Attractions and Places To See around Ide - Top 20

Ide and its surroundings offer a rich history. Within the village, you can visit St. Ida's Church, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 13th century, or discover the site of a Roman fortlet/signal station on a nearby hilltop. The village also features charming historic cottages like 'The College' and Drake's Farm House. Further afield, explore the historic Exeter Ship Canal, the first canal built in Britain since Roman times, or the Countess Wear Bridges, known for their D-Day connection. The Exeter Quayside also boasts a rich maritime history.

Yes, Ide is surrounded by natural beauty. The village itself is nestled in a small valley with the Alphinbrook running through it, and a rustic ford at College Lane. Nearby, Haldon Forest Park offers over 3,500 acres of woodland with diverse wildlife. For expansive views, the Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk sections provide spectacular vistas along the River Exe.

The area around Ide is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and horse riding in Haldon Forest Park. The Exe Estuary Trail is perfect for cycling and walking, offering a 22.5-mile route around the estuary. For more structured routes, consider exploring the various guides available, such as gravel biking routes around Ide, MTB trails, or easy hikes, which include options like the 'Exeter Quay – Exeter Quay loop from Ide'.

Many attractions near Ide are suitable for families. The Exe Estuary Trail and its boardwalk sections are mainly flat and well-surfaced, ideal for family walks and bike rides. The Exeter Ship Canal also offers leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling. Haldon Forest Park provides picnic areas and trails suitable for all ages. The Exeter Quayside is a vibrant spot with places to eat and opportunities to hire canoes or kayaks.

Ide village is home to several traditional English pubs, including The Huntsman Inn, The Poachers Inn, and The Twisted Oak, which offer traditional British food and a welcoming atmosphere. For a wider selection of cafes and restaurants, the nearby Exeter Quayside provides numerous options.

Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail boardwalk is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering spectacular views of the Estuary on a well-surfaced path. The Exeter Quayside is also described as wheelchair friendly, with paths and facilities to enjoy the area.

Ide is located just under a mile southwest of Exeter, making it accessible from the city. Local bus services connect Ide with Exeter. For attractions further afield like Haldon Forest Park, public transport options might be more limited, and checking local bus schedules or considering a short taxi ride from Exeter would be advisable.

Many of the outdoor areas around Ide are dog-friendly. Haldon Forest Park welcomes dogs, and the Exe Estuary Trail is popular with dog walkers. Several pubs in Ide, such as The Huntsman Inn, The Poachers Inn, and The Twisted Oak, are typically dog-friendly, especially in their bar areas or beer gardens. Always check specific venue policies and keep dogs on leads where required, especially around wildlife.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and the well-maintained paths. The Exe Estuary Trail is praised for its traffic-free sections and suitability for all types of bikes and walkers. The Exeter Quayside is loved for its vibrant atmosphere, historical buildings, and variety of dining options, as well as opportunities for water activities.

Yes, Ide is surrounded by beautiful countryside offering various circular walks. These trails provide picturesque views and a chance to explore the natural environment, including areas like Fordland Bottom. While specific named routes aren't detailed in the guide, the proximity to Exeter and the network of paths make it easy to plan your own circular routes starting from the village.

The Exeter Ship Canal holds significant historical importance as the first canal built in Britain since Roman times, originally constructed in the 1560s. It was also the first in England to use the pound lock. Today, it's primarily used for leisure activities like boating, walking, and cycling, offering scenic views alongside the River Exe.