Best attractions and places to see around Silverton, a village in Devon, England, offers a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational trails. Situated in the Exe Valley, the area is characterized by its rural setting, rivers, and woodlands. Visitors can explore historical mills, former railway lines converted into paths, and expansive parklands. This guide features 3 notable attractions and places to see in and around Silverton.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
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There's a few disabled parking spaces right on the Quay and the walks are all wheelchair user friendly, there's bus routes and train station all within a mile of the quay. If like me on your walk you like to re-stall your batteries and have a hot or cold drink there's lots of great pubs restaurants and little cafes on the Quay and they all welcome dogs, if you check out what's on in Exeter you might be lucky to see one of the many events they hold like morse dancing, the boat racing, mental health walk, the food festivals and many more, enjoy the ruins and history walks also.
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Car park and numerous food outlets alongside the river perfect to spend a time to relax
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Exeter Quay, also known as Exeter Quayside, is a district of Exeter on the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. It was used as a port since prehistoric times, when a sandstone outcrop was used to unload the ships of overseas traders.[1] However, in 1381, the Countess Weir closed the river to shipping. In 1566, a canal was completed to allow ships access. Over time, the number of ships using the quay increased, and so the quay was extended in the late 17th century. Further extension took place in 1830 when a new canal basin was dug. However, in 1840, the railway reached Exeter, and shipping began to decline. The quay is no longer used for shipping, but mainly for recreational purposes.
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lots to do along the Quay, saw ducks, swans great places to eat and drink, there are many different routes you can stay on a path or walk through mud path. wheelchair friendly the Quay got lots of history and gift shops
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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.
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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.
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You can have a nice rest here. There is also a second-hand shop.
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The area around Silverton is rich in history. You can visit Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, an 18th-century water mill that is still operational and offers shops and eateries. Another historical highlight is the Exe Valley Railway Path, which follows a former railway line important to local residents from the late 1880s to the 1960s. Additionally, Whimple Village Centre features the Norman Church of St Mary's and preserves the tradition of Wassailing.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers a fascinating look at an 18th-century working mill, along with shops and a riverside location for breaks. Whimple Village Centre provides a charming village square and amenities. For outdoor exploration, Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers 180 acres of parkland with grand lakes and sweeping vistas, perfect for a family stroll.
You'll find several excellent trails. The Exe Valley Railway Path is a historical trail that follows a former railway line, ideal for both walking and cycling. Another great option is the Killerton Park Cycle Track, which offers a brilliant stretch through Killerton National Trust for walkers and cyclists, though it can get muddy in winter.
Yes, the Exe Valley Railway Path is known to be very dog-friendly and easy to follow. It offers a pleasant walk along a historical route.
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Killerton Gravel – Columbjohn Chapel loop' or the 'Wild Garlic Path at Killerton'. Cyclists can find gravel biking routes such as 'Killerton Parkland Bridleway' or the 'Exe Estuary Trail'. Runners also have options like the 'Running loop from Silverton'. You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective komoot guides: Hiking around Silverton, Gravel biking around Silverton, and Running Trails around Silverton.
The region offers beautiful natural settings. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge provides 180 acres of parkland with grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The Killerton Park Cycle Track takes you through the scenic Killerton National Trust, featuring woodlands and trails. The Exe Valley itself is characterized by its rural setting, rivers, and woodlands.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn houses shops and eateries in a gorgeous riverside location, perfect for a meal or a Devon cream tea. In Whimple Village Centre, despite its small size, you'll find two pubs, a village shop, and a post office.
The best time largely depends on your preferred activity. For walking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, though trails like the Killerton Park Cycle Track can get muddy in the winter months. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The working 18th-century mill at Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is a highlight, often combined with a cream tea. The historical significance and ease of use of the Exe Valley Railway Path for walks with dogs are also frequently praised. The tranquility and scenic beauty of places like Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge are also highly valued.
While not strictly 'hidden,' Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers a serene experience. This 180-acre park, once home to a manor house, provides grand lakes and sweeping vistas. Although the park is sometimes open to the public, the Devonshire Heartland Way traverses its southern section all year round, offering a chance to explore its beauty.
Hiking trails near Silverton vary in length and difficulty. For example, the 'Killerton House – View of the Devon Countryside loop' is an easy 4.5 km (2.8 miles) route, while the 'Wild Garlic Path at Killerton – Killerton Gravel loop' is a moderate 8.2 km (5.1 miles) hike. You can find more detailed information on various routes, including their distances and difficulty grades, on the Hiking around Silverton guide.


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