Get Outdoors in Exeter by Train

Exeter's location in the heart of Devon, close to beautiful countryside and the coast, means that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and get active. As you travel into Exeter by train you'll pass through green fields and in some places along the edge of the south Devon coastline, so why not hop off the train and explore this beautiful region by following our suggested itinerary...

Day 1

Get off the train at Exeter St David's station, and pick up a Co-Bike from the station. These electric bikes make cycling a breeze – even up Exeter’s many hills! Start by cycling along the flat cycle paths alongside the River Exe to Exeter Quayside. Park your bike and take a leisurely walk around this picturesque part of the city.

Stop for a coffee break at one of the cafes lining the Quayside, then head to one of the watersports centres here to have a go at an activity on the river itself! You can hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Saddles & Paddles, AS Watersports and Haven Banks. Spend some time on the river building your paddling skills, then if you're feeling confident, paddle downstream for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to reach Double Locks, a waterside pub where you can get back on dry land for a drink and lunch with unrivalled scenic views of the river!

After lunch, paddle back to the Quayside and head in to Exeter’s city centre – about a 10-15 minute walk from the Quayside, or an easy cycle with your Co-Bike! Steeped in more than 2,000 years of history, there are a number of ways to explore and discover this fascinating city.

Join a free Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour. These free guided walking tours operate daily throughout the year, offering a wide range from which to choose. Walking tours depart from the Hooker Statue on Cathedral Green (apart from the Historic Quayside tour), and last approximately 90 minutes. All tours must be booked in advance, and by midnight of the day before.

If you’d prefer to explore Exeter at your own pace, then Exeter’s self-guided heritage trails are a great way to discover the city's intriguing past. There are three to choose from, the City Wall Trail, the Medieval Trail and the Woollen Trail. All of them have their starting point in the city centre and are between 1-2 miles long. Learn about the three trails in our blog and find out which one is the best for you.

Another great way to explore Exeter is to hop on an open-top Discover Exeter bus tour. With on-board audio, noting points of interest, historical landmarks and anecdotes along the way, you can hop on and off at key places - the perfect way to explore Exeter whilst uncovering a little more about its ancient past.

After a day of outdoor adventure you will have worked up an appetite for dinner. The good news is that Exeter is home to a fantastic range of places to eat, many specialising in award-winning local Devon dishes. Your only problem, will be deciding which restaurant to choose!

Day 2

Take a short walk to Exeter Central station and hop on a GWR train to nearby Topsham, an historic and picturesque town beside the River Exe Estuary. Trains run twice hourly and the journey takes just 15 minutes.

Take a stroll through Topsham for a coffee at Route 2 Cafe, named by The Guardian as 'one of the top 10 cycling cafés in the UK'! After your refreshment stop, go to the Route 2 Bike Shop where you can hire a hybrid bike to explore the beautiful Exe Estuary Trail, part of the National Cycle Route 2. One of the best cycle trails in the country, it is accessible for all. Electric bikes are also available.

Follow the Exe Estuary Trail to the coast at Exmouth, passing through wildlife-rich habitats and riverside villages steeped in maritime history. The oldest seaside town in Devon, Exmouth boasts two miles of sandy beach, and is the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

An excellent way to view the vibrant red and burnt orange of the ancient Triassic rock of the Exmouth coastline is by taking a Jurassic Coast boat trip with Stuart Line Cruises. This circular cruise departs from Exmouth Marina and sails along the oldest section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also join a River Exe Cruise, on tranquil waters past Powderham Castle, Lympstone, Starcross and Turf Lock, before pausing at Topsham Quay to begin the return journey back to Exmouth.

After your cruise, it’s time to cycle back to Topsham. Topsham is renowned for its food scene and boasts some of the most exquisite food in Devon, from fine dining to authentic BBQ, fish specialists to cafés and riverside pubs. Why not visit the charming Galley Fish and Seafood Restaurant for an early dinner of the freshest, much sought-after fish and seafood from the surrounding waters.

After dinner, it’s a short walk to Topsham station, for your return journey with GWR to Exeter.