Cricklepit Mill - Image 1
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Cricklepit Mill

4.5
·62 reviews·, United Kingdom

A hidden wildlife garden and historic mill machinery offering a peaceful nature escape in the heart of Exeter.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
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Cricklepit Mill - Image 1

Cricklepit Mill

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden wildlife garden and historic mill machinery offering a peaceful nature escape in the heart of Exeter.

4.5
(62 reviews)

"A wonderful place to visit for such a small area it has a huge amount of nature value."

Vertical photo
TIP

Fill the Bird Feeder!

:seedling: Contribute to the ecosystem by filling the bird feeders. A small act for nature!

Explore the Machinery

⚙️ Even if you can't enter, the exterior mill machinery is fascinating to examine up close.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 62 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Garden Oasis

Wildlife Garden Oasis

Adjacent to the mill

A surprisingly rich haven with bug hotels, bird boxes, and a pond teeming with life. A peaceful escape.

Historic Mill Machinery

Historic Mill Machinery

Exterior of the mill

Admire the impressive, well-preserved machinery of Cricklepit Mill, a testament to its industrial past.

River Exe Views

River Exe Views

Along the riverbank

Enjoy tranquil views of the River Exe, though sometimes marred by shopping trolleys. A spot to unwind.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife Garden

Discover a hidden gem in Exeter's heart! Cricklepit Mill offers a surprising amount of nature value in a small space, featuring bug hotels, bird boxes, and a wildlife pond. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing break from city shopping.

Check Opening Times

While the mill machinery is visible from outside, the wildlife garden and visitor center have specific opening hours, often Monday to Friday. Confirm these before your visit to make the most of your trip.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Summer
Why
Nature is at its most vibrant
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

he was special #orangeelephant #torbay #exeter #torquay #devonshire #devon #newtonabbot
@thekingofdevon
33.8K likes • 467.3K views

Fill the Bird Feeder!

:seedling: Contribute to the ecosystem by filling the bird feeders. A small act for nature! Reddit

Explore the Machinery

⚙️ Even if you can't enter, the exterior mill machinery is fascinating to examine up close. Reddit

A glimpse of my gorgeous solo walk from Exeter to Exmouth!!!🥾🪻🎧🌊 #hiketok #hiker #exmouth #devon #exploredevon #getoutside #adventure #girlswhohike
@esmebbb
5.1K likes • 78.5K views
#niceplaces #Devon #Exeter #fyp
@rugbyleaguerunner
5K likes • 72.2K views

Peaceful City Escape

🏞️ A relaxing spot amidst Exeter's bustle. Perfect for a short nature break. Reddit

Learn About Nature

📚 The visitor center offers great info on local wildlife and volunteering opportunities. Reddit

How big is baby in the #secondtrimester #fruitbaby #parttwo #wttwexeter #windowtothewomb #exeterclinic #devonmums #gestationsize #babysize #pregnant #pregnancy #avocado #genderscan #4Dscan #babyscan #exeter #gestation #16week #24week #20week
@wttwexeter
2.2K likes • 154.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Fill the Bird Feeder!

:seedling: Contribute to the ecosystem by filling the bird feeders. A small act for nature! Reddit

Explore the Machinery

⚙️ Even if you can't enter, the exterior mill machinery is fascinating to examine up close. Reddit

Peaceful City Escape

🏞️ A relaxing spot amidst Exeter's bustle. Perfect for a short nature break. Reddit

Learn About Nature

📚 The visitor center offers great info on local wildlife and volunteering opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(62 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cricklepit Mill is praised as an impressive wildlife garden offering significant nature value in a compact city space, with its historic mill machinery also being a point of interest. While some note the presence of shopping trolleys in the river, the overall sentiment is that it's a relaxing and educational spot, ideal for a short break.

"Impressive wildlife garden in middle of city near quayside. Shame about shopping trollies in River. But a relaxong spot."

Derek C

"Couldn't go in but really enjoyed a close examination of the machinery of Cricklepit Mill."

Paul Davies

"Excellent venue to learn about Wildlife and tour Environment"

David McGregor

What People Like

Impressive wildlife garden
Historic mill machinery
Relaxing city spot

What People Dislike

Shopping trolleys in river

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cricklepit Mill is conveniently located near the Exeter Quayside, making it easily accessible on foot from the city center. Many visitors arrive as part of a walk along the River Exe or from nearby shopping areas. TikTok+1

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the mill, several car parks are available in the city center and near the Quayside, such as the Guildhall Shopping Centre car park or the Haven Banks Car Park. TikTok

Yes, cycling is a great option! The Quayside area is well-connected by cycle paths, and you can often find bike racks nearby. TikTok

Exeter city center is served by numerous bus routes, and the Quayside is a short walk from most central bus stops. The nearest train station is Exeter St Davids, which is also within walking distance or a short bus ride away. TikTok

Look for signs pointing towards the Exeter Quayside. Cricklepit Mill is situated along the River Exe, a short distance from the main Quayside attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cricklepit Mill wildlife garden and to view the exterior machinery is generally free. However, the visitor center may have specific opening hours. Reddit

The wildlife garden and visitor center are often open Monday to Friday, but it's best to check the exact opening times before your visit, as they can vary. Reddit

While the exterior machinery is always visible, the visitor center and wildlife garden might have limited weekend access. It's advisable to confirm their operating days. Reddit

No, the wildlife garden is typically free to enter, making it an accessible spot for everyone to enjoy nature. Reddit

The visitor center inside Cricklepit Mill has friendly staff who can provide plenty of information for anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about nature conservation. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The wildlife garden is designed to attract a variety of species, including many birds and bugs. You might also spot wildlife in the small pond and along the River Exe. Reddit

You can explore the wildlife garden, admire the historic mill machinery, relax by the river, and learn about local nature and conservation efforts in the visitor center. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy exploring the wildlife garden, looking for bugs and birds, and seeing the impressive mill machinery. It's a great educational spot. Reddit

There aren't specific picnic facilities mentioned, but finding a quiet spot along the riverbank to enjoy a packed lunch is often possible. Reddit

The machinery at Cricklepit Mill is a historical remnant of its industrial past, showcasing the engineering and processes used in milling. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the intricate details of the mill machinery, the diverse flora and fauna in the wildlife garden, and the scenic views along the River Exe. TikTok

Absolutely! The wildlife garden is a prime spot for macro photography of insects and close-ups of birds, especially if you fill the feeders. Reddit

Yes, the exterior of the mill and its machinery are excellent subjects for industrial heritage photography. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage on-site. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light, ideal for both wildlife and landscape photography. TikTok

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