Attractions and Places To See around Starcross - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Starcross, a village on the west shore of the Exe Estuary in Devon, offer a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its estuary location, providing scenic views and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, extensive trails, and natural reserves, making it a destination for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Starcross
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that is a 22.5-mile (36-km) largely flat cycle route and walkway encircling the entire Exe Estuary. It is part of the National Cycle Network Route 2 and provides opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying riverside towns and villages.
- Another must-see spot is Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a natural monument. The marshes around the River Otter are a location for birdwatching. It supports a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, including redshank, common sandpiper, curlew, and red-breasted merganser.
- Visitors also love Exeter Ship Canal, a cycle way and historical site. First constructed in the 1560s, it was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times and is now used for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and cycling.
- Starcross is known for its historical sites, natural trails, and estuary-based activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to extensive cycle paths.
- The attractions around Starcross are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 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.
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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.
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Countess Wear Bridges
Highlight • Bridge
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Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk
Highlight • Cycleway
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Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
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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.
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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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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
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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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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.
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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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and outdoor activities can I enjoy around Starcross?
Starcross is ideally situated on the Exe Estuary, offering a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. You can explore the Exe Estuary Trail, a 22.5-mile (36-km) largely flat cycle route and walkway perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying riverside views. Birdwatching is popular at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, known for its diverse wildfowl and waders. Nearby, Dawlish Warren Nature & Wildlife Reserve and its beach provide further opportunities for nature observation and relaxation. The South West Coast Path also offers enjoyable coastal walks.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit in Starcross?
Yes, Starcross has a rich history. You can see Brunel's Atmospheric Railway Pumping Station (Brunel Tower), a significant surviving building from Isambard Kingdom Brunel's experimental railway. Although it's now a club, its historical importance is evident. Just a short distance away is Powderham Castle, a 600-year-old stately home offering guided tours and a deer park safari. St. Paul's Church is another early 19th-century listed building, and the village itself features numerous historical cob-built cottages.
What cycling opportunities are available near Starcross?
The area around Starcross is excellent for cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail is a highlight, offering a predominantly off-road, flat route around the entire estuary. You can also cycle alongside the Exeter Ship Canal, which is now used for leisure activities. For more specific routes, you can find various options for road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking in the area. Explore more details on Road Cycling Routes around Starcross, MTB Trails around Starcross, and Gravel biking around Starcross.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Starcross?
Absolutely! Many attractions in Starcross are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section are ideal for family bike rides or walks, being largely flat and off-road. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve offers engaging birdwatching opportunities. Powderham Castle provides guided tours and a deer park safari that children often enjoy. Additionally, the Starcross to Exmouth Ferry is a fun, scenic journey across the estuary.
What are the best places for birdwatching near Starcross?
The Exe Estuary is a prime location for birdwatching. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is particularly renowned, especially at the estuary mouth, supporting a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders such as redshank, common sandpiper, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. The entire Exe Estuary itself, visible from the Exe Estuary Trail, is a rich habitat for various bird species.
Can I take a ferry from Starcross to Exmouth?
Yes, there is a seasonal foot-passenger ferry service that operates between Starcross and Exmouth. It also accommodates bicycles, making it a convenient and scenic way to cross the River Exe. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes and offers excellent views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Are there any accessible routes or attractions for wheelchairs near Starcross?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is highlighted as wheelchair accessible. The Exe Estuary Trail itself is largely flat and well-surfaced, making many sections suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, offering fantastic views along the River Exe.
What kind of views can I expect around Starcross?
Starcross offers spectacular views, primarily due to its location on the Exe Estuary. From the Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk sections, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the estuary, its diverse wildlife, and the surrounding countryside. The ferry crossing to Exmouth also provides scenic perspectives of the river and its shores.
Where can I find local pubs or cafes in Starcross?
Starcross and its immediate surroundings, including the nearby village of Cockwood, are home to hospitable pubs. These establishments are often known for good-value home-cooked food and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a break after exploring the area.
What is the Exeter Ship Canal and what can I do there?
The Exeter Ship Canal is a historical site and cycleway. First built in the 1560s, it was Britain's first canal since Roman times. Today, it's primarily used for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal, enjoying scenic views of the river and countryside.
Are there any beaches accessible from Starcross?
Yes, several beaches are easily accessible from Starcross. Dawlish Warren is a significant sand spit at the mouth of the Exe Estuary, offering a family-friendly beach alongside its nature reserve. Other nearby options include Exmouth Beach, Sandy Bay, Budleigh Salterton Beach, Holcombe Beach, and Coryton Cove, providing a variety of coastal experiences.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Starcross?
Visitors particularly appreciate the well-surfaced, traffic-free paths like the Exe Estuary Trail, which is ideal for all types of bikes, walkers, and runners. The scenic views of the estuary and the diverse wildlife are also highly valued. The historical significance of sites like the Exeter Ship Canal and the peaceful atmosphere of places like the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Most popular routes around Starcross
Most popular attractions around Starcross
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