Boat Trip & Bike Hire

Cruise & Cycle Exmouth - One of the Best Things to Do in Exmouth

Can you combine a boat trip and cycling in Exmouth?

Yes, you can combine a boat trip along the Exe Estuary with a cycle ride back to Exmouth. With bike delivery options, it’s an easy and flexible way to explore the area. Making it one of the most memorable and enjoyable days out in Devon.

Looking for a unique way to explore Exmouth and the Exe Estuary? Combine a scenic boat trip with a traffic-free cycle ride using our flexible bike hire in Exmouth.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, planning a family day out, or looking for something different to do, this is an easy, flexible way to see more of Exmouth and the surrounding area.

What is Cruise & Cycle in Exmouth?

Cruise & Cycle is a simple concept:

  • Take a boat trip along the Exe Estuary or to Dawlish with Stuart Line Cruises
  • Get dropped off at your destination
  • Cycle back to Exmouth along the scenic, mostly traffic-free trail

With our delivery service, we’ll have your bikes ready exactly where you need them—so your day runs smoothly from start to finish.

These “Cruise & Cycle” experiences let you enjoy the estuary from the water before riding back at your own pace—one of the most memorable things to do in Exmouth.

Unlike traditional bike hire, we coordinate around your cruise—delivering bikes exactly where and when you need them.

🚤 Top Cruise & Cycle Routes in Exmouth

1. Exeter Canal Cruise & Cycle

One of the best full-day experiences in Exmouth.

This trip takes you along the oldest working shipping canal in Europe, departing from 

  • Cruise along Europe’s oldest working shipping canal
  • Arrive at Exeter Quayside
  • Cycle 10 miles back along the Exe Estuary Trail

Why it’s great:

  • Mostly Flat, very scenic ride
  • Ideal for couples and groups
  • A perfect mix of relaxing and active

Departing Exmouth Marina and arriving at Exeter’s Historic Quayside

  • Cruise with: Stuart Line Cruises (check long river cruise timetable)
  • Cruise Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours (One-way).
  • The Cycle Back: Ride 10 miles (flat) along the Exe Estuary Trail back to Exmouth.
  • Logistics: The Cycle Hive can deliver bikes to Exmouth Marina before you board or if no space for bikes on the cruise then Exeter Quay to meet you as you disembark.
  • Estimated Package Cost:
    • Cruise: £15.00 per adult. Via  Stuart Line Cruises 
    • Bike Hire: £18.00 per adult ½ day bike hire. 

You could do this the other way around as well, ride up to Exeter and get the boat back

2. Dawlish Round Robin & Cycle

TA more adventurous option combining coast and estuary.

  • Boat from Exmouth to Dawlish
  • Cycle approx. 14 miles back to Exmouth on the Exe Estuary Trail
  • Stunning coastal and riverside views

Perfect for:

  • Confident riders
  • Full-day explorers

Typically a boat-and-train trip, you can replace the train leg with a cycle back for a more active experience along the Exe Estuary Trail. 

Dawlish Beach Landing,

  • The Cycle Back: A scenic route along the coast and estuary (approx. 14 miles).
  • Logistics: The Cycle Hive can deliver bikes to Exmouth Marina before you board
  • Estimated Package Cost:
    • Cruise: £9.50 (One-way boat only).
    • Bike Hire: £18.00 per adult ½ day bike hire.

You could do this the other way around as well, given the Boat trip timetable, it would require an earl”ish” to make the most of it

Ferry Road Topsham

3. Topsham Round Robin & Cycle

A shorter, relaxed option.

  • 1-hour cruise to Topsham
  • 5-mile cycle back along the most scenic part of the trail

Perfect for:

  • Families
  • Beginners
  • Half-day trips

This shorter trip is perfect for families or those wanting a quicker ride back. 

  • Cruise with: Stuart Line Cruises (check Exe River Cruise Timetable)
  • Cruise Duration: 1 hour from Exmouth to Topsham Quay
  • The Cycle Back: Approx. 5 miles (mostly flat) along the most picturesque part of the trail.
  • Logistics: The Cycle Hive can deliver bikes to Exmouth Marina before you board or if no space for bikes on the cruise then we can deliver to Topsham; you can meet us right at Topsham Quay

.Estimated Package Cost:

    • Cruise: £9.50 (One-way boat only).
    • Bike Hire: £18.00 per adult ½ day bike hire.

You could do this the other way around as well, ride up to Topsham and get the boat back

Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Exmouth

This experience combines everything that makes Exmouth special:

  • 🌊 Scenic estuary views
  • 🚴 Mostly Traffic-free cycling
  • 🍽 Cafés and pubs along the route
  • 🦢 Wildlife and nature
  • 😌 A relaxed, flexible day out

Unlike typical activities, you’re not tied to one location—you explore at your own pace.

Flexible Bike Hire for Your Route

Unlike traditional bike hire shops, we don’t expect you to come to us—we come to you.

With Our Click and Deliver service, we can deliver bikes to:

  • Exmouth Marina (before your cruise)
  • Exeter Quay (when you arrive)
  • Topsham Quay
  • Your accommodation
  • A pre-arranged point on the Exe Estuary Trail

👉 Book your bike hire in Exmouth and choose the most convenient option.

Plan Your Day

Half-Day Option:

  • Cruise to Topsham
  • Cycle back at a relaxed pace
  • Stop for food along the way

Full-Day Option:

  • Cruise to Exeter or Dawlish
  • Explore your destination
  • Cycle back along the estuary

Tips for Cruise & Cycle

  • Book your cruise in advance during peak season
  • Allow time for stops (you’ll want to!)
  • Bring water and sun protection
  • Choose an e-bike for longer routes

Make the Most of Your Visit

Looking for more inspiration?

👉 Discover more Things to do in Exmouth
👉 Explore the Best Cycle Routes in Exmouth

Book Your Cruise & Cycle Experience

Ready to try one of the best days out in Exmouth?

👉 Book your bike hire in Exmouth
👉 choose Click and Deliver for the easiest experience

FAQ's

Can I combine a boat trip with bike hire in Exmouth?

Yes, you can take a cruise along the Exe Estuary or to Dawlish and cycle back using our bike hire in Exmouth, with flexible delivery options to suit your route.

Where will the bikes be delivered?

We can deliver bikes to Exmouth Marina, Exeter Quay, Topsham Quay, or Dawlish Beach

Is this suitable for families?

Yes, shorter routes like Topsham are ideal for families, with flat and traffic-free cycling.

Can you Take Bikes on the Boats:

Stuart Line Cruises generally recommends not bringing bikes on board during peak times and without prior notice, making the "delivery to destination" an efficient choice. But do speak to Stuart Line Cruise see about availability of space.

Is there Group Discounts Available:

If you have more than 15 adults, Stuart Line Cruises offers group rates (e.g., £13.00 for the Canal Cruise). But that would require The Cycle Hive to meet you at the boats destination with the bikes for you to ride back, due to the limitation of the number of bikes they can get on the boats. We would also offer a group booking discount