Dog Friendly Exeter: The Quay, the Canal and Where to Eat

Short answer: Exeter's quay and the canal towpath running south are the city walk. Riverside Valley Park is free meadows and river paths. The Prospect Inn on the quay has a serious commitment to dogs.

A city that works with a dog

Exeter is the one place in Devon where a wet day needs no planning, and it also has more green space along the water than most cities its size. The quay, the canal and Riverside Valley Park connect into a long, flat, car-free walk.

Where to walk

• Exeter Quay — converted warehouses on both banks, cafés, and the river.
• The canal towpath, which runs flat and traffic-free south out of the city.
• Riverside Valley Park — free meadows and river paths running south from the quay.
• The Belmont Sensory Garden — believed to be the oldest public sensory garden in the world.
• Killerton, just outside the city — National Trust, three pawprints, dogs on short leads everywhere outside, and the Stables Coffee Shop welcomes dogs and muddy boots.

Where to eat with a dog

• The Prospect Inn on the quay — a serious commitment to dogs, and the obvious stop after a towpath walk.
• The Fat Pig just off the high street — a Sunday roast people travel for, including a gluten-free version.

Babylon on South Street is the highest-rated restaurant in Exeter and is not listed as dog friendly.

What does not take dogs

The Underground Passages are a guided tour through medieval tunnels — assistance dogs only. The cathedral and most indoor attractions are the same. Plan a swap if your group splits.

Getting here

Exeter is the rail hub for Devon, which makes it the easiest city in the county to reach with a dog without driving. Dogs travel free on GWR services; check the current policy before booking.