Best attractions and places to see around Kenton include a variety of coastal paths, historical waterways, and scenic viewpoints. This area, located near Exeter, is characterized by its estuary environment, offering routes along the River Exe and its canal. Visitors can explore historical sites and natural monuments, providing diverse outdoor experiences.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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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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There's a few disabled parking spaces right on the Quay and the walks are all wheelchair user friendly, there's bus routes and train station all within a mile of the quay. If like me on your walk you like to re-stall your batteries and have a hot or cold drink there's lots of great pubs restaurants and little cafes on the Quay and they all welcome dogs, if you check out what's on in Exeter you might be lucky to see one of the many events they hold like morse dancing, the boat racing, mental health walk, the food festivals and many more, enjoy the ruins and history walks also.
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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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Kenton is situated in an estuary environment, offering scenic natural features. A prominent natural monument is Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle, which marks the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Here, you can experience dramatic red-colored cliffs and a unique geological monument. The area also features the River Exe and its estuary, providing picturesque river and coastal views.
Yes, Kenton offers several historical points of interest. The Exeter Ship Canal, first constructed in the 1560s, is a significant historical waterway and the first canal in Britain since Roman times. You can also visit the Countess Wear Bridges, which have a D-Day connection, having been used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944.
Kenton is excellent for cycling, especially along the Exe Estuary Trail. This well-surfaced, traffic-free path is ideal for all types of bikes and connects towns like Topsham and Exton. The Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk forms part of a 36-km route around the entire estuary, offering spectacular, predominantly off-road views. For more cycling adventures, you can explore various routes listed in the Road Cycling Routes around Kenton guide, including easy loops like the 'Exeter Ship Canal shared path – Turf Hotel & Marina loop'.
Absolutely! Many attractions around Kenton are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section are perfect for family walks or bike rides, being mostly flat and traffic-free. The Exeter Ship Canal is also great for leisurely activities like boating, walking, and cycling with children. Orcombe Point offers an engaging outdoor experience with its geological significance and beach access.
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically highlighted as wheelchair accessible. This section of the trail provides a well-surfaced path with fantastic views of the estuary, making it enjoyable for everyone.
The most popular walking route is the Exe Estuary Trail, which offers a traffic-free path with scenic views. You can also walk alongside the Exeter Ship Canal. For dedicated running and walking trails, explore the Running Trails around Kenton guide, which includes moderate routes like the 'View of the Exe Estuary loop' and 'Deer Park and Castle Views loop'.
Visitors frequently praise the traffic-free nature and excellent surfacing of the Exe Estuary Trail, making it ideal for various activities. The spectacular views of the estuary from the boardwalk are also a highlight. Many appreciate the historical significance and leisure opportunities offered by the Exeter Ship Canal, noting the interesting mix of boats. The geological wonders and coastal views at Orcombe Point are also highly regarded.
Yes, the estuary environment and the Exeter Ship Canal make Kenton suitable for water-based activities. While the canal sees less ship traffic now, it's popular for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The Exe Estuary itself offers opportunities for enjoying the water and observing diverse wildlife.
The attractions around Kenton, particularly the trails and coastal areas, are enjoyable year-round. However, for the most pleasant walking and cycling conditions, spring and summer offer warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can offer crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be busier on weekends and holidays regardless of the season.
Yes, for those seeking longer or more challenging rides, Kenton serves as a great base. The Road Cycling Routes around Kenton guide features moderate to difficult routes, such as the 'Budleigh Salterton Seafront – Sidmouth Esplanade loop' (52.5 km) or the 'Whitestone Radio Transmitter – View of Windy Cross loop' (75 km). For off-road adventures, the Gravel biking around Kenton guide offers routes like 'Haldon, Mamhead and Dawlish' (68.7 km) which are rated difficult.
Kenton offers several excellent running trails. The Exe Estuary Trail provides a flat, traffic-free surface perfect for running. Additionally, the Running Trails around Kenton guide lists various routes, including moderate options like the 'View of the Exe Estuary loop from Ashcombe' (8.9 km) and the 'Deer Park and Castle Views loop from Kenton' (6.3 km).
The best way to explore the Exe Estuary is by using the Exe Estuary Trail. This trail offers a 36-km route around the entire estuary, linking Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. You can walk, cycle, or run along its well-surfaced paths, including the scenic boardwalk section, enjoying fantastic views and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.


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