Double Locks
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Double Locks

4.3
·3k reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic canal-side inn with scenic outdoor seating and cozy log fires, perfect for relaxed dining and drinks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Vibrant outdoor atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Double Locks

Double Locks

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Vibrant outdoor atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic canal-side inn with scenic outdoor seating and cozy log fires, perfect for relaxed dining and drinks.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"A gorgeous, picturesque pub by the canal offering outstanding food and great service."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 Canoe to Double Locks

Arrive by canoe for a unique journey from Exeter Quay!

🚶 Scenic Canal Walk

Enjoy the hour-long walk from Exeter Quay; it's part of the charm.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal-Side Seating

Canal-Side Seating

Outdoor area

Soak up the sun and canal views from this picturesque waterside spot. Perfect for a relaxed drink or meal.

Sunday Roast

Sunday Roast

Restaurant

Generous portions of beef, delicious potatoes, and ample vegetables make this a must-try.

Cosy Snug Rooms

Cosy Snug Rooms

Indoor seating areas

Warm up by the log fires in these inviting snug rooms, ideal for a chilly day.

Divine Scotch Eggs

Divine Scotch Eggs

Bar/Restaurant

These highly-praised scotch eggs are a delightful snack or starter.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Canal-Side Charm

Double Locks is best enjoyed with a leisurely approach. Consider arriving by canoe for a unique experience, or enjoy the scenic walk along the canal path. Booking ahead for Sunday roasts is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Seasonal Vibes & Service

Summer offers vibrant outdoor seating, while cozy snugs with log fires await in cooler months. Be aware that on very busy days, plastic cups may be used for drinks. Service can vary, so patience is key.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Vibrant outdoor atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Sunday lunch
Why
Delicious roasts
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Cosy log fires
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Father’s Day canoe trip with @Penny Fam Will from Exeter Quay to Double Locks Pub Exeter. Thanks to AS Watersports.
@chrishealthierdadjourney
6.3K likes • 129.2K views

🛶 Canoe to Double Locks

Arrive by canoe for a unique journey from Exeter Quay! TikTok

🚶 Scenic Canal Walk

Enjoy the hour-long walk from Exeter Quay; it's part of the charm. TikTok

Very good summer vibes #exeteruniversity #universityofexeter
@emilyynataliee
1K likes • 36.9K views
reddit.com

What to do in Exeter on Sunday, 15th September – Recommendations for German tourists?

🍽️ Book Sunday Roast

Highly recommended for a delicious and plentiful meal. Reddit

🍳 Don't Miss Scotch Eggs

Praised as 'divine' and a must-try snack. Reddit

reddit.com

Eating out with Family

Tips

from all over the internet

🛶 Canoe to Double Locks

Arrive by canoe for a unique journey from Exeter Quay! TikTok

🚶 Scenic Canal Walk

Enjoy the hour-long walk from Exeter Quay; it's part of the charm. TikTok

🍽️ Book Sunday Roast

Highly recommended for a delicious and plentiful meal. Reddit

🍳 Don't Miss Scotch Eggs

Praised as 'divine' and a must-try snack. Reddit

🔥 Cozy Up by the Fire

Perfect for cooler days in their inviting snug rooms.

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Double Locks is celebrated for its stunning canal-side location and cozy interior, offering a picturesque setting for dining and drinks. Visitors rave about the delicious Sunday roasts and highly-rated scotch eggs, alongside a good selection of beers. While some note minor service hiccups or the use of plastic cups during busy periods, the overall sentiment is one of relaxation and enjoyment in a beautiful environment.

"The location and setting is amazing, especially outdoors in the summer. There is a good selection of beers, ales, and cider.

I’m not a fan of the plastic serving cups though I understand why they have to do it on very busy days.

They also ran out of tea and I had bring tea pots back to be able to order one. Again, not the end of the world but the service experience wasn’t brilliant overall.

Only tried the scotch egg but it was lovely!"

Graham Norwood

"We walked down the canal on a rather wet and windy Sunday. We saw kingfishers, swans and a heron. We had a roastwhich I would highly recommend. A good amount of beef, the tastiest potatoes and plenty of veg.
We also finally tried the scotch eggs! They were divine! An amazingly relaxing and restful Sunday ."

Anna Bruen

"Great pub, excellent staff, fairly good fish and chips. More mushy peas, please!"

Mark H. B.

What People Like

Amazing location and setting
Delicious Sunday roasts
Cosy snug rooms

What People Dislike

Plastic serving cups
Occasional service issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Double Locks from Exeter Quay by a scenic walk along the canal path, which takes about an hour.TikTok For a more adventurous arrival, consider a canoe trip, as recommended by visitors.TikTok There is also parking available if you prefer to drive.

While not directly on a bus route, the walk from Exeter Quay is a popular and enjoyable way to reach Double Locks. The quay itself is well-served by local transport.

Absolutely! Arriving by canoe is a highlighted experience, offering a unique perspective of the journey along the canal.TikTok There are facilities for boats and canoes.

