Available during July and August, this seasonal Red Coat Guides tour starts with a fascinating walk around Exeter Quay before continuing with a relaxing boat trip along the historic Exeter Ship Canal to Double Locks. We joined the tour recently to see what it was like, and even as locals, we came away having learnt something new.
If you’ve read our guide to Exeter’s Red Coat Guides, you’ll know we’re big fans of the volunteer guides and their fascinating city walks.
This time, however, we decided to try one of their summer-only experiences – the Canal Boat Tour.
Unlike the regular city walks, this tour combines local history with a relaxing cruise along one of Exeter’s most important historic waterways, making it a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day.
If you’re planning a visit to the city, don’t forget to explore our guide to the best Things to Do in Exeter for more inspiration.
It All Starts at Exeter’s Custom House ⚓
The tour begins outside the historic Custom House on Exeter Quay.
Rather than heading straight to the boat, our Red Coat Guide first took us on a gentle walk around the Quay, stopping at several points to explain how this part of Exeter developed into such an important trading area.
Although we already knew the basic story of why the Exeter Ship Canal was built, the guide added plenty of detail that we’d never heard before.
One of the most interesting parts was learning more about the history behind the canal itself. Exeter was once an important trading port, but weirs built across the River Exe by the Courtenay family of Powderham disrupted navigation and prevented larger vessels from reaching the city. To overcome this obstacle, Exeter constructed what became one of Britain’s oldest man-made ship canals, allowing trade to continue and helping secure the city’s future as a port.
It’s a story many locals will have heard in passing, but hearing the extra detail while standing on the Quay where so much of that history unfolded made it far more memorable.
It’s amazing how a place you’ve walked around countless times can still surprise you.
📖 Did You Know?
The Exeter Ship Canal, opened in 1566, is widely regarded as one of the oldest man-made ship canals in Britain. It was built to bypass the weirs on the River Exe and restore Exeter’s access to the sea, helping the city remain an important trading port for centuries.
🎥 Tour Highlights
Here’s a short highlights video from the Red Coat Guides’ Canal Boat Tour to give you a flavour of the route and scenery 👇️
An Unexpected Trip on the Butts Ferry ⛴️
One part of the tour completely caught us by surprise.
Before reaching the Canal Basin, our guide led us to the historic Butts Ferry, where we crossed the River Exe to the opposite bank.
We hadn’t realised this was included, so it felt like an unexpected bonus and added another layer to the experience before we’d even stepped aboard the canal boat.
After another short walk and a little more commentary from the guide, we arrived at the Canal Basin ready to begin the cruise to Double Locks.
(We’re not sure if the Butts Ferry crossing is included every time, but it certainly made our tour even more memorable.)
Cruising Along Exeter’s Historic Ship Canal 🚤
Once everyone was on board, we set off along the historic Exeter Ship Canal towards Double Locks.
Because of the engine noise, there wasn’t constant commentary throughout the cruise, which is understandable. Instead, the guide pointed out interesting features along the route whenever possible and was more than happy to answer questions from passengers as we travelled.
One of the highlights for us was passing through the canal’s swing bridges. Watching the crew stop the boat, swing the bridges open and then continue the journey was fascinating. It’s one of those things you rarely get to experience unless you’re travelling along the canal yourself.
The peaceful surroundings, combined with the occasional commentary, gave everyone plenty of time to relax and simply enjoy being on the water.
Arriving at Double Locks 🌿
Before long we arrived at Double Locks, where everyone was free to spend a little time exploring.
Some people headed to the Double Locks pub for a drink or a bite to eat, others explored the lock area, while a few passengers stayed on board ready for the return journey.
With the weather being so nice, we decided to explore Double Locks before walking back to Exeter Quay. If walking isn’t for you, you can stay on board for the return cruise. Depending on the timetable and the time of day, it may also be possible to catch a later boat back after spending more time at Double Locks—just check with the crew before you set off.
Walking Back Along the Canal 🦢
Walking back turned out to be a great decision.
The route alongside the Exeter Ship Canal is peaceful and easy to follow. Along the way we spotted a family of swans gliding through the water, watched dragonflies hovering over the canal and generally enjoyed seeing a quieter side of Exeter that many visitors probably never experience.
As we continued back towards Exeter Quay, we also passed paddleboarders and kayakers making the most of the sunshine. It was great to see the canal being enjoyed in so many different ways, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the afternoon.
If you enjoy a gentle walk, we’d certainly recommend it, although it’s nice to know the boat also returns to Exeter Quay if you’d rather stay on board.
Our Final Thoughts
What we enjoyed most was that this wasn’t simply a boat trip.
The combination of a guided walk around Exeter Quay, the unexpected crossing on the Butts Ferry, a relaxing cruise along the historic Exeter Ship Canal and the fascinating local history made it feel like several experiences rolled into one.
Even as locals, we came away with a better understanding of Exeter’s maritime history thanks to the knowledge and enthusiasm of the Red Coat Guide.
If you’re visiting Exeter during July or August, we’d certainly recommend looking out for this seasonal tour. Whether you’re visiting Exeter for the first time or have lived in the area for years, it’s a wonderful way to experience a different side of the city.
A Few Tips Before You Go 💡
✅ The tour starts outside the Custom House on Exeter Quay.
✅ It’s a seasonal tour, usually running during July and August.
✅ There is a charge for the boat trip, with tickets available on board.
✅ Don’t forget your camera – there are plenty of opportunities for photos along the canal.
✅ If the weather’s good and you enjoy walking, consider making your own way back from Double Locks to Exeter Quay. The riverside path is easy to follow and well worth it.
If you’re looking for a different way to explore Exeter during the summer months, this seasonal tour is well worth considering. Combining a guided walk around Exeter Quay with a relaxing cruise along the historic Exeter Ship Canal, it’s a memorable experience that offers a fascinating insight into the city’s maritime past. 🚤
Further Reading
Want to learn more about Exeter’s award-winning Red Coat Guides? You may also enjoy:
🚶 Are Exeter Red Coat Guides Worth It? – Our first-hand experience of Exeter’s famous free walking tours, what to expect and why they’re one of the city’s best-loved attractions.
Related Guides 📍
Planning more time in Exeter? You might also enjoy these guides:
🚶 Exeter Red Coat Guides – Find out more about Exeter’s award-winning volunteer guides, including their free walking tours and seasonal experiences.
🌟 Things to Do in Exeter – Discover the city’s top attractions, hidden gems and must-visit places.
⛪ Exeter Cathedral – Explore one of England’s finest medieval cathedrals and the beautiful Cathedral Green.
📅 Exeter Events – Find out what’s happening in Exeter throughout the year, from festivals and markets to live entertainment and family events.
🏨 Accommodation in Exeter – Looking to stay a little longer? Explore hotels, B&Bs and other great places to stay in and around the city.