Attractions and Places To See around Newton St Cyres - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Newton St Cyres include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. This historic parish in Mid Devon is situated amidst picturesque rolling countryside, offering a tranquil setting for exploration. The area provides opportunities for walks, cycling, and discovering sites of cultural significance. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that highlight both the region's heritage and its scenic landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Newton St Cyres
- The most popular attractions is Exeter Ship Canal, a cycle_way that was the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. It is now primarily used for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and cycling, with scenic views of the river and countryside.
- Another must-see spot is Kiddens Trail, an mtb_park offering a blue-rated trail suitable for various skill levels. This trail provides a mix of fast sections and pedally parts, making it enjoyable for both novice and experienced riders.
- Visitors also love Countess Wear Bridges, a bridge with historical significance. These bridges were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944, resembling key bridges in France.
- Newton St Cyres is known for its historical sites, natural trails, and waterways. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to modern leisure paths.
- The attractions around Newton St Cyres are appreciated by the komoot community, with 231 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 21, 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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Countess Wear Bridges
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Exeter Cathedral
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Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
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The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location it is a lovely place to start or finish a walk, or stop partway along to refuel.
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Exeter Ship Canal shared path
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Tips from the Community
Brilliant stretch of canal path that leads out to Dawlish, the surface is great in most areas and any bike should be able to get around this path. However if you have a accessibility trike there are some narrow sections and bridge that might make this path very difficult to use.
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This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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The cathedral (bishop's church) in Exeter was dedicated to Saint PETER. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called - together with his brother Andrew - by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the "princes of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.
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Exeter Ship Canal is a canal leading from (and beside) the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon. 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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Countess Wear Bridges are two bridges in Exeter, Devon that cross the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. They have a D-Day connection because they were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944. The bridges were chosen because they resembled two bridges in France that were part of the Operation Deadstick, a daring mission to capture and hold the crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne. The training involved rehearsing different scenarios and tactics in case the plan went wrong on D-Day.
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Have crossed the busy road at the Countess Wear lights many times, but not noticed this board until very recently. It tells an interesting story...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Newton St Cyres?
Newton St Cyres boasts several historical landmarks. The Parish Church of St Cyr and Julitta, a thirteenth-century church built in early Perpendicular style, features a rare royal coat of arms of James II and the monument of Sir John Northcott. You can also explore the historical significance of Countess Wear Bridges, which were used for military training prior to the D-Day landings. Additionally, Hayne Barton is a historically listed estate, and Bickleigh Mill is an 18th-century working water mill with shops and eateries.
Are there family-friendly activities around Newton St Cyres?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Exeter Ship Canal offers a flat path perfect for walking and cycling, suitable for all ages. For those interested in mountain biking, the Kiddens Trail is a blue-rated trail that is great for both novice and experienced riders, making it enjoyable for the whole family. Nearby, Haldon Forest Park provides a range of activities including the Butterfly trail and Go-Ape for adventurous families.
Where can I enjoy nature walks and scenic views?
The area around Newton St Cyres is rich in natural beauty. The Newton St Cyres Arboretum offers pleasant walks among an impressive collection of trees and shrubs, accessible via the Churchyard. You can also explore the picturesque rolling countryside with numerous walking trails, including routes around Hookway and Fordton that offer panoramic views. The Exeter Ship Canal also provides scenic views of the river and countryside along its path.
What cycling opportunities are available near Newton St Cyres?
Cycling enthusiasts will find several options. The Exeter Ship Canal features a dedicated cycleway, offering a flat and scenic route. The Exeter Ship Canal shared path is another excellent tarmac option for a smooth ride. For mountain biking, the Kiddens Trail in Haldon Forest Park offers a fun blue-rated trail. You can find more detailed routes for gravel biking and MTB trails in the area by exploring the Gravel biking around Newton St Cyres and MTB Trails around Newton St Cyres guides.
Are there any unique local products or food experiences?
Yes, Quickes Farm Shop is renowned for its award-winning clothbound cheddar cheese. The Quicke family, who have been in the area since the 1500s, also host occasional open days and cheese-making courses. For dining, Newton St Cyres offers options like "Belluno" (an Italian restaurant), The Beer Engine gastro pub, and The Beer Factory and Kitchen at Hanlons Brewery.
What are some easy walking trails in the area?
The Parish Council produces a walking leaflet with various routes, including easy options ranging from 1.25 miles. Many local walks follow the course of the Shuttern Brook. The path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is also flat and easy, suitable for a leisurely stroll. For more specific running trails, you can check the Running Trails around Newton St Cyres guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Newton St Cyres?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Exeter Ship Canal is loved for its scenic views and leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling. The Kiddens Trail is praised for being a fun, blue-rated mountain bike trail suitable for various skill levels. The historical context of sites like Countess Wear Bridges, with its D-Day connection, also captures visitors' interest.
Are there any places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, there are several options. Bickleigh Mill houses eateries and is a lovely spot for lunch or a Devon cream tea. In Newton St Cyres village, you'll find "Belluno" (an Italian restaurant), The Beer Engine gastro pub, and The Beer Factory and Kitchen at Hanlons Brewery, offering a variety of choices for refreshments and meals.
What is the Newton St Cyres Arboretum?
The Newton St Cyres Arboretum is a local natural attraction providing an excellent opportunity for walks. It features an impressive collection of trees and shrubs and is accessible via the Churchyard. It is open during daylight hours year-round, offering a peaceful setting for nature lovers.
How can I explore the wider Mid Devon countryside?
The village is surrounded by the beautiful rolling countryside of Mid Devon. The Parish Council provides a walking leaflet detailing various routes, ranging from 1.25 to 7.2 miles in length and varying in difficulty. These walks offer opportunities to explore areas like Hookway and Fordton, providing panoramic views, and paths along the Shuttern Brook.
Is there public transport access to Newton St Cyres?
Newton St Cyres has a railway station located about 0.5 miles outside the village center. It is on the Tarka Line and Dartmoor Line, though services are infrequent. It's advisable to check train schedules in advance if planning to use public transport.
Most popular routes around Newton St Cyres
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