Attractions and Places To See around Stoke Canon - Top 20
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.
Best attractions and places to see around Stoke Canon
- The most popular attractions is Exeter Ship Canal, a cycle way that was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock.
- Another must-see spot is Topsham Dock, a settlement that was once one of the busiest ports in England. Today, the dock offers views over the moored boats on the Exe.
- Visitors also love Countess Wear Bridges, a bridge with a D-Day connection. These two bridges cross the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal.
- Stoke Canon is known for its historical sites, natural river landscapes, and walking and cycling routes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic trails along the River Exe.
- The attractions around Stoke Canon are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 230 upvotes and 10 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences for visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham.
The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops.
Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
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Countess Wear Bridges
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Exeter Cathedral
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Topsham Dock
Highlight • Settlement
Today, the dock offers lovely views over the moored boats on the Exe. There's an antique shop full of interesting items and a pub with lots of outside seating.
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Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
Highlight • Historical Site
The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location it is a lovely place to start or finish a walk, or stop partway along to refuel.
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Tips from the Community
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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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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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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Exeter Ship Canal is a canal leading from (and beside) the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon. It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham. The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops. Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
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Countess Wear Bridges are two bridges in Exeter, Devon that cross the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. They have a D-Day connection because they were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944. The bridges were chosen because they resembled two bridges in France that were part of the Operation Deadstick, a daring mission to capture and hold the crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne. The training involved rehearsing different scenarios and tactics in case the plan went wrong on D-Day.
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Have crossed the busy road at the Countess Wear lights many times, but not noticed this board until very recently. It tells an interesting story...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in and around Stoke Canon?
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.
Are there any notable churches or ancient structures to see near Stoke Canon?
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.
Where can I experience nature or find scenic views near Stoke Canon?
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.
What outdoor activities can I do near Stoke Canon's attractions?
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.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Stoke Canon?
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.
What are some easy walking routes near Stoke Canon?
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.
Are there any dog-friendly places or trails in the Stoke Canon area?
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.
What is there to do in nearby Exeter?
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.
Where can I find food and drink options in Stoke Canon?
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.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Stoke Canon?
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.
Are there any viewpoints or places to see the landscape around Stoke Canon?
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.
What are some hidden gems or less crowded walks near Stoke Canon?
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.
Most popular routes around Stoke Canon
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