Attractions and Places To See around Dunchideock - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Dunchideock include a variety of outdoor experiences centered around waterways and historical sites. The region offers numerous opportunities for walking and cycling along the Exe Estuary and its canal. Visitors can explore historical bridges and enjoy scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside. Dunchideock, Devon, provides a blend of natural beauty and historical significance for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best attractions and places to see around Dunchideock
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that offers a traffic-free path between Topsham and Exton. It is well-surfaced and suitable for various activities like cycling, walking, and running.
- Another must-see spot is Exeter Ship Canal, a historical cycle way and river. This canal, first built in the 1560s, is now primarily used for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and cycling.
- Visitors also love Turf Hotel & Marina, an iconic Grade II listed pub and cafe. It offers panoramic views across the Exeter canal, River Exe Estuary, and Powderham Estate, and is accessible only by foot, bike, or boat.
- Dunchideock is known for its trails, historical sites, and waterways. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from scenic routes to historical landmarks.
- The attractions around Dunchideock are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 230 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 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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Exeter Quayside
Highlight • Cafe
You're spoilt for choice for places to eat and you can also hire e-bikes on the quayside, and explore further. If you want to take to the water, you can hire canoes, kayaks and even pedalos here too; watch out for stroppy geese and hungry swans.
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Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk
Highlight • Cycleway
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Other adventures around Dunchideock
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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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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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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You can have a nice rest here. There is also a second-hand shop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do around Dunchideock?
The Dunchideock area is ideal for walking and cycling, particularly along the Exe Estuary and Exeter Ship Canal. The Exe Estuary Trail offers a traffic-free path suitable for various activities, while the Exeter Ship Canal is popular for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling. For more specific routes, you can explore road cycling routes, MTB trails, and general cycling tours in the area.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Dunchideock?
Yes, many attractions are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and Exeter Ship Canal are both listed as family-friendly, offering safe paths for walking and cycling. The Countess Wear Bridges also have cycle paths, making them accessible for families. Additionally, the Turf Hotel & Marina is a family-friendly pub and cafe with scenic views.
What historical sites can I visit near Dunchideock?
The area boasts several historical sites. The Exeter Ship Canal, first built in the 1560s, is a significant historical waterway. The Countess Wear Bridges are notable for their D-Day connection, having been used for military training. The Turf Hotel & Marina is also a Grade II listed pub with a history spanning over 195 years.
Are there any wheelchair accessible trails or paths?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically highlighted as wheelchair accessible. The wider Exe Estuary Trail is predominantly off-road and well-surfaced, making much of it suitable for various users, including those with wheelchairs, though specific sections may vary.
Where can I find scenic views around Dunchideock?
For panoramic views, visit the Turf Hotel & Marina, which offers uninterrupted vistas across the Exeter canal, River Exe Estuary, and Powderham Estate. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section also provide fantastic views along the River Exe.
What kind of walks are available near Dunchideock?
You'll find a variety of walks, particularly along the waterways. The Exe Estuary Trail is a well-surfaced, traffic-free path ideal for walking. The Exeter Ship Canal also has a flat path alongside it, perfect for leisurely strolls. Many of these routes are suitable for easy walks, and you can explore more options through the nearby route guides, which often include walking paths.
Are there places to eat or drink along the trails?
Yes, the Turf Hotel & Marina is an iconic Grade II listed pub and cafe situated in an extraordinary waterside location. It's a popular spot for refreshments and meals, accessible only by foot, bike, or boat, making it a unique destination along the Exeter canal.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Dunchideock?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The traffic-free, well-surfaced paths of the Exe Estuary Trail are highly rated for cycling and walking, offering scenic views. The historical aspect of the Exeter Ship Canal and the unique accessibility of the Turf Hotel & Marina are also frequently praised.
How can I access the Turf Hotel & Marina?
The Turf Hotel & Marina is uniquely accessible only by foot, bike, or boat. This adds to its charm and ensures a peaceful, scenic journey to reach this waterside pub and cafe.
Are the trails around Dunchideock suitable for dogs?
While not explicitly stated for every highlight, many of the trails, such as the Exe Estuary Trail and paths along the Exeter Ship Canal, are generally dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or other users, and to check for any specific local restrictions.
What kind of cycling routes are available in the Dunchideock area?
The Dunchideock area offers diverse cycling opportunities. The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular traffic-free option for all types of bikes. You can find detailed guides for road cycling, mountain biking, and general touring bicycle routes, ranging from easy to difficult, including loops around Haldon Forest and along the Exe Estuary.
Most popular routes around Dunchideock
Most popular attractions around Dunchideock
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