Attractions and Places To See around Rewe - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Rewe, located in Devon, England, offer a diverse range of experiences. The area is characterized by its historical waterways, such as the Exeter Ship Canal, and natural features along the River Exe. Visitors can explore cultural sites, historical landmarks, and scenic routes suitable for walking and cycling. This region provides opportunities to discover local history and enjoy outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Rewe
- The most popular attractions is Exeter Ship Canal, a historical waterway that was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. It is now primarily used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Exeter Quayside, a historical quayside with various eateries and activity options. This former thriving port now offers opportunities for dining, hiring e-bikes, or enjoying water activities like kayaking.
- Visitors also love Countess Wear Bridges, two historical bridges crossing the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal. These bridges are notable for their D-Day connection, having been used for military training prior to the Normandy landings.
- Rewe is known for its historical sites, scenic waterways, and family-friendly locations. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient mills to riverside paths.
- The attractions around Rewe are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 220 upvotes and 13 photos shared by 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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Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
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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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Exeter Ship Canal shared path
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Tips from the Community
Brilliant stretch of canal path that leads out to Dawlish, the surface is great in most areas and any bike should be able to get around this path. However if you have a accessibility trike there are some narrow sections and bridge that might make this path very difficult to use.
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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 explore around Rewe?
The Rewe area is rich in history. You can visit the Exeter Ship Canal, Britain's first canal since Roman times, now popular for leisure. Another significant site is Countess Wear Bridges, which played a role in D-Day military training. Don't miss Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, an 18th-century working water mill with shops and eateries.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Rewe area?
Yes, many attractions around Rewe are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal offers flat paths for walking and cycling. Exeter Quayside provides various activities like hiring e-bikes or watercraft, along with dining options. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is also a great family spot with its historical mill and riverside location.
Where can I enjoy nature and scenic views near Rewe?
For natural beauty and scenic views, explore the paths alongside the Exeter Ship Canal and the River Exe. Ducke's Marsh offers a lovely open space near the river, perfect for relaxing by the weir and spotting wildlife like cormorants and herons.
What kind of outdoor activities are available around Rewe?
The Rewe area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Exeter Ship Canal. For more structured routes, there are numerous options for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. Explore routes like 'Columbjohn Wood loop from Rewe' for running, or various gravel biking trails around Exeter. You can find detailed routes in the Gravel biking around Rewe, MTB Trails around Rewe, and Running Trails around Rewe guides.
Are there good walking trails suitable for different abilities?
Yes, the area offers a variety of walking trails. The paths along the Exeter Ship Canal are generally flat and easy, suitable for many abilities. Exeter Quayside also has wheelchair-friendly paths. For more challenging walks, you can explore the running trails, such as the 'Columbjohn Wood loop from Rewe', which is a moderate 9.1 km route.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Absolutely. Exeter Quayside is a hub for eateries and pubs, offering a wide choice for dining. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn also features a restaurant and cafe, perfect for a meal or a traditional Devon cream tea in a scenic riverside setting.
What are some unique or lesser-known spots to visit?
While the main attractions are well-known, exploring the smaller paths along the River Exe or discovering the historical significance of places like Countess Wear Bridges beyond their primary function can offer a unique perspective. Ducke's Marsh, while popular with locals, offers a peaceful retreat for wildlife spotting away from the busier areas.
Is Rewe well-connected by public transport, or is parking available?
The guide focuses on attractions around Rewe, which is a village in Devon. While specific public transport details for Rewe itself are not provided, Exeter, being a larger nearby city, is well-connected. For attractions like Exeter Quayside, parking is generally available in nearby car parks, and the area is accessible. For walks starting directly from Rewe, local parking options would be available, though it's always advisable to check local signage.
What is the best time of year to visit Rewe for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and enjoying the waterways. However, the area's trails and historical sites can be explored year-round. Some paths, like those around Ducke's Marsh, can get very flooded in winter, so checking local conditions is recommended during wetter seasons.
Can I bring my dog to walks and attractions around Rewe?
Many of the outdoor areas and walking paths around Rewe are dog-friendly, especially along the Exeter Ship Canal and River Exe. When visiting specific attractions like Exeter Quayside or Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, it's best to check their individual policies regarding dogs, especially inside establishments. Always keep dogs on a lead where required and clean up after them.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, Exeter Quayside is noted as being wheelchair-friendly, with flat paths and facilities. The paths alongside the Exeter Ship Canal are also generally flat and suitable for those with mobility needs, offering an accessible way to enjoy the historical waterway and surrounding nature.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around Rewe?
The waterways and natural areas around Rewe are home to various wildlife. At Ducke's Marsh, visitors often spot cormorants and herons by the weir. Along the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal, you might see ducks, swans, and other waterfowl. The surrounding countryside also supports a range of local bird species and small mammals.
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