruction provided.
Pre-booking advisable. t: 01392 424241
www.saddlepaddle.co.uk
Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre is
situated on the canal and offers a variety of outdoor
and adventure courses suitable for children and
adults of all ages and abilities. t: 01392 434668
www.haven-banks.co.uk

Several of Exeters free Red Coat Guided Tours

leave from outside the Quay House Visitor
Centre during the summer months. Join the
guides on their Canal Trip (Jun - Aug), the
Historic Quayside Tour (Apr - Oct), or take a tour of the
Custom House (Apr - Oct). t: 01392 265203
www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours
Exeter Canal & Quay Trust was established
as a charity 30 years ago to preserve and
enhance the historic buildings on the
Quay and Canal Basin and promote the
Quay as a visitor attraction and thriving commercial
area. It supports the running costs of the Quay House
Visitor Centre.

Cricklepit Mill
Home to the Devon Wildlife Trust, this ancient mill has
been fully restored with the addition of a new visitor
area. Cricklepit Mill is open all year round with outdoor
events and activities for all the family held throughout
the summer. During the winter months there is a
programme of talks and film shows about the local
wildlife and its habitats.
Open: All year round Mon - Fri, 9am - 12.30pm and
1.30pm - 5pm. Admission free. Check website for news
and events.
Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road,
Exeter EX2 4AB t: 01392 279244
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/cricklepit-mill/

Food & drink

Cycling & walking

Cruises & canoeing

Whether you fancy brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or

dinner, the Quayside and Piazza Terracina offer a
great choice of local and international cuisine. Most
cafs and restaurants use regional produce wherever
possible, so look out for local specialities on the menu.

The Quayside is the ideal place for a relaxing walk or

cycle ride. Whether you fancy a short stroll or a more
ambitious bike ride, there are a number of dedicated
walking and cycle routes to choose from.

To experience the Quayside from the water why not

take a boat trip?

Work up an appetite with a walk, canoe trip or cycle

ride, then stop for a breather at one of the historic
riverside pubs. Alternatively stock up on supplies for
a riverside picnic before setting out, and enjoy lunch
by the water.
For an evening al fresco summertime drink, or a glass
of wine or local ale by the fire in winter, the Historic
Quayside is hard to beat.

Cycle or walk through the Exeter Riverside Valley Park

along miles of towpaths and enjoy two great pubs along
the way - Double Locks and The Turf. The Valley Park is
also home to local nature reserves, rich in wildlife.
If you fancy a more challenging trip, why not hire a
bike from Saddles and Paddles and head towards the
sea along the new Exe Estuary Cycle Trail. This mainly
traffic-free route links Exeters Quayside to Exmouth
and passes through the beautiful riverside town
of Topsham. The town is steeped in maritime history,
offering river walks, excellent bird watching,
great shopping, restaurants and pubs. Two ferry
services operate from Topsham, one to The Turf
www.turfpub.net and one to the Lock Keepers Cottage
www.topshamlockcottage.co.uk. Ferry services are
limited during winter months.
For further information about the Exe Estuary Cycle
Trail, visit www.devon.gov.uk/exeestuarytrail
Saddles and Paddles provide bike hire for adults and
children including child seats and tag-alongs for the
under 5s. t: 01392 424241
www.saddlepaddle.co.uk

Exeter Cruises from Quayside to Double Locks.

Operating weekends and bank holidays during April,
May & September and daily during June, July and
August (weather permitting). t: 07984 368442
www.exetercruises.com
White Heather
Ferry service operating three times a day between
Double Locks and Turf Locks at weekends and
throughout school holidays between Easter and end
of September/early October (weather permitting).
Weekday cruises available by private arrangement.
t: 07842 374663
Stuart Line Cruises
Once a month between May and September, cruise
along the canal to the Historic Quayside to and from
Exmouth. This trip takes around two and a half hours
in each direction. t: 01395 222144
www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Exeter Red Coat Guide Canal Trip - Free
Tour includes a brief description of the Historic
Quayside and a one-way boat trip to the Double Locks
with on-board commentary. Return journey is an
escorted walk back to the Quayside. Tours run twice
a week June - August and tickets can be obtained
from the Quay House Visitor Centre. t: 01392 265203
www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours
Hire a canoe or kayak from Saddles and Paddles
and take to the water. Single, double and family
canoes are available with basic instruction provided.
Pre-booking advisable. t: 01392 424241
www.saddlepaddle.co.uk
Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre is
situated on the canal and offers a variety of outdoor
and adventure courses suitable for children and
adults of all ages and abilities. t: 01392 434668
www.haven-banks.co.uk

Double Locks

Quay House Visitor Centre

Built in 1680, the Quay House was
formerly used for storing cloth and other
goods. Today the history and development
of the Quayside is told through displays
and artefacts.
There is also an opportunity to see the free audio-visual
presentation Exeter 2000 years of History that
illustrates Exeters history from Roman times to the
present day.
The Quay House Visitor Centre offers visitor
information, Quayside treasure hunts, an
accommodation booking service plus a gift
shop selling local pottery, replica maps,
souvenirs and a large range of local books.
Open: Apr - Oct, daily 10am - 5pm.
Nov - Mar, weekends only 11am - 4pm. Admission free.
46 The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AN
t: 01392 271611 e: quayhouse@exeter.gov.uk
www.exeter.gov.uk/quayhouse

Cycle Exeter

Several of Exeters free Red Coat Guided Tours

leave from outside the Quay House Visitor
Centre during the summer months. Join the
guides on their Canal Trip (Jun - Aug), the
Historic Quayside Tour (Apr - Oct), or take a tour of the
Custom House (Apr - Oct). t: 01392 265203
www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours
Exeter Canal & Quay Trust was established
as a charity 30 years ago to preserve and
enhance the historic buildings on the
Exeter Canal
& Quay Trust Quay and Canal Basin and promote the
Quay as a visitor attraction and thriving commercial
area. It supports the running costs of the Quay House
Visitor Centre.
Quay House Visitor Centre

Cricklepit Mill
Home to the Devon Wildlife Trust, this ancient mill has
been fully restored with the addition of a new visitor
area. Cricklepit Mill is open all year round with outdoor
events and activities for all the family held throughout
the summer. During the winter months there is a
programme of talks and film shows about the local
wildlife and its habitats.
Open: All year round Mon - Fri, 9am - 12.30pm and
1.30pm - 5pm. Admission free. Check website for news
and events.
Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road,
Exeter EX2 4AB t: 01392 279244
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/cricklepit-mill/

Cricklepit Mill

Walking route from city

Walking and cycle route
Quay House Visitor Centre

Approximately 5 mins walk

Crown Copyright
All rights reserved 100025345

Cricklepit
Mill

Custom
House

Medieval
Exe Bridge

Fishing
With no closed season, the River Exe and canal are a
paradise for anglers. Visitors will need a permit from
the Civic Centre (located on Paris Street) or contact
the River and Canal Manager on t: 01392 274306.