Attractions and Places To See around Woodbury - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Woodbury include a variety of natural features and historical sites within the East Devon region. The area is characterized by its significant waterways, such as the River Exe and Otter Estuary, offering numerous easy walking trails and cycling routes. Visitors can explore historical canals, scenic estuaries, and nature reserves, providing diverse outdoor activities and viewpoints. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best attractions and places to see around Woodbury
- The most popular attractions is Exe Estuary Trail, a trail that offers a traffic-free path ideal for cycling, walking, and running. It provides spectacular views of the Estuary and is well-surfaced for various activities.
- Another must-see spot is Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a natural monument known for its marshes and significant birdwatching opportunities. The reserve supports a large population of wintering wildfowl and waders.
- Visitors also love Exeter Ship Canal, a historical cycle way. This canal, first built in the 1560s, was the first in Britain since Roman times and is now used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling.
- Woodbury is known for its historical waterways, extensive trail systems, and natural reserves. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical canals to scenic estuaries and wildlife habitats.
- The attractions around Woodbury are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 220 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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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Exe Estuary Trail
Highlight • Trail
Well surfaced and ideal for any type of bike as well as walkers and runners. Be mindful of other users, especially when it's busier at the weekends and holidays.
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Countess Wear Bridges
Highlight • Bridge
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Exeter Quayside
Highlight • Cafe
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Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
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Popular around Woodbury
Tips from the Community
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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Beautiful walk and perfect opportunity to see wildlife
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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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With over 120 species of bird recorded on the site, the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is the perfect place for bird watching. The estuary covers around 33 hectares and is a designated site of Special Scientific Interest. The Otter Estuary has an intertidal habitat of mudflats and saltmarshes, making it an ideal home for a number of fish, birds and other marine life. If you have a keen eye, you can often spot things such as mud shrimps and a host of wading birds like the Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Brent Goose. Occasionally, you’ll find rarer birds including avocet and glossy ibis. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll spot something new depending on the birds migratory habits, so every trip is a unique experience. As well as birds, the estuary is a great place for spotting otters and is home to England’s first population of native wild beavers. Around ten years ago, beavers reappeared on the River Otter and now there is a happy and healthy colony of beavers living at the estuary. While visiting, be sure to follow these guidelines: Be considerate of other users, make way when paths are narrow and be quiet and respectful when exploring Take all your litter with you Do not approach any wildlife Keep dogs under control, especially around other people and wildlife Always bag and bin dog waste Cycling is not permitted Watersports are only for the beach, not the estuary to protect wildlife, so please launch any boards or paddles from the beach. Only use the designated areas for BBQs and picnics
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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy around Woodbury?
The Woodbury area, nestled in the East Devon region, offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its significant waterways. You can enjoy cycling, walking, and running along the Exe Estuary Trail, which provides spectacular views. The Exeter Ship Canal is also popular for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling. For more specific adventures, you can find numerous hiking routes, road cycling routes, and even gravel biking trails in the vicinity.
Where can I find easy walking trails near Woodbury?
For easy walking, the Exe Estuary Trail is an excellent choice, offering a mainly flat, traffic-free path. The path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is also well-suited for leisurely strolls. Many of the trails in the area are well-surfaced and ideal for various users. For example, the "East Devon Pebblebed Heaths – Little plank bridge loop from Woodbury Common" is an easy hiking route.
Are there good cycling routes around Woodbury?
Yes, Woodbury is well-suited for cycling. The Exe Estuary Trail is a popular traffic-free path perfect for all types of bikes. The historical Exeter Ship Canal also features a cycle way. You can explore various road cycling routes and gravel biking routes that traverse the region, offering diverse terrain and distances.
What natural features or viewpoints should I explore in the Woodbury area?
The Woodbury area is rich in natural beauty. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk section offer spectacular views of the estuary. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a natural monument known for its marshes and diverse birdlife. These locations provide excellent opportunities to observe the local wildlife and enjoy scenic landscapes.
Is Woodbury a good place for birdwatching?
Absolutely. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a prime location for birdwatching. Its marshes support a significant population of wintering wildfowl and waders, including redshank, common sandpiper, curlew, and red-breasted merganser. Reed warbler, sedge warbler, and reed bunting also breed on the site, making it a vibrant habitat for bird enthusiasts.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is specifically noted as wheelchair accessible. The entire Exe Estuary Trail is mainly flat and well-surfaced, making it suitable for users with strollers or those seeking an easier path.
What historical sites can I visit near Woodbury?
The Exeter Ship Canal is a significant historical site, first built in the 1560s as the first canal in Britain since Roman times. The Countess Wear Bridges also hold historical importance, having been used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944, with a memorial plaque detailing their D-Day connection.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Woodbury?
Many attractions around Woodbury are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail is ideal for family bike rides or walks, being traffic-free and well-surfaced. The Exeter Ship Canal also offers leisure activities for all ages. Additionally, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve provides an engaging experience for families interested in nature and birdwatching.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Woodbury?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views and the well-maintained, traffic-free paths. The Exe Estuary Trail is frequently praised for its suitability for various activities like cycling, walking, and running, and its beautiful estuary vistas. The historical significance of sites like the Exeter Ship Canal and the abundant birdlife at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve are also highly valued.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the trails?
While specific cafes and pubs directly on every trail are not detailed in the guide data, the trails often pass through or near charming riverside towns and villages like Topsham and Lympstone. These locations typically offer various options for refreshments and meals, allowing you to combine your outdoor activities with local culinary experiences.
What is the best time of year to visit Woodbury for outdoor activities?
The Woodbury area, with its extensive trail systems and natural reserves, is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for cycling and walking, with vibrant natural scenery. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the landscape. For birdwatching, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is particularly significant for wintering wildfowl and waders, making the colder months an excellent time for bird enthusiasts.
Are there any hidden outdoor gems in the Woodbury area?
While the main attractions like the Exe Estuary and Otter Estuary are well-known, the extensive network of trails connecting various parks and natural areas often reveals quieter spots. Exploring the less-traveled sections of the 140 miles of trails around Woodbury, beyond the main highlights, can lead to discovering peaceful viewpoints and secluded natural beauty.
Most popular routes around Woodbury
Most popular attractions around Woodbury
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