Get on The Water in Exeter

By VisitExeter | Jul 8, 2020
Europe > United Kingdom > England > Devon > Exeter

In Exeter, we’re blessed to be surrounded by glorious canals, rivers, estuaries and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast that are perfect for watersports! Your journey opportunities are endless, there are plenty of areas to suit all abilities. To prepare for a fantastic day on the water, you’ll need your equipment first! If you don’t have your own, don’t let that stop you! Here are a list of places where you can hire your own paddleboards, kite-surfing boards, canoes and kayaks to get you started:

Exeter Canal


Explore the calm and peaceful water along Exeter Canal, a matter of minutes from Exeter Quay! Paddle your way along the canal, past the Double Locks pub and then towards Turf Locks if you’re feeling adventurous! There are plenty of places along the way to hop on the water to choose from.

Havens Banks Outdoor Educational Centre

Havens Banks Outdoor Educational Centre

River Exe Estuary


Ideal for those with slightly more experience in watersports, the River Exe Estuary is the place to be for picturesque views in between the Dawlish and Exmouth Area. Be sure to check the tide times before you set off! Perhaps you decide to moor up to the River Exe Café for a refreshing drink or bite to eat!

River Exe Estuary

River Exe Estuary

Decoy Country Park – Newton Abbot


To visit Decoy Country Park, all you need to do is to hop on a train at Exeter St David’s! Situated a short walk from Newton Abbot train station, this country park is home to a large lake surrounded by wildlife and stunning countryside. Enjoy time on your paddleboards, kayaks and canoes on the current and wave-less water with a little help from Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre if needed!

Decoy Country Park

Decoy Country Park

Dartmoor National Park


Dartmoor National Park, located just outside of Exeter, is an area of outstanding natural beauty – perfect for finding secluded spots for water sports! Nestled in between the stunning villages, wild ponies and granite tors are blissful lakes, streams, reservoirs and rivers waiting for you to paddle about!

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park

Grand Western Canal


The Grand Western Canal in Tiverton is a calm, picturesque area for a quiet experience along the water. Travel along the meandering 11-mile stretch of water and enjoy the mid-Devon countryside and wildlife! Not feeling adventurous? How about a magical trip on one of the last remaining horse-drawn barges in the country!

Grand Western Canal, Tiverton

Grand Western Canal, Tiverton

Other ways to get on the water…


If you fancy an adventure without getting so close to the water, there are plenty of companies that offer boat trips to explore Exeter and its surrounding areas. Book a trip with the award-winning Stuart Line Cruises, perfect if you’d like to discover gorgeous spots along the River Exe. They’re famous for their winter guided bird-watching cruises and day trips to the English Riviera!

Explore the Exeter Canal with Exeter Cruises, a great way to enjoy the canal without the chance of getting wet or falling in! This is an easy way to soak up the Exeter way of life, where you can hop on and off at Exeter Quay and the Double Locks pub!

Stuart Line Cruises

Stuart Line Cruises

Exeter Things to do United Kingdom Water Boat Devon England Europe

Share this tip:

Written by Visit Exeter
A small city that packs a big punch, Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50, Exeter’s history is rich and long. This is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including its unique Underground Passages, free Red Coat Guided Tours, magnificent Cathedral, imposing Roman wall and beautiful Quayside. Exeter is also home to the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum where visitors can explore the city’s 2,000-year history under one roof! Exeter has a real sense of individuality, its varied cultural scene is embraced by proud ... Read more

Thoughts? Questions?

See also

Accommodations

Tours and activities

Winter Lake Bled and Postojna Cave in a day full day tour

The mystic underground of the Postojna Cave, most notorious karst cave in the world, with the Predjama Castle, and the iconic Bled with the scenic lake, the 12-century castle and wooden boats to paddle your way to the only true island in Slovenia.

Luxurious experience to Bulgaria and Macedonia

Boyana Church and Zemen Monastery, Bulgaria; Osogovo Monastery, Macedonia; light lunch.