Attractions and Places To See around Clyst St George - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Clyst St George, a village in East Devon, England, offers a blend of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Situated on the River Clyst, which flows into the Exe Estuary, the area features a gently rising landscape. Visitors can explore cultural sites and engage in outdoor activities along the river and nearby natural reserves. The region provides a mix of historical significance and accessible natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Clyst…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and …
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Exe Estuary Trail
Highlight • Trail
Well surfaced and ideal for any type of bike as well as walkers and runners. …
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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 outdoor activities can I enjoy around Clyst St George?
The area around Clyst St George offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly along the Exe Estuary Trail, which is popular for cycling and walking. You can also explore the Exeter Ship Canal for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling. For more structured outdoor adventures, consider hiking, mountain biking, or touring bicycle routes available in the wider region. For example, you can find various routes in the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and cycling guide for Clyst St George.
Where are the best places for birdwatching near Clyst St George?
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially at the estuary mouth. The marshes around the River Otter support a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, including redshank, common sandpiper, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. Reed warblers, sedge warblers, and reed buntings also breed here.
Are there any historical landmarks to visit in Clyst St George?
Yes, Clyst St George is rich in history. You can visit the parish church of St George's Church, which dates back to the 13th century and features a red sandstone tower. Other historical sites include the 18th-century Old Rectory, the historic Lady Seaward Primary School, and several Grade 2 listed farmhouses like Marsh Barton and Kenniford. The 16th-century Saint George and Dragon Inn also adds to the village's historical character.
What cycling opportunities are available around Clyst St George?
The primary cycling attraction is the Exe Estuary Trail, a 22.5-mile (36-km) largely flat cycle and walkway that circles the entire Exe Estuary, connecting Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. It offers scenic views and is well-surfaced, making it suitable for various types of bikes. You can also cycle alongside the historic Exeter Ship Canal. For more routes, check the cycling guide for the area.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Clyst St George?
Absolutely. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section are excellent for families, offering easy cycling and walking with scenic views. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also family-friendly for nature observation. Additionally, Crealy Theme Park & Resort is located approximately 1.6 miles from Clyst St George and is a popular amusement park for families.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails in the area?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically highlighted as a wheelchair-accessible cycleway and walkway. This well-surfaced section of the trail offers beautiful views along the River Exe and is suitable for various users, including those with wheelchairs.
What is the significance of the Exeter Ship Canal?
The Exeter Ship Canal holds significant historical importance as the first canal built in Britain since Roman times and the first in England to use the pound lock. Constructed in the 1560s, it allowed ships to bypass weirs on the River Exe. Today, it's primarily used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling, with the Exe Estuary Trail running alongside it.
Can I find places to eat or drink in Clyst St George?
Yes, the Saint George and Dragon Inn is a historic pub with accommodation located by the A376, dating back to the 16th century. It provides a local spot for food and drink. Additionally, Darts Farm, situated between Clyst St George and Ebford, is a retail and business area that often includes food outlets.
What natural features define the landscape of Clyst St George?
Clyst St George is characterized by its location on the River Clyst, which flows into the Exe Estuary. The land gently rises from the tidal river. The area also features the scenic Exe Estuary Trail, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, and the visible vines of Pebblebed Vineyard, all contributing to its natural beauty.
Are there any unique historical connections to the Countess Wear Bridges?
Yes, the Countess Wear Bridges in Exeter have a unique D-Day connection. They were used for military training by British paratroopers before the Normandy landings in 1944. The bridges were chosen because they resembled two bridges in France that were part of Operation Deadstick, a crucial mission to capture crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne.
What are some nearby attractions for a day trip from Clyst St George?
Several attractions are within a short drive. You could visit Exeter Cathedral or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter. For nature lovers, Woodbury Common and Haldon Forest Park offer hiking and birdwatching. Exmouth Beach is a popular coastal spot, and The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth provides a unique animal experience.
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