Attractions and Places To See around Colaton Raleigh - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Colaton Raleigh, a village in East Devon, offer a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its proximity to the Otter Estuary, a significant natural reserve, and the East Devon Pebblebed Heath. Visitors can explore waterways like the River Otter and find remnants of historic railway lines. The region provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
Best attractions and places to see around Colaton Raleigh
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that is a 36 km cycle route and walkway linking Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. It is well-surfaced and suitable for various activities, offering views along the River Exe.
- Another must-see spot is Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a natural monument known for birdwatching opportunities. It supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders.
- Visitors also love Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk, a cycle way offering spectacular views of the Estuary. This section of the trail is predominantly off-road and includes long boardwalks.
- Colaton Raleigh is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and extensive cycle ways. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including river paths and bridges.
- The attractions around Colaton Raleigh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights receiving more than 230 upvotes and featuring 14 photos.
Last updated: May 26, 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.
Tip by
Exe Estuary Trail
Highlight • Trail
Well surfaced and ideal for any type of bike as well as walkers and runners. Be mindful of other users, especially when it's busier at the weekends and holidays.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Countess Wear Bridges
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Colaton Raleigh.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Look out for an entrance onto a footpath on your right, which follows beside the railway tracks on your left, and the exe estuary on your right. The path is too narrow for cycling but great for walking and running.
1
0
Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
0
0
With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
2
0
This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
0
0
Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
0
0
Nice flat cycle path. But gets VERY busy with 2 wheeled, 2 legged and 4 legged visitors in the summer months. Watch how you go.
1
1
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.
7
0
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.
8
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Colaton Raleigh?
Colaton Raleigh is surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a significant Site of Special Scientific Interest known for excellent birdwatching. The area also features the publicly accessible Colaton Raleigh Common, part of the larger East Devon Pebblebed Heath, which is a vital habitat for various bird species. The River Otter, Colaton Raleigh Stream, and Grindle Brook offer serene riverside walks through woodlands and rolling hills.
Are there historical sites to visit in Colaton Raleigh?
Yes, Colaton Raleigh has a rich history. You can find Place Court, a historic site with parts dating back to the 13th century, notable for its unique cob wall. The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, established before 1226, retains significant 13th-century interior elements and a 15th-century tower. Remnants of the Old Budleigh to Newton Poppleford Railway Line can also be discovered along local walking routes.
What cycling opportunities are available near Colaton Raleigh?
The area is excellent for cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular 36 km cycle route and walkway linking Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish, offering fantastic views along the River Exe. A notable section is the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk, which is predominantly off-road. You can also cycle alongside the historic Exeter Ship Canal. For more structured routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Colaton Raleigh guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities?
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including the Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section, which are well-surfaced and ideal for all ages. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve offers engaging birdwatching opportunities. Nearby, you can find The Donkey Sanctuary and Crealy Theme Park & Resort for additional family fun.
Where can I go for birdwatching?
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a prime location for birdwatching, especially at the estuary mouth, supporting a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders. Colaton Raleigh Common, part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath, is another excellent spot to observe diverse bird species like Dartford Warblers, Sparrowhawks, and European Stonechats.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering spectacular views of the Estuary on a well-surfaced, predominantly off-road path. This section is ideal for those seeking an accessible outdoor experience.
What kind of walking routes can I find?
Colaton Raleigh is an excellent starting point for walkers. You can enjoy paths along the River Otter, explore remnants of the Old Budleigh to Newton Poppleford Railway Line, or venture onto the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. For easy walks, check out the Easy hikes around Colaton Raleigh guide, which includes routes like the Aylesbeare Common loop.
What are the best places for a scenic view?
For scenic views, the Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section offer fantastic vistas along the River Exe. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve also provides beautiful natural landscapes. Additionally, the surrounding woodlands and rolling hills offer picturesque views of the East Devon countryside.
Are there any cultural sites or unique local experiences?
Beyond historical landmarks, you can visit Otterton Mill, located nearby, which has a history stretching back to Norman times and still mills flour a couple of times each month. In the village, the Otter Inn offers local food and drinks, and Woods village shop provides snacks, coffee, and cream teas with a seating area in its tea garden, offering a taste of local life.
Can I find places to eat or drink in Colaton Raleigh?
Yes, the village of Colaton Raleigh offers the Otter Inn, a local pub serving a range of food and drinks. Woods village shop also provides snacks, coffee, and cream teas, with a pleasant tea garden for seating.
What should I know about visiting Colaton Raleigh Common?
Colaton Raleigh Common is part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heath and is publicly accessible, offering a vital habitat for diverse bird species. It's important to note that parts of the Common are used as a training area by the Royal Marines. Live grenade training may occur on weekdays between 10:00 and 15:00, so visitors should look for red flags and warning signs.
Are there opportunities for running trails?
Yes, there are several running trails around Colaton Raleigh. You can find routes through areas like Aylesbeare Common and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. For specific routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Running Trails around Colaton Raleigh guide.
Most popular routes around Colaton Raleigh
Most popular attractions around Colaton Raleigh
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
