Explore 40 hectares of riverside meadows and woodland with scenic walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views across Exeter.

Riverside Valley Park is a 40-hectare nature reserve managed by Devon Wildlife Trust, located just one mile downriver from Exeter Quay. The reserve features beautiful flood plain meadows filled with wildflowers, particularly ragged-robin and buttercups, alongside the winding River Exe with panoramic views across the city to its cathedral. Visitors can enjoy excellent walking and cycling paths suitable for all ages and abilities, with both easy accessible routes and informal trails through woodland areas. The park offers multiple walking options including the 12-mile Exeter Green Circle route (available in clockwise and anticlockwise directions) and shorter circuits such as the Riverside Valley Park Circuit and Canal and Riverside Connector Walk. The reserve is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts, offering birdwatching opportunities to spot species including snipe and cormorant, picnic facilities, accessible toilets, and plenty of space for outdoor activities. Dogs are welcome under effective control. Free entry and proximity to Exeter city centre make this an accessible destination year-round, with grazing animals present from April to October adding to the pastoral character of the landscape.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

F

Fang Shao

4 months ago

Great place to walk your dog!

T

tingting hui

4 months ago

lovely park, good for a walk, a run and cycle. it is a wonderful place for family or any one.

M

Marks Music

a year ago

Beautiful place winter or summer. Excellent for dog walkers or bike riders. Great if you just want to take in the lovely surroundings.

R

Rithvik Reddy

3 years ago

Beautiful park, easily accessible from Exeter. Would recommend a walk or cycling there. Plenty of paddle boarding around. Lovely field for dogs to run around and play. Definitely recommend visiting it.

S

Suzy Blunt

7 years ago

Beautiful! So glad the river defence work is nearly complete and more of the wonderful, lush Exe Meadows are accessible. We saw a heron and kingfisher during our early morning walk today.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026