Attractions and Places To See around Ashton - Top 20

The area around Ashton is rich in history. You can visit the Exeter Ship Canal, which was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. Another significant historical spot is Hisley Bridge, a medieval packhorse bridge known for its tranquil setting. Don't miss the Exeter Cathedral, a grand 14th-century building with a stunning vaulted ceiling and an astronomical clock. The Countess Wear Bridges also hold historical significance, particularly for their D-Day connection.

Yes, several attractions around Ashton are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal is great for leisurely walks and cycling. Hisley Bridge offers a magical setting with a picnic area, perfect for kids to explore. The Exeter Cathedral welcomes families to discover its history and architecture. Even the Turf Hotel & Marina, accessible by foot, bike, or boat, provides a unique outing with panoramic views.

While Ashton itself is a town, the surrounding area offers beautiful natural features, particularly along its waterways. The Exeter Ship Canal provides scenic views of the River Exe and countryside. You can also find the tranquil River Bovey flowing under Hisley Bridge, nestled within a forest setting. The Turf Hotel & Marina offers uninterrupted panoramic views across the River Exe Estuary, showcasing the area's natural beauty.

For walking and cycling, the path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is ideal, offering scenic views of the river and countryside. The Countess Wear Bridges area also has well-provided cycle paths. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Haldon Forest Viewpoint – View of Exe Valley loop' or the 'Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park – Haldon Forest Viewpoint loop from Ashton'. Find more hiking options at Hiking around Ashton.

Yes, there are several mountain biking trails in the vicinity of Ashton. Popular routes include the 'Haldon Forest loop of the ridge' and the 'Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails'. You can discover more MTB routes and their difficulty grades by visiting MTB Trails around Ashton.

For a unique dining experience, consider the Turf Hotel & Marina. This iconic Grade II listed pub is in an extraordinary waterside location, offering panoramic views across the Exeter canal and River Exe Estuary. It's uniquely accessible only by foot, bike, or boat, adding to its charm.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The tranquil settings of places like Hisley Bridge and the scenic views along the Exeter Ship Canal are highly praised. The historical significance of sites like Exeter Cathedral and the unique accessibility of the Turf Hotel & Marina also contribute to a memorable experience.

Absolutely. The area offers challenging gravel biking routes, such as 'Haldon, Mamhead and Dawlish — Exeter gravel routes' and 'Haldon Belvedere and the Estuary — Exeter gravel routes'. These routes provide extensive rides through diverse landscapes. For more details and additional routes, check out Gravel biking around Ashton.

Yes, the area features several historically significant bridges. Hisley Bridge is a beautiful medieval packhorse bridge. The Countess Wear Bridges are notable for their role in D-Day preparations, having been used for military training by British paratroops.

The Turf Hotel & Marina is unique in its accessibility, as it can only be reached by foot, bike, or boat. This makes it a destination for those who enjoy an active approach to their visits, offering a scenic journey along the canal or river.

The Exeter Ship Canal is mainly used for leisure activities. You can enjoy boating, walking, and cycling along its path. It's a great place to follow the Exe Estuary Trail and take in scenic views of the river and countryside.