See Also
Contact Us
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River & Canalt: 01392 274306f: 01392 250234Exeter City Council
Canal Office
Haven Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 8DU
United Kingdom
Historic Port of Exeter
Leisure
Famed for its shipbuilding and maritime history, Topsham on the Exe Estuary was once a larger port than Exeter itself. Now still delightfully self-contained, with its shops, Dutch houses, quay and open spaces, it offers many attractions to the summer or winter visitor.
- A Natural Attraction
- A Heritage Attraction
- Topsham Museum
- Shopping
- Eating Out
- Fun for Children
- Getting to Topsham
- Topsham Ferry
- Boat trips
From the 15th Century church tower at the heart of Topsham a stunning panorama of the Haldon Hills unfolds. Looking down over the estuary you can see small fishing boats in action amongst the sailing craft, whilst at the historic Quay sea-going vessels of all descriptions may be moored. The shores of the estuary are a sanctuary to a large variety of fascinating birds and other wildlife which you can observe more closely either on foot or by boat.
Topsham's past as a thriving centre of commerce and its lucky escape from the ravages of World War II, have left it with a unique architectural legacy. In the centre, many dwelling-houses and shop buildings date from the 17th Century, with some as early as the 14th. Along the well-known Strand, a residential riverside street, you can observe some beautiful examples of 17th and 18th century merchant houses built in the Dutch style, with their characteristic curved gable ends.
One of Topsham's historic buildings, complete with courtyard and estuary gardens, is home to the Topsham Museum, an enviably large collection which celebrates the town's past glory, portraying many details of life there in previous centuries, when Topsham's maritime, commercial and shipbuilding enterprises were in their heyday.
- Open: 3rd April - 31st October Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons 2pm - 5pm.
- Length of Visit: 11/2 hours
- Admission free
Topsham is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, friendliness and hospitality. The many interesting shops in the main street tend to be small family-run businesses catering for the local community throughout the year. There is a fine selection of antiques shops and centres. Explore cobbled alleyways and independent boutiques.
The town is unusually well-endowed with tea-rooms, restaurants and pubs, too many with attractive gardens and terraces! Eating out and stopping for a quiet drink become enjoyable experiences again in a place where character rather than anonymity is the keynote. A speciality is the fresh seafood restaurants such as the Passage Inn and the Galley. There are coaching inns, bistros, friendly pubs, Italian and French restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for a traditional cream tea.
Families with young children can have fun here too especially in the warmer months when the deliciously blue heated open-air pool is open to all, the recreation grounds by the riverside offer space for energetic play.
Just four miles away from Exeter City Centre, Topsham is served by frequent mini-bus and train services. The picturesque town is just a few minutes drive from the M5 and junction 30.
Operates across the River Exe from Topsham to the Exeter Ship Canal and Exminster Marshes.
Normal operating times (subject to variations, tides and weather):
- Summer (1 April to 30 September)
Daily - 11.00am to 5.30pm - Winter
Weekends and most bank holidays only - 11.00am to 5.30pm
Charges (one way)
- 80p adult
- 40p Under 18's & senior citizen
- 40p bicycle, pushchair etc
- 20p dog
Other tasks undertaken (eg water taxi, boat supervision and maintenance etc.) by arrangement with the Ferry Operator Direct: Mike Stevens 07801 203338.
Stuart Line Cruises operate regular River Exe boat trips from Exmouth to Topsham. For further information call Ian Stuart on (01395) 279693.
Topsham to Turf Ferry. Get a unique view of the Exe Estuary, with its rare bird life and ever-changing tides. The crossing takes a relaxing 15 minutes each way.
