Guided Bird Watching on the Exe

Towards the very end of last month, we welcomed our first Guided Bird Watching Cruise of this season and, as expected, we were not disappointed with the wildlife display to which we and our passengers were treated to. We truly do adore this time of year – of course, the summer and its wide range of coastal cruises is absolutely wonderful but there is something very magical indeed about this transition from summer to winter and with it, sharing the river with little other than its prolific bird life at this time of year.

If you are interested in keeping up to date on the latest sightings, numbers and other observations throughout the birding season, you’ll want to keep an eye on our Blog, which will be uploaded after each and every expedition throughout the season.

Perhaps, like me a few years ago, you’ve never indulged in bird watching in the past – you might even be skim-reading this bit and thinking ‘this is not for me’? Well, that is of course absolutely fine but let me just take this opportunity to boast to you that the Exe Estuary is, without doubt, widely considered one of the very best locations in the country to observe the many thousands of waders and wildfowl which visit during winter. A boat trip at this time of year offers the opportunity to engage in nature – to immerse yourself in the wild world, learn something new and engulf your senses in the magic of the Exe Estuary in winter – you really do have to experience it to appreciate it and whether you are a ‘bird watcher’ or not (and honestly? I am not), you will not leave feeling disappointed or like you’ve wasted 3 precious hours.

Suitable and entirely inclusive for beginners and undoubtedly beneficial to experts, these cruises have a full commentary throughout from leading local Ornithologists (birding experts). With their expert eye, informative guidance and entirely relatable language, you will discover and learn all about the species, habitats, breeding and feeding behaviors of the thousands of birds on the River Exe and surrounding areas.

Our Guided Bird Watching Cruises will run on selected dates from now, through to March 2025, which covers the period during which the bjrds are here. Many of these sailings are filling up very fast and as a rule, tickets always to sell out, so if you think you would like to join us, I would advise that you check your diaries and book as soon as possible in order to avoid disappointment. Even if the weather is a bit damp (as it so very often is!), you will still see plenty of birdlife from the comfort of our lower covered and heated deck and large, panoramic and exceptionally clean windows (thanks to our incredibly attentive Crew)!

As ever, award-winning ‘Chunk of Devon’ pasties – both steak and vegetarian – are available to pre-order at the time of booking, to be enjoyed hot during your cruise. Mugs of hearty vegetarian soup will also be available to purchase on board and our fully licensed bar will be serving a wide range of hot, cold, alcoholic and soft drinks and snacks throughout, should you require any sustenance!

Bias and tiresome sales talk aside, I really do, genuinely and personally recommend experiencing this, even just once. This wild playground is right here on our doorstep and it’s really special, trust me.

Give the gift of time…

The invaluable gift of time to make memories together with a Gift Voucher from Stuart Line Cruises.

What could be better than treating your loved ones to a bookable experience in Devon – some time out on the water, taking in the stunning scenery of the River Exe or Devon Coastlines?

Gift vouchers can be purchased in increments of £5, £10, £20, £25 or £50 up to any amount Or alternatively, vouchers can also be purchased for a specific boat trip and where possible can include our famously delicious Devon Cream Teas!

All gift vouchers have a two-year expiry date from the date of purchase, allowing plenty of opportunity to enjoy time together.

We charge £1.50 for Standard 2nd Class UK Delivery for all purchases and vouchers will be sent out the next working day by second class mail. The last posting date for delivery in time for Christmas will be Tuesday 17th December 2024 and beyond this date, it will still be possible to pop to our Booking Office at Exmouth Marina for local pick up, right up ‘till Christmas Eve (yes I’m looking at you, last-minute Larry)!

Gift vouchers can be purchased via our online shop below or alternatively, if you are lucky enough to live nearby and fancy a friendly chat with a real-life human, we’d love you to pop in to see us at our booking office at Exmouth Marina (EX8 1FE), or simply call us on 01395 222144 and we will be happy to help you choose the perfect gift!

Photo corner, get involved!

We love seeing your photos. Please email us your snaps by hitting the reply button on this email, or by emailing info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk for your chance to be in our photo corner.

Tina Smith

Enjoy a Canal Cruise with a Christmas Market!

What could be better than a Cathedral Christmas Market in the Heart of Devon, with iconic views, a festive atmosphere and a boat cruise along the Exeter Canal!

Visit Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market on the city’s iconic Cathedral Green, and enter a winter wonderland set among a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of more than a hundred festive chalets.

Explore a vast range of delicious global street food options, bars, local West Country produce, unique hand-crafted gifts, decorations and much more. You will find activities and performances – including seasonal singing from the world-class Exeter Cathedral Choir – to entertain once the shopping is done, as well as an opportunity to step inside the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral.

Already Devon’s biggest Christmas market and a much-loved highlight in the county’s calendar, this year’s event will be extended even further to include Exeter Cathedral’s historic Cloister Garden, where you can discover more pop-up traders, festive fun for all the family, sample the menu of the cathedral’s brand new Chapter House Refectory and browse unique gift collections in the new Exeter Cathedral Shop.

The 2024 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is open every day from Friday 15 November to Sunday 15 December. Opening times are Monday-Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm.

If you fancy coupling this festive event with a majestic cruise along the historic Exeter Canal, we have two dates available on the 10th and 11th of December! Go book early here to avoid disappointment.

Force Cancer Charity Santa Cycle & Cruise 2024

Kicking off the Christmas season with fun, Stuart Line Cruises are proud to help support Force Cancer Charity again this year, with the 2024 Santa cycle!

Starting and finishing at either Topsham or Exmouth, you will cycle six miles along the stunning Exe Estuary Trail, taking in the views along the way. The route itself is fairly flat and mainly along a designated cycle path, ideal for all ages!

At each finish point, riders will join a Stuart Line Cruises boat for a trip along the River Exe, back to the town where they started, giving you a chance to catch your breath and really appreciate the scenery in comfort.

Spaces are limited (3/4 sold!) with a few remaining tickets for the Exmouth to Lympstone trips.

Key info about the ride :
Event date: Sunday 24th November 2024
Discipline: Mainly cycle paths but some road cycling
Distance: 6 miles
Location start / finish point: Choice of either Topsham or Exmouth
Price: Adults £20 / Child £10
Entry limit: 100 on each route
Age limit: All ages are welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

Please note, this event is organised by Force Cancer Charity and as such, booking tickets is done via their own website here – https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/santacycle/ and can not be booked via Stuart Line Cruises. For all enquiries regarding this event, please contact FORCE directly.

5-Star Food Hygiene

This month, we had a visit from East Devon District Council for a routine food hygiene inspection. We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the highest possible rating for Food Safety and Hygiene of 5 stars!

It is only thanks to our brilliant crew, both in the office and the boat, for their diligence and commitment to excellence in everything that we do and for settling for nothing less than the best!