Exeter, Devon

Riverside Valley Park

Waterside landscape

Place photograph

6.4

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

RiversideWetlandHistoric townWalkersWildlife loversCyclistsFamiliesDogs

Why it's Wildland

6.4

A 40-hectare stretch of floodplain meadow and river corridor where Exeter’s open green space meets the wilder estuary, with views back towards the city and cathedral.

This is more than a riverside path: floodplain meadows, quieter wooded corners and a transition towards the estuary give the park a welcome variety of habitats within easy reach of Exeter. Its strongest moments are found by leaving the busiest paths and turning back upstream for the cathedral view.

Peaceful · Open · Wild

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Exeter, Devon

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The experience

Take an easy riverside walk through meadow and floodplain, keeping an eye out for birds and leaving time for the quieter paths. The park is free and close to Exeter’s historic quayside, but informal paths may be muddy or uneven.

Things to do

Walk beside the River Exe

Follow the easy-access walking paths alongside the winding river and look across the floodplain meadows.

1–2 hours

Turn upstream for the cathedral view

Pause and look back towards Exeter: a local park guide highlights the view of the cathedral above the river and green space.

Seek out the quieter wooded paths

A local guide recommends the wooded area by the allotments and quieter paths for a different feel and view of the river. Informal paths can be uneven and muddy.

Watch for reserve wildlife

Look for birds including snipe and cormorant, and notice how the floodplain meadows give way towards the wilder estuary.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: meadow and river

01
Start at a suitable park entrance and follow an easy-access path beside the River Exe.
02
Pause in the floodplain meadows and watch for birds along the river corridor.
03
Turn upstream for views towards Exeter and its cathedral, then retrace your steps.

Half day · Half day

Make a Half Day of It: park paths and Exeter Quay

01
Explore the park’s riverside paths and floodplain meadows.
02
If conditions and access suit, take a quieter informal path to experience a different view of the river; expect some paths to be uneven or muddy.
03
Continue towards Exeter Quay, described by the reserve manager as a short walk away, and make time to explore the historic quayside.

Verified history

Riverside is one of six Exeter Valley Parks managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. The supplied reserve information describes its present landscape and management but does not establish a detailed history of the park’s development.

Hidden details

A quieter view from the wooded corner — A local guide singles out the wooded area by the allotments as a part of the park many people miss, with a different view of the river.

Look back towards Exeter — The cathedral view is easiest to appreciate by turning around and looking upstream rather than focusing only on the path ahead.

When to go

April · May · Any time; choose a clear spell for the upstream cathedral view.

The reserve highlights spring for its buttercup-filled meadows. It describes the park as visitable at any time, with changing seasonal character.

Informal paths can be muddy and uneven, so check conditions and wear suitable footwear after wet weather.

Worth pairing with

Exeter Quay

The historic quayside is a short walk from the park and makes a natural extension to a half-day visit.

What to look for

01
Buttercups in the meadows
02
snipe and cormorants among the reserve’s recorded wildlife
03
and the cathedral framed above the river when looking upstream. A wooded area by the allotments is described by a local guide as a quieter corner worth seeking out.

Best time to go

Any time of year; spring brings buttercup-filled meadows, while each season offers a different riverside mood.

Spring is a good choice for the buttercup-filled meadows. For a distinctive city view, turn upstream and look back towards Exeter Cathedral.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Cyclists · Families · Dogs · Photographers

Practical information

Opening & access

A free, open-at-all-times riverside park managed by Devon Wildlife Trust. Easy-access walking and cycling paths sit alongside informal paths that can be uneven and muddy; some routes have kissing gates.

Parking

A car park is close to the Double Locks pub. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Toilets are listed among the reserve facilities; check availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs should be kept under effective control.

Accessibility

Easy-access cycle and walking paths are available, with an accessibility rating of 1. Other informal paths can be uneven and muddy, and some routes have kissing gates. Confirm route suitability if you need step-free access throughout.

Cost

Free

Water

River Exe; floodplain meadows and a transition towards the estuary. Swimming or paddling permission is not established.