Best attractions and places to see around Shillingford St George feature a landscape shaped by the River Exe and its estuary, offering a blend of natural and historical sites. The area is characterized by its extensive network of trails and waterways, including the historic Exeter Ship Canal. Visitors can explore routes that provide views of the river and coastline, connecting various towns and villages. Shillingford St George provides opportunities for outdoor activities centered around its aquatic and terrestrial pathways.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
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Interesting bridge construction, but the change of cycle path sides is a bit confusing.
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Varied cycle path between Exeter and Exmouth!
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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.
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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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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 area around Shillingford St George is ideal for various outdoor activities, particularly cycling and walking. The Exe Estuary Trail and the Exeter Ship Canal offer well-surfaced paths suitable for both. You can also explore options for gravel biking, road cycling, and easy hikes, with many routes providing scenic views of the River Exe and its estuary.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section are great for all ages, offering flat, traffic-free paths for cycling and walking. The Exeter Ship Canal is also popular for leisure activities. Additionally, Countess Wear Bridges and Cockwood Harbour are noted as family-friendly spots.
The area boasts significant historical sites. The Exeter Ship Canal, dating back to the 1560s, was Britain's first canal since Roman times and the first in England to use a pound lock. The Countess Wear Bridges also hold historical importance, having been used for D-Day military training in 1944.
For easy walks, the Exe Estuary Trail is an excellent choice. It's a traffic-free, well-surfaced path offering scenic views. The Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk section is particularly flat and accessible. You can find more options for easy hikes in the surrounding area, including routes near Exeter Quay and Countess Wear Bridges.
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically highlighted as a wheelchair-accessible cycleway and walkway. This section of the trail offers fantastic views along the River Exe and is predominantly off-road, making it suitable for all users.
The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk offer spectacular views of the Exe Estuary and the river. Cockwood Harbour also provides picturesque scenes, especially with the railway line running along the narrow strip of land between the harbour and the sea.
While specific cafes aren't detailed for every attraction, Cockwood Harbour is known for its two idyllic pubs, The Ship Inn and The Anchor Inn, where you can relax and watch the trains and boats. The Exe Estuary Trail passes through towns and villages like Topsham and Lympstone, which offer various dining options.
The Exe Estuary Trail is a 36-km (22.5-mile), mainly flat, traffic-free cycle route and walkway that encircles the entire Exe Estuary. It connects Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish, offering stunning views along the River Exe and passing through charming riverside towns. It's well-surfaced and suitable for various users, including families.
The Exeter Ship Canal holds significant historical value as the first canal built in Britain since Roman times, dating back to the 1560s. It was also the first in England to use the pound lock system. Today, it's primarily used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling, with the Exe Estuary Trail running alongside it.
Absolutely. The area is very popular for cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail and the path along the Exeter Ship Canal provide excellent, flat, and traffic-free routes. You can find dedicated guides for gravel biking and road cycling routes that explore the wider region, catering to various skill levels.
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and accessibility of the trails. The traffic-free nature and well-surfaced paths of the Exe Estuary Trail are highly appreciated, making it ideal for all types of bikes, walkers, and runners. The historical significance of sites like the Exeter Ship Canal and the charming atmosphere of places like Cockwood Harbour also receive positive feedback.


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