The walk follows the canal towpath, offering pleasant views of the water and surrounding nature. It's a relatively flat and easy path, suitable for most walkers.TikTok

Yes, Double Locks does offer parking facilities for visitors who choose to drive to the pub.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Double Locks is a pub and restaurant, so there are no entry tickets required to visit. You pay for food and drinks consumed.

Opening hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially if planning a visit on a specific day like Sunday for lunch.Reddit

Booking a table is highly recommended, particularly for Sunday lunch, as it can get very busy. This ensures you secure a spot for your meal.Reddit

Information on special events is not widely publicized in the provided content, but it's worth checking their social media or website for any upcoming announcements.

While not explicitly mentioned, many canal-side pubs are dog-friendly. It's advisable to contact Double Locks directly to confirm their pet policy.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Double Locks offers a range of pub classics, with Sunday roasts being a particular highlight, featuring generous portions of meat, potatoes, and vegetables.Reddit They also serve dishes like fish and chips and are known for their 'divine' scotch eggs.Reddit

Specific vegetarian and vegan options are not detailed in the provided reviews. It's recommended to inquire directly with the pub about their current menu offerings.

The Sunday roast receives high praise, with mentions of a good amount of beef, tasty potatoes, and plenty of vegetables, making it a highly recommended choice.Reddit

Yes, the scotch eggs are frequently mentioned and described as 'divine' and a must-try item.Reddit

Double Locks offers a good selection of beers, ales, and cider, catering to various preferences.

📸 📸 Photography

The picturesque canal setting, especially during summer with outdoor seating, offers beautiful photo opportunities. The cozy interior with log fires also provides a charming backdrop in cooler months.

Late afternoon or early evening during summer can offer lovely golden hour light over the canal. For cozy interior shots, any time the fires are lit would be ideal.

The canal locks themselves, the boats moored nearby, and the pub's exterior with its waterside location are prime subjects for photography.

Yes, the canal path is known for wildlife sightings, including kingfishers, swans, and herons, offering great opportunities for nature photography.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For wildlife, a telephoto lens might be useful, while for general ambiance, a wide-angle lens can capture the canal and pub setting effectively.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Double Locks offers a family-friendly environment, especially during warmer months when children can enjoy the outdoor space by the canal. The scenic walk to the pub can also be an adventure for kids. While specific children's menus aren't detailed, the relaxed atmosphere and hearty food options like Sunday roasts are generally appealing. Consider the canoe arrival for an extra element of fun.TikTok

🚶 Hikers & Walkers

The walk from Exeter Quay to Double Locks is a significant draw for walkers. It's a pleasant, relatively flat route along the canal, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like swans and herons.Reddit The pub serves as an excellent destination for a rewarding meal or drink after a good walk, with hearty options like the Sunday roast being a popular choice.Reddit

🍻 Beer & Ale Enthusiasts

Double Locks boasts a good selection of beers, ales, and cider, making it an attractive spot for those who appreciate a well-poured pint. The canal-side setting enhances the drinking experience, especially on a sunny afternoon. Exploring their range of local and traditional brews is part of the charm.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Double Locks Experience: More Than Just a Pub

Double Locks is an 18th-century inn that offers a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and relaxed dining. Its prime location by the canal locks in Exeter makes it a destination in itself, whether you're arriving by foot, canoe, or car. The pub is renowned for its outdoor seating, which is particularly vibrant during the summer months, offering a perfect spot to enjoy a drink and the waterside ambiance.TikTok

Beyond the summer charm, Double Locks provides a cozy retreat during colder periods. The two snug rooms, complete with log fires, create an inviting and warm atmosphere, ideal for a comforting meal or a quiet drink. This duality ensures that Double Locks is a year-round destination, appealing to different preferences depending on the season. The pub also boasts a good selection of beers, ales, and cider, complementing its food offerings.

Community feedback highlights specific culinary delights, such as the 'divine' scotch eggs and the highly recommended Sunday roasts, which are noted for their generous portions and delicious components.Reddit While service can sometimes be impacted during peak times, the overall experience is often described as relaxing and restful, making it a popular choice for a leisurely outing.Reddit

Navigating to and Around Double Locks

Getting to Double Locks offers several appealing options, each adding to the overall experience. For those seeking an adventurous and memorable arrival, a canoe trip from Exeter Quay is a popular choice, as showcased in TikTok videos.TikTok This method not only provides a unique perspective of the journey but also aligns with the canal-side setting of the pub.

Alternatively, a leisurely walk along the canal path from Exeter Quay is a highly recommended and scenic route. This approximately hour-long stroll allows visitors to appreciate the natural surroundings and wildlife, making the journey part of the destination.TikTok For visitors who prefer to drive, Double Locks does provide parking facilities, offering convenience for those coming from further afield.

Once at Double Locks, the focus is on relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you're seated outdoors by the canal or nestled in a warm snug room by the fire, the atmosphere encourages a slower pace. The pub's layout is designed to maximize the enjoyment of its location, with ample outdoor seating and cozy indoor spaces.

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