Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Canon include historical sites, natural beauty, and points of interest. Situated near the confluence of the Rivers Exe and Culm, the village provides a picturesque setting for exploration. Visitors can discover ancient churches, historic bridges, and scenic walking routes along the rivers. The area offers a blend of cultural landmarks and outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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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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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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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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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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The cathedral (bishop's church) in Exeter was dedicated to Saint PETER. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called - together with his brother Andrew - by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the "princes of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.
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You can have a nice rest here. There is also a second-hand shop.
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Stoke Canon and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can explore St. Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 13th century, featuring a Norman doorway and a 15th-century rood screen. The village also has the late 13th-century Stoke Canon Bridge over the River Culm. Further afield, the Exeter Ship Canal is historically significant as the first canal in Britain to use a pound lock. The Countess Wear Bridges also have a notable D-Day connection.
Yes, St. Mary's Church in Stoke Canon is a prominent historical landmark, with parts dating to the 13th century. It's known for its Norman font and 17th-century floor slabs. Nearby, the picturesque village of Brampford Speke features a church tower from the 1400s, and you might also encounter the old Nether Exe Chapel along local walking routes. In Exeter, the grand Exeter Cathedral boasts the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England.
The area around Stoke Canon is rich in natural beauty. The River Culm flows directly through the village, and the River Exe is nearby, offering picturesque stretches where swans are often seen. You can enjoy scenic views along the Exeter Ship Canal shared path, which is part of the Exe Estuary Trail. Huxley & Stoke Woods also provide natural escapes and are part of various walking routes through the Exe Valley.
Stoke Canon is an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking and cycling routes, including those along the River Exe and a disused railway track. The Exeter Ship Canal is popular for boating, walking, and cycling. For specific routes, komoot offers guides for hiking, cycling, and running around Stoke Canon, with options like the 'Exe Valley Railway Path – Old Cross loop' for hiking.
Yes, several attractions in and around Stoke Canon are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal and its shared path are great for family walks and cycling. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers a historical site with shops and eateries in a riverside location, perfect for a family stop. Killerton (National Trust), a short drive away, provides extensive gardens and countryside walks that families can enjoy.
There are several easy walking options around Stoke Canon. A popular circular river walk between Stoke Canon and Brampford Speke covers about 2.4 miles and takes roughly an hour, passing through wooded sections. The Exeter Ship Canal shared path offers a smooth and flat route ideal for leisurely strolls. You can find more easy routes, such as the 'River Exe at Brampford Speke – Exe Valley Railway Path loop', in the hiking guide for Stoke Canon.
Many of the natural walking routes around Stoke Canon are suitable for dogs, especially those along the River Exe and through Huxley & Stoke Woods. The Exeter Ship Canal shared path is also a popular spot for dog walkers. Additionally, the Stoke Canon Inn is a community-owned pub that is generally welcoming to dogs, offering a spacious beer garden.
Exeter, a short distance from Stoke Canon, offers a wealth of attractions. You can visit the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, known for its impressive architecture. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) is a free-to-enter cultural center. The historic Exeter Ship Canal and its quayside area are perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and enjoying cafes and shops.
The heart of Stoke Canon offers the Stoke Canon Inn, a community-owned and run pub that serves as a central point in the village. It provides a cozy atmosphere with a woodburner and a spacious beer garden. For other options, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, a short drive away, also features eateries and shops.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural river landscapes. The area's walking and cycling routes, especially along the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal, are highly valued for their scenic beauty and accessibility. The historical significance of places like the canal and Countess Wear Bridges also adds to the appeal, offering diverse experiences for exploration.
Yes, the confluence of the Rivers Exe and Culm provides a picturesque setting. Walking along the River Exe offers beautiful views, and the Exeter Ship Canal shared path provides scenic vistas of the river and surrounding countryside. Topsham Dock, though a short distance away, offers lovely views over the moored boats on the Exe estuary.
For a quieter experience, explore the walking paths leading to Bramford Speke or the routes that pass by the old Nether Exe Chapel. These paths often take you through wooded sections and offer a peaceful escape from more frequented areas. The less-traveled sections of Huxley & Stoke Woods can also provide a serene natural experience.


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