The Quayside Exeter,Devon

UK Cathedrals: The Quay, Exeter

The Quayside, Exeter, Devon

Jake Davies

Looking down the River Exe from Exeter Quay. — Looking down the River Exe from Exeter Quay

Exeter Quay in Exeter is one of the city's most pleasant places. The historic area of red stone warehouses, pubs, antique shops, teahouses and cafes has been transformed from the rather intimidating area of cobblestones and rough nightclubs in the 1980s.

Once the site of the much-missed Exeter Maritime Museum, the Quay in Exeter is now the perfect place to eat and drink al fresco on a summer's day.

The Cricklepit Bridge, built in 1988 is a pedestrian suspension bridge across the River Exe at Exeter Quay. — The Cricklepit Bridge, built in 1988 is a pedestrian suspension bridge across the River Exe

History

The quay on the River Exe was founded in Roman times but access to the sea was lost by the 14th century when a weir was built across the river to force the wool trade to Topsham to the south, which enjoyed a prosperous business with the Low Countries.

In 1563, the enterprising John Trew built Britain's first ship canal to restore access to the sea. The Exeter canal is one of the oldest man-made waterways in England. Exeter was a thriving port but when weirs were built across the river, access to the sea was lost. It runs parallel to the river and begins just south of Topsham.

The Custom House Visitor Centre (Tel: 01392 271 611) is housed in the Custom House which dates from 1680. It has information on the area's history plus a small gift shop selling local pottery, maps, and books.

The Cricklepit Bridge, built in 1988 is a pedestrian suspension bridge across the River Exe at Exeter Quay, to provide 24 hour access and to supplement the Butts Ferry, a hand-powered ferry that has crossed the river here for about 400 years

The Canal Basin at Exeter Quay. — The Canal Basin at Exeter Quay

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Exeter Quay a popular spot in Exeter. — Exeter Quay a popular spot in Exeter

Access - Getting There

The Quay
Exeter
Devon, EX2 4AN

The nearest railway stations to the Quay are Exeter St David's and Exeter Central. St David's is a 25-minute walk, while Central is 15 minutes past the Catheral.

Exeter's main railway station is Exeter St David's Station with rail links to Bristol, Birmingham and London Paddington Station in London as well as on to Plymouth. Local trains run south from Exeter St David's to the Victorian seaside resort of Exmouth.

The nearest airport is Exeter International Airport, just 5 miles to the east of Exeter city near Clyst Honiton off the A30.

The airport has regular domestic flights to Aberdeen, Alicante, Belfast, Edinburgh, Guernsey/Jersey, the Isles of Scilly, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle.

International destinations include Amsterdam, Dubrovnik, Dublin, Faro, Funchal, Geneva, Hannover, Larnaca, Nice, Palma, Paris, Malaga and Salzburg.

Accommodation

Exeter offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Choose from a range of hotels and guest houses in Exeter including the four-star Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, the four-star Southernhay House Hotel, and Jurys Inn Exeter, also a four-star hotel.

See here for a complete list of accommodation in Exeter.