Beyond Exeter

If you are able to get beyond Exeter's city boundaries, there are more wonderful places in nature to explore and discover. Some may be easier to access by car but most are accessible by public transport.

Exminster Green Spaces

A group of volunteers with a mission to enhance the green spaces and make the village even more special for people and wildlife.

The village orchard has a mix of around 30 fruit trees - apple, pear, plum, cherry, quince and olive.

Boundary hedges, wildflower borders, a mini pond, woodpile and composting provide a host of wildlife habitats.

There is also a walking trail to explores some of the managed and natural community green spaces along with the signs and sounds of the village.

Download the walking trail map and information here.

Grand Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve stretches for 11¼ miles through peaceful countryside and villages between Tiverton and Lowdwells on the Somerset border.

With over 200 years of history, the canal still features many original structures and is home to the famous Tivertonian horse-drawn barge, which has offered visitor cruises for more than 50 years.

Managed by Devon County Council, the park is rich in wildlife and habitats including woodland, hedgerows, ponds and open water. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, paddling and angling (permits required for paddling and fishing). A new Nature Trail, launched in 2026, includes 26 brass rubbing posts celebrating local wildlife along the canal.

Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest Park, managed by Forestry England, is a 3,500 acre woodland destination located 15 minutes from Exeter and Newton Abbot just off the A38. Best accessed by car as it is not supported by direct public transport.

It offers extensive trails for walking, running, and cycling, along with orienteering, Go Ape treetop adventures, segway tours and a cafe.

It serves as a, popular, accessible, and active, natural, space with dedicated, kid-friendly routes.

Killerton House (National Trust)

Killerton House, a National Trust-owned estate near Exeter, was the historic home of the Acland family for over 250 years before being gifted in 1944. The Georgian house is set in 6,400 acres of working farmland, woods, parkland, cottages and orchards.

Killerton is home to the National Trust's biggest fashion collection, with more than 20,000 items of historic clothing and accessories. The garden boasts rhododendrons, magnolias, champion trees and formal lawns with winding paths, an extinct volcano, an Iron Age hill fort and views towards Dartmoor.

There are also free-to-access and nature-rich areas like Ashclyst Forest, Danes Wood, two new woodlands (Elbury Wood near Cranbrook and Manor Wood near Columbjohn Chapel) and several historic orchards. You can find out more about things to do on the Killerton Estate here.

OrganicARTS

OrganicARTS, based at West Town Farm in Ide, specialises in farm based learning of all shapes and sizes. They run run bespoke educational visits for schools, community groups, businesses and more.

OrganicARTS works on a range of creative art projects using materials and inspirations from the farm. Clay, willow, natural dyes, wood are all part of the toolbox for The Makers Project and Artists’ Workshops.

Their Community Garden Project has a huge impact on people’s lives and sense of well being. It provides a supportive environments for people to engage with the community garden and with each other.

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle, located near Exeter, is a historic, Grade I-listed fortified manor house dating back to the 14th century (c. 1391). Owned by the Courtenay family for over 600 years, it serves as the home of the Earl and Countess of Devon. Known for its stunning Exe estuary views, it offers tours, a deer park and large-scale events.

Readily accessible by public transport - take the No. 2 Stagecoach bus from Exeter/Newton Abbot. The bus stop is right outside the entrance at the top of the drive.

There are extensive walks around the perimeter of the Castle grounds along the estuary and to Turf Locks.