Saddles & Paddles
Saddles & Paddles
5
Equipment HireStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & Canoeing
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Bike and paddlesports hire centre, plus bike sales & repairs, on Exeter quay. Pedal from the city to the seaside or paddle to the pub! Easy, relaxing, outdoor fun for all ages, with bike, canoe, kayak and SUP hire. We're on Exeter's historic quayside - popular for it's fascinating history, interesting architecture and independent shops - an easy 10 min walk from the city centre. Open 9am to 6pm, with bike hire 9.30am to 5.30pm and boat hire 10am to 5pm. Closed Wednesdays in winter (Nov-Apr) in term time.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
175 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
16
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Chlolex
Stockport, UK153 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We rented two bikes and took them down the estuary to Starcross. The path from the pick up location it there is fantastically flat and with some great views. Relatively easy riding all the way down before catching the ferry over to Exmouth. We stopped at a pub half way along for a cup of tea and a look at the view before heading for the ferry. Beware the ferry across is reasonably pricey for the short journey (around £4 each plus £1 extra for each bike) and they were running once every hour. So if you time it badly you could have a long wait. Once in Exmouth after a bit of trouble finding the coastal path we headed back towards Exeter stopping off in Topsham for some lunch. The ride back is a little more up and down but still not too bad. The map and instructions provided were really helpful and the bikes held out without any issues. We paid extra for the gel seats (£1 per bum) and also got a bike lock so we could safely secure them whilst having lunch. All in all a great day (nice weather helped) and a good way to see the area.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for leaving us a review - so glad you enjoyed your ride and the Exe Estuary Trail. We hope to see you again sometime!
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shoney
Oxford, UK8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We absolutely adored saddles and paddles! We paddled (sadly no saddling was done!) and had a fab time on the water. We sang High School Musical karaoke on the water and our audience loved us. We’re still waiting to be invited back for a paid gig. People have said we’re worth £100 :)
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ha ha ha, this has made our day! So glad you had fun, if only all our customers serenaded the Quayside! Look forward to welcoming you back sometime for more singing :-)
Written 5 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mummy Travels
London, UK250 contributions
Aug 2020
We had a fantastic family canoe trip thanks to Saddles and Paddles - the safety precautions in place were very reassuring, and the whole booking procedure very smooth so very quickly we found ourselves in a canoe, out on the water, for a couple of hours exploring up the canal. With the Double Locks pub nearby, it was the perfect amount of time to canoe up, stop for a drink and then paddle back in time for lunch nearby. Highly recommend it.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. So pleased you had fun and wonderful to hear you felt safe in our hands - we are working really hard to keep all our customers and staff safe so it’s great to hear this is appreciated. Hope we can see you again sometime.
Written 5 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Townhouse E
Exeter, UK5 contributions
Jul 2021
Some of the greatest assets that Exeter has are the Quay, the estuary and the canal. With the Quay being so central, its super-easy to hop down and explore the waterways. Whenever we have guests staying who want to see Exeter from a different perspective, we always recommend they rent from Saddles & Paddles and either bike or canoe (my preference!) for a few hours. For myself, a perfect afternoon out is to canoe from the Quay to Double Locks pub, have a bite and a beer, then paddle back. A leisurely 3-hour distraction!
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review - and we whole-heartedly agree about the Quay and waterside!
We look forward to welcoming you and your guests for your next adventure!
Thanks
(Apologies for the delay in responding, we've had some technical issues with Tripadvisor and have only just found your review!)
Written 4 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ali444211
Sheffield, UK77 contributions
Sept 2021
Great time spent paddle boarding on the river. We went in September on a weekday after the kids had gone back to school and were able to book an immediate session. Really friendly staff. 3 of our group had never done it before and the lady who looked after us clearly told us what to do and saw us safely onto the boards making sure we were all ok. The boards were really sturdy and none of us fell off, though life vests are mandatory for all, just in case. We were able to leave our personal belongings with the staff in secure storage which was really helpful. Overall it was great value for money and a great experience. Even the rain didn't ruin things. Highly recommend it.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you had fun! Thank you so much for leaving a review and we really hope you will be back for more adventures soon.
(Apologies for the delay in responding, we've had some technical issues with Tripadvisor and have only just found your review!)
Written 4 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ranbir S
Solihull, UK24 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Great people, great bikes, the place to go.
We have Been trying to Come down for a visit to Exeter for a few months now, and finally got down as the lockdown has eased. We picked the right place to hire bikes, really friendly, excellent bikes and would definitely recommend the electric bikes if you need a little bit of assistance. Would thoroughly recommend Heather and the saddles and paddles team.
We have Been trying to Come down for a visit to Exeter for a few months now, and finally got down as the lockdown has eased. We picked the right place to hire bikes, really friendly, excellent bikes and would definitely recommend the electric bikes if you need a little bit of assistance. Would thoroughly recommend Heather and the saddles and paddles team.
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Ranbir for taking the time to leave us a review. It was wonderful to meet you finally, after having to reschedule your visit several times due to the pandemic and I was so pleased you had a great time. Please visit us again sometime!
Written 7 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyage02744357373
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Business
Thank you to Harry and the team for our fantastic work team build last month for 18 people We were looking for a fun but not too strenuous evenings activity so six three man canoes and a couple of hours paddling with a stop in the pub to refresh ourselves was perfect. Thanks also for being flexible on the timings - much appreciated. Not sure you arranged the glorious weather and sunset but we had a great time.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael J
Caversham, UK374 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed the time with the Canoe, the staff were just so helpful and accommodating that it made the experience all the more nicer. Saddles and Paddles was recommended to us by Vicki @ The Orchard retreat, so glad we took the recommendation. Next time we plan hiring bikes from these lovely people.
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us such a great review! Very pleased to hear you had fun and felt well looked after - we pride ourselves on our customer service so this was wonderful to read! Look forward to welcoming you back someday.
Written 23 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GB_Dave
Exeter, UK42 contributions
Sept 2021
I've used Saddles and Paddles many times for both bike rentals and for bike maintenance. I have always found them to be really friendly and professional and competitively priced. They will go out of their way to help if they can.
They are a good reliable local independent business, I would happily go here rather than to one of the faceless national outlets.
Keep doing the good work there, I hope you'll be there to fix my bike for years to come!
They are a good reliable local independent business, I would happily go here rather than to one of the faceless national outlets.
Keep doing the good work there, I hope you'll be there to fix my bike for years to come!
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, we love hearing reviews like this because we pride ourselves on our customer service and ensuring we offer