- UK Information
- Exeter Information
- Double Locks
The Double Locks is situated alongside Exeter Canal, running parallel to the River Exe. The building itself was built by James Green in around 1823, although it may date from even earlier. When the canal was in full use, boats would stop here, and further on at the Turf Locks Hotel. There were stables at the Locks, which probably housed the horses used to pull barges along the 5 mile length of canal.
(c) sean creech
It can be reached on foot, if you are up to a 2.5 mile walk from Exeter Quayside, by using either bank. It is also a popular cycle route. The most pleasurable way to reach the Double Locks is by boat. You could hire your own canoe from the Quayside, of take an even more relaxed cruise on the Southern Comfort, which operates in the high season. Alternatively it can be reached by motor vehicle. The grounds are spacious enough for the whole family to roam freely (although bear in mind there is a lot of water around). Particularly popular in the hot summer months, the ever popular beer festivals, along with the barn BBQ, and range of specialist beers, makes it a very popular public house. Among the other attractions is the semi-permanent volleyball court, the kids adventure playground, and the 'campsite' - just an area where many a tent seems to spring up.....well it saves the long walk back in the dark. You can also cruise along to the Turf Locks further up the canal on the White Heather pleasure boat, passing underneath the Countess wear swingbridge.