About
Welcome to Exeter’s Heritage Harbour.
Heritage Harbour status was granted to the canal and basin by the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Ships UK in 2021. There are currently 12 Heritage Harbours across the UK, with the aim of safeguarding and conserving these historic locations and the buildings, quays, shipyards and environments that make them special. This also means we are committed to promoting traditional maritime skills and encouraging heritage vessels to use the canal.
Exeter’s Quay is a bustling area where people come to eat, drink, relax and walk by the water. In the summer there are plenty of activities which encourage more people and families. In 2023, Exeter hosted two Heritage Harbour festivals. Both of which were incredibly successful, with a footfall of 7000 over the two weekends.
We’re looking to welcome traditional sailing vessels to berth in Exeter through the summer period - either a short stay around the Heritage Harbour festival (7th-9th June 2024), or longer term.
During the Harbour Festival, we will assist with funding stepping masts/mast lowering and mooring fees.
To find out more about the history of the harbour see Custom House Exeter and Exeter Memories.
The Exeter Heritage Harbour Route Map has been created to provide a route to help regenerate Exeter Ship Canal and revive its maritime heritage.
