Attractions and Places To See around Nether Exe - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Nether Exe include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural sites. The area is characterized by the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal, which offer opportunities for leisure activities. Visitors can explore ancient earthworks, historic churches, and significant waterways. Nether Exe provides a range of points of interest for those seeking to discover the region's heritage and natural landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Nether Exe
- The most popular…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and …
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Countess Wear Bridges
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Exeter Cathedral
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Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
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The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location …
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Exeter Ship Canal shared path
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Tips from the Community
Brilliant stretch of canal path that leads out to Dawlish, the surface is great in most areas and any bike should be able to get around this path. However if you have a accessibility trike there are some narrow sections and bridge that might make this path very difficult to use.
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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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The cathedral (bishop's church) in Exeter was dedicated to Saint PETER. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called - together with his brother Andrew - by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the "princes of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.
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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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Have crossed the busy road at the Countess Wear lights many times, but not noticed this board until very recently. It tells an interesting story...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore around Nether Exe?
Nether Exe is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, a 14th-century religious building known for England's longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling and a 15th-century astronomical clock. Another significant site is the Countess Wear Bridges, which hold historical importance as a D-Day military training site. Further afield, the ancient Cursus, Long Mortuary Enclosure, and Ring Ditch near Netherexe Barton offer a glimpse into Neolithic ritual activity.
Are there any natural features or scenic viewpoints to enjoy?
Yes, the area is defined by its natural beauty. The River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal are central, offering scenic views and leisure opportunities. You can also find a picturesque oxbow lake near St John the Baptist Church. For wildlife enthusiasts, the wider Exe Estuary is particularly significant, attracting tens of thousands of wetland birds, especially during winter.
What outdoor activities are available near Nether Exe's attractions?
The area around Nether Exe is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Exeter Ship Canal on the Exe Estuary Trail. For more structured routes, consider cycling tours like the 'Exeter Quayside – Exeter Canal Basin loop' or 'Bike loop from Thorverton'. Find more cycling routes at Cycling around Nether Exe.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, there are various hiking trails. Easy options include the 'River Exe at Brampford Speke – Exe Valley Railway Path loop' (5.1 km) or the 'Exe Valley Railway Path – Old Cross loop' (4.3 km). For moderate hikes, try the 'Exe Valley Railway Path – River Exe at Brampford Speke loop' (10.6 km). You can explore more hiking options at Hiking around Nether Exe.
What family-friendly attractions are there?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal and the Exe Estuary Trail offer flat paths perfect for walking and cycling with children. Exeter Cathedral welcomes visitors of all ages to explore its historical features. Additionally, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn provides a pleasant riverside setting with shops and eateries, making it a great stop for families.
Can I find places to eat or relax near the attractions?
Absolutely. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is an excellent choice, offering an 18th-century water mill with shops and eateries in a gorgeous riverside location. Near Ducke's Marsh, 'The Port Royal' is a lovely place to stop for a rest and a drink overlooking the weir, with good food available.
What is the significance of the Cursus monuments near Nether Exe?
The Cursus, Long Mortuary Enclosure, Ring Ditch, and other associated cropmarks located east of Netherexe Barton are nationally important archaeological remains. These features date from the Middle and Late Neolithic period (c. 3000-2400 BC) and are believed to have served ritual or ceremonial purposes, offering significant insights into prehistoric life and beliefs in the region.
Is there a good place for walking or cycling along the river?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail runs alongside the Exeter Ship Canal, providing a scenic route for both walking and cycling. This trail allows you to enjoy continuous views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
What makes St John the Baptist Church unique?
St John the Baptist Church is a Grade I listed church with origins tracing back to an Anglo-Saxon chapel around 1125. It is largely constructed from local volcanic stone and is uniquely situated above an oxbow lake without direct road access, making it a tranquil spot popular with walkers. Its churchyard also contains an old charnel house and historic memorials.
What is the best time of year to visit Nether Exe for outdoor activities?
The Exe Estuary is particularly significant for its wildlife during winter, attracting tens of thousands of wetland birds. For general outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for leisure activities along the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal.
Are there any gravel biking routes in the area?
Yes, Nether Exe offers challenging gravel biking routes. Options include 'Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge' (55 km, difficult) or 'Killerton, Ashclyst and East Hill' (84 km, difficult). These routes provide extensive rides through varied terrain. More gravel biking routes can be found at Gravel biking around Nether Exe.
What can I see at <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1524025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ducke's Marsh</a>?
Ducke's Marsh is a lovely place for a walk, especially around the weir. It's known for sightings of cormorants and herons. The meadow here also serves as the main sports ground for Exeter University, and it's a pleasant open space for running.
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