Exeter Quay, Exeter, Devon

Exeter Quay is one of Exeter’s most pleasant areas. The historic area of red stone warehouses, pubs, antique shops, teahouses and cafes has been transformed from the rather intimidating area of cobblestones and rough nightclubs in the 1980’s.

Custom House in the quay area in Exeter

Once the site of the much-missed Exeter Maritime Museum, the Quay in Exeter is now the perfect place to eat and drink al fresco on a summer’s day.

History

The quay on the River Exe was founded in Roman times but access to the sea was lost by the 14th century when a weir was built across the river to force the wool trade to Topsham to the south, which enjoyed a prosperous business with the Low Countries.

Dining outside on the quay in Exeter

In 1563, the enterprising John Trew built Britain’s first ship canal to restore access to the sea.

The Custom House Visitor Centre (Tel: 01392 271 611) is housed in the Custom House which dates from 1680. It has information on the area’s history plus a small gift shop selling local pottery, maps, and books.

Opening Hours

April – October
Daily: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Closed for lunch 1 pm – 1.45 pm

November – March
Saturday and Sunday: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm

Admission: Free

Butt’s Ferry is a rope pulled ferry across the quay which actually dates from the 17th century but was saved from closure in the 1970’s by a local man George Butts who petitioned the local council to keep it open.

The quay area in Exeter

The quay has open-air jazz concerts on Sundays in the summer as well as Slow Food Markets on the third Saturday on the month between April and October and is the starting point for Exeter’s annual Dragon Boat races!

It is possible to hire bicycles or kayaks at the Quay from Saddles & Paddles (Tel: 01392 424 241) and get down to two of the area’s best pubs: The Double Locks (Tel: 01392 256 947) and the Turf Locks Hotel (Tel: 01392 833 128).

The Custom House dates from 1681, and is reputed to be the country’s oldest custom house in existence. The building was still used by HM Customs and Excise until 1989.

Accommodation in Exeter

Exeter offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Choose from a range of hotels and guest houses in Exeter including the four star Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, the four star Southernhay House Hotel, and Jurys Inn Exeter, also a four star hotel.

See here for a complete list of accommodation in Exeter.

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