Attractions and Places To See around Clyst Honiton - Top 20

Clyst Honiton is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the scenic River Clyst, which meanders through peaceful meadows, or visit the internationally-designated Exe Estuary, renowned for its wildlife. The Exe Estuary Trail offers fantastic views along the River Exe. Additionally, the Clyst Valley Regional Park, featuring Ashclyst Forest, provides extensive green spaces, while Aylesbeare Common, an RSPB reserve, is known for its heathland and bird species.

Yes, the area boasts several historical sites. The parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Clyst Honiton is a fine old edifice. You can also visit the Countess Wear Bridges, which have a unique D-Day connection. The Exeter Ship Canal, the first canal built in Britain since Roman times, is another significant historical landmark. Further afield, Powderham Castle and Loughwood Meeting House offer glimpses into the region's past.

The area is excellent for outdoor activities, particularly cycling and walking. The Exe Estuary Trail is a 22.5-mile (36-km) mainly flat route perfect for both. The Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk offers a well-surfaced section suitable for all. You can also enjoy leisure activities along the Exeter Ship Canal. For more structured routes, explore the many road cycling, MTB, and running trails available in the region.

Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section are ideal for family cycling and walks due to their flat, well-surfaced paths. The Exeter Ship Canal also offers family-friendly leisure activities. Nearby, Crealy Theme Park & Resort provides a popular indoor and outdoor theme park experience, and The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is a great place to visit and learn about donkeys.

For easy walks and cycles, the Exe Estuary Trail is predominantly flat and off-road, connecting Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. The Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk section is particularly well-suited for a relaxed outing. You can also find easy MTB trails and road cycling routes that are suitable for various fitness levels.

The Turf Hotel & Marina is an iconic Grade II listed pub offering uninterrupted panoramic views across the Exeter Canal, River Exe Estuary, and Powderham Estate. It's accessible by foot, bike, or boat and has been a South West landmark for over 195 years, making it a great spot for refreshments with a view.

Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically highlighted as wheelchair accessible. The Exe Estuary Trail itself is mainly flat and well-surfaced, making many sections suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, offering beautiful views of the estuary.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the Exe Estuary Trail or exploring the Clyst Valley Regional Park. However, the well-surfaced trails mean that many activities can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing beautiful foliage and winter offering crisp, clear days for walks.

Killerton is a National Trust property located nearby, featuring a glorious landscape garden, a fine 18th-century house, and over 1,500 ancient or veteran trees. It offers a beautiful setting for walks and exploring historical architecture and is highly recommended for those interested in gardens and heritage.

The Exeter Ship Canal holds significant historical importance as the first canal built in Britain since Roman times and the first in England to use the pound lock. Originally constructed in the 1560s to bypass weirs on the River Exe, it played a crucial role in trade. Today, it's primarily used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling, offering a blend of history and recreation.

Yes, the area offers several scenic viewpoints. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section provide fantastic views along the River Exe. The Turf Hotel & Marina is also renowned for its uninterrupted panoramic views across the Exeter Canal, River Exe Estuary, and Powderham Estate.

Yes, the Countess Wear Bridges in Exeter have a unique D-Day connection. They were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944, chosen because they resembled bridges in France that were part of Operation Deadstick, a mission to capture and hold crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne.