Best attractions and places to see around Clyst St. Mary include a blend of historical landmarks and natural features in East Devon, located near Exeter. The area serves as a gateway to exploring the wider Clyst Valley and Exe Estuary. Visitors can find structures with medieval origins and extensive natural areas. The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities and observing local wildlife.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
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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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For families, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort offers over 60 rides and attractions, making it a significant draw. Additionally, the Exe Estuary Trail and the Exeter Ship Canal are excellent for leisurely walks and cycling, suitable for all ages. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also a great spot for families to enjoy birdwatching.
Clyst St. Mary is rich in history. You can visit the Clyst St Mary Bridge and Causeway, a scheduled monument and one of Devon's oldest medieval bridges. The Parish Church of St Mary, dating back to the 13th century, also offers historical insights. The Exeter Ship Canal, first built in the 1560s, is another historic site now used for leisure. Don't miss the Countess Wear Bridges, which have a unique D-Day connection.
The area offers several natural havens. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a prime location for birdwatching, especially for wintering wildfowl and waders. The Exe Estuary Trail provides scenic views and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and seals. The River Clyst Floodplain and the wider Clyst Valley Regional Park also offer serene natural settings with ancient woodlands and rare black poplars.
Yes, there are many excellent walking opportunities. The Exe Estuary Trail is a 22.5-mile (36-km) mostly flat path encircling the estuary, perfect for walks. You can also walk alongside the historic Exeter Ship Canal. For more specific routes, explore the easy hikes around Clyst St. Mary or more challenging hiking routes in the region.
Cyclists will enjoy the Exe Estuary Trail, a predominantly off-road route that is part of the National Cycle Network Route 2. The Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk section is particularly popular for its flat surface and scenic views. The path alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is also great for cycling. For road cycling, you can find various routes around Clyst St. Mary.
Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk section is specifically highlighted as wheelchair accessible. This part of the trail offers a mainly flat route with excellent views along the River Exe, making it suitable for everyone.
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and accessibility of the trails. The Exe Estuary Trail is loved for its traffic-free path and suitability for all types of bikes, walkers, and runners. The Exeter Ship Canal is appreciated for its leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling, with picturesque views. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy the diverse wildlife at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve.
Absolutely. The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is a renowned spot for birdwatching, especially for significant populations of wintering wildfowl and waders like redshank and curlew. The Exe Estuary Trail also offers excellent opportunities to observe diverse birdlife along the estuary.
While not strictly 'hidden,' the historical significance of the Clyst St Mary Bridge and Causeway, as the oldest surviving medieval bridge in Devon outside of Exeter, is often overlooked. Exploring the quieter sections of the River Clyst Floodplain can also reveal serene natural beauty away from the main trails. The Clyst Valley Regional Park, with its ancient woodlands, offers a peaceful escape.
Within a short drive, you can visit National Trust Killerton, a historic estate with beautiful grounds. The city of Exeter, just a few miles away, boasts the stunning Exeter Cathedral and a historic quayside. Another significant historical site reachable is Powderham Castle.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on the trails are not detailed, the Exe Estuary Trail connects towns and villages like Topsham and Lympstone, which are known to have establishments where you can find refreshments. The historic quayside in Exeter, accessible via the canal path, also offers various dining options.


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