Exeter Canal Cruise
A rare heritage experience - early booking recommended.
A rare heritage experience - early booking recommended.
The first canal linking Exeter to the sea was built in 1663 to by-pass the Countess Weir, and although it was relatively narrow and shallow it is regarded as the first shipping canal in the UK. Over the centuries it was progressively improved and enlarged and by 1821 could cope with vessels of 400 tons in weight. Prosperity followed until the arrival of the railways in 1844, when competition saw much trade lost and a gradual decline as a commercial waterway - the last cargo being unloaded in 1973.
Today the Quayside at Exeter has experienced a revival, with a complex of small shops and restaurants using the old warehouses. The cargo ships have been replaced by pedalloes, yachts and canoes. In 1972 the BBC were quick to see the potential of the area and filmed their new drama "The Onedin Line" here, representing 19th century Liverpool.
Boat cruises along the canal operate rarely due to tidal restrictions and we have been fortunate to secure a group allocation on one of these trips - it is likely to sell out quickly so we recommend an early booking!
Wed 1st Oct
Depart Chickerell 08:30 - Portland 09:00 - Weymouth 09:30 - Dorchester 10:00
Arrive Exeter by 12:00
Time for sightseeing and lunch
Cruise begins from the quayside at 14:00
Enjoy a 2 and half hour cruise down the narrow canal and into the Exe Estuary
Land at Exmouth 16:30
Reboard the coach for homeward journey
Return to Dorchester 18:15 - Weymouth 18:45 - Portland 19:15 - Chickerell 19:45
Price includes coach fare and boat cruise fare.
£49 Adult, £47 Senior, £37 Child
The cruise boat has a heated indoor saloon and wide open outdoor decks, a toilet and refreshments are available on board. The skipper will provide an informative commentary of the waterside sights, the history and stories associated with the canal.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bridport Bus Station | Bridport Bus Station, West Street |
| Bridport Toll House | Bridport, Bus stop, Former Toll House Pub |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poundbury QMSW | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop opposite estate agents (Coach heading out of Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
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