The historic Exeter Ship Canal first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. The Canal runs through an area of outstanding and protected natural beauty and is a fantastic site to tie-up for a few days.

You can visit the Exeter canal and base your boat there for a few days, or all year round.

Turf locks

Vessels will enter the canal at Turf Locks. You can berth here alongside the Turf, which is one of the only pubs in the country accessible by foot, bike or boat. There are amazing views across the estuary to Topsham from the pub garden.

Canal basin

The canal basin and quay are an historic gateway to the city and provides ample parking with easy access to sports, recreation and shops.

This area is a mix of old and new building and provides moorings for a wide range of vessels.

A walk or cycle along the tow path brings you to the Double Locks pub, or the Turf Hotel at the furthest reach of the canal.

Berthing, moorings and storage both afloat and ashore are available throughout the year.

Charges for private recreational and pleasure vessels

Our charges from 1 April 2023 are as follows

Service	Charge
Visiting vessels’ mooring and berthing (min 2 days) Lock in available between 8am to 3pm dependent on tide by arrangement.	£30.00 per day
Visitor daily electricity and water charge	£2.00 per day
Monthly storage of boats afloat and ashore Special offer: pay 5 months fees in advance and get free passages and lock in/out on organised convoy event dates	£16.25 per metre per month
Special whole season mooring offer: Valid for either the Canal or Basin, minimum 5 months paid in advance includes Locking & Transit with Convoy (per Metre)	£80.00 per metre for the 5 month period
Locking in/out at Turf Lock (out of hours)	£110.00
Labour rate to include Mast stepping	£48.00 per half hour

 

Please note:

• Multihull vessels add 25%
• Storage Ashore After 12 months an additional 25% per quarter cumulative

A complete list of our fees and charges is available for download.

 

Making a booking

Click on the Start button to book your visitor berth. 

We'll need details of your boat: Length, Beam, Draught, Weight as well as a photo.

After you've submitted the form, a  member of our team will contact you with information and for payment.

 

Alternatively, you can contact us online, or via post at:

River and Canal office, Exeter City Council, Haven Road, Exeter. EX2 8DU