Attractions and Places To See around Upton Pyne - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Upton Pyne include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and scenic countryside. This area in Devon, England, offers a serene atmosphere with views of hills and fertile landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient churches, historic houses, and Bronze Age burial mounds, alongside rivers and picturesque thatched cottages. The region provides opportunities for walking and cycling, connecting to broader historical and natural routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Upton Pyne
- The most…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Exeter Ship Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
It was first constructed in the 1560s and …
Tip by
Countess Wear Bridges
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Exeter Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Topsham Dock
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
Highlight • Historical Site
The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location …
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Upton Pyne.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
you can easily end up walking in circles i followed a public foot path that leads to a dead end amazing looking houses
1
0
This swing bridge is an interesting construction.
0
0
Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
5
0
The cathedral (bishop's church) in Exeter was dedicated to Saint PETER. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called - together with his brother Andrew - by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the "princes of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.
4
0
Exeter Ship Canal is a canal leading from (and beside) the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon. It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham. The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops. Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.
7
0
Countess Wear Bridges are two bridges in Exeter, Devon that cross the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. They have a D-Day connection because they were used for military training by British paratroops prior to the Normandy landings in 1944. The bridges were chosen because they resembled two bridges in France that were part of the Operation Deadstick, a daring mission to capture and hold the crossings over the Caen Canal and River Orne. The training involved rehearsing different scenarios and tactics in case the plan went wrong on D-Day.
8
0
Have crossed the busy road at the Countess Wear lights many times, but not noticed this board until very recently. It tells an interesting story...
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular attractions near Upton Pyne?
Visitors frequently enjoy the historic Exeter Cathedral, known for its impressive vaulted ceiling and astronomical clock. The Exeter Ship Canal is also a popular choice for leisure activities like walking and cycling, being the first canal built in Britain since Roman times. Additionally, Topsham Dock offers a glimpse into the region's maritime past with views over the River Exe.
What historical sites can I visit within Upton Pyne village?
Upton Pyne is rich in history. You can explore the Church of Our Lady (St. Mary's Church), a beautiful 14th-century church with 16th-century canopied tombs and striking west tower carvings. The village also features picturesque thatched and whitewashed cottages, contributing to its traditional English charm. For a deeper dive into ancient history, the Upton Pyne Barrows, Bronze Age burial mounds, offer a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past.
Are there any significant historical buildings or landmarks near Upton Pyne?
Beyond the village, you can find Pynes House, a magnificent Grade II* listed Queen Anne style country house dating from the early 18th century, which now serves as a wedding and events venue. Another notable landmark is Cowley Bridge, an early 19th-century stone bridge spanning the River Creedy, designed by civil engineer James Green and recognized as a scheduled ancient monument.
What natural features can I explore around Upton Pyne?
The area around Upton Pyne is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering serene views northwards to the hills of Raddon, Cadbury, and Christ Cross. The River Creedy flows through the area, notably spanned by Cowley Bridge. You can also seek out The Great Oak at Upton Pyne, an ancient and significant natural landmark noted on maps since 1765, standing at Great Oak Crossroads.
Are there good walking or hiking opportunities near Upton Pyne?
Yes, the surrounding area is ideal for walks and hikes, with several circular routes traversing fields and offering far-reaching views. The Exe Valley Railway Path is a pleasant route for walking. For more structured options, you can find easy hikes around Upton Pyne, including loops from Brampford Speke and Newton St. Cyres.
Can I find cycling routes near Upton Pyne?
Absolutely. The Exeter Ship Canal path is excellent for cycling. For more adventurous rides, there are various MTB trails around Upton Pyne, including routes to Ottery St Mary and the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park. Gravel biking enthusiasts can also explore gravel biking routes around Upton Pyne, such as those near Castle Drogo or Killerton.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Upton Pyne?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal and Countess Wear Bridges offer flat paths for walking and cycling. Exeter Cathedral provides an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Additionally, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is a family-friendly spot with shops, eateries, and a riverside location.
Where can I find local hospitality or places to eat near Upton Pyne?
For local hospitality, The Crossways Inn is a popular village pub serving traditional food. A short distance away, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers a charming setting with shops and eateries by the river, perfect for a meal or a Devon cream tea. Topsham Dock also has a pub with outdoor seating.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Upton Pyne?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The serene atmosphere, scenic countryside views, and the opportunity to explore ancient landmarks like the Church of Our Lady are highly valued. Many also enjoy the leisure activities along the Exeter Ship Canal and the charm of places like Topsham Dock.
Where can I learn about the maritime history near Upton Pyne?
To delve into the region's maritime past, visit Topsham Dock. Once one of England's busiest ports, it retains its historical character and offers lovely views over the moored boats on the River Exe. The Topsham Museum is an excellent resource for learning more about the town's incredible maritime heritage.
Are there any unique architectural features or village charm to experience in Upton Pyne?
Upton Pyne is renowned for its picturesque charm, largely due to its distinctive thatched and whitewashed cottages. These traditional buildings, along with the historic Church of Our Lady and its flower-bedecked churchyard, create a quintessential 'ye olde worlde' English village atmosphere, complete with a lovely wooden lych gate and cobbled roads.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
