Enjoy some free time in Exeter before we board one of Stuart Lines larger vessels for a 2.5 hours, one way, canal cruise into Exmouth including a Devon Cream Tea.
We sail along Exeter Canal at a relaxing pace so sit back and soak up the scenery, watch the locks come to life, the swing bridge majestically open, before arriving at the seaside town of Exmouth.
Stuart Line Canal Cruise:
By the 17th Century, Exeter was the fourth largest port and city in England and efforts were made to improve accessibility of it though the canal. It was lengthened and bought to its current depth of 3 metres and the next locks we pass through, Double Locks, were built.
They created a greater depth which allowed ocean going vessels to reach the city centre. Up to 500 ships were now using it every year and trade expanded to ports in Spain, Italy and Portugal.
It continued to thrive until the arrival of the Bristol and Exeter Railway in 1844, where the canal quickly lost trade, it was used until the late 1960’s with the last ship sailing it in 1972.
Along the towpath we pass two of the area’s most popular pubs, Turf Lock Hotel and The Double Locks. These two inns really come to life in the summer months with heaps of people enjoying the outdoor spaces and community ambience – so give them a wave as we cruise by!
As we glide further along the canal we then bring traffic to a standstill as one of Exeter’s main roads comes to a halt when the Countess Weir Swing Bridge ceremoniously opens to allow our passage through. Designed to allow large vessels to pass, it is rarely used now but is kept busy with the 36,000 vehicles a day that use the bridge.
Depending on your departure point you will either arrive at the seaside town of Exmouth or Exeter’s Historic Quayside.
Exmouth is one of the oldest and most picturesque seaside towns in Devon with two miles of white sandy beaches, The Marina, seafront and town centre have plenty of delicious local cafes and restaurants along with shops and entertainment venues.
Exeter Quay is one of the most beautiful parts of the city with its unique architecture and mix of historic and contemporary design. There are plenty of antique shops, boutiques and a range of cafes, restaurants and bars for you to enjoy some great food whilst soaking up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Quay.
So join us on this relaxing and unique cruise, we have limited sailing times due to the complexity of the route – it’s definitely one not to miss!
You may also like the following events from Marchant's:
- Next Saturday, 28th June, 08:15 am, Blenheim Palace Flower Show in Cheltenham
- Next Sunday, 29th June, 06:50 am, (Marchants Coach Trip) Tutankhamun Immersive Experience via Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre in Cheltenham
- Next Sunday, 29th June, 07:10 am, Liverpool - Pullman Hotel, 1 night in Cheltenham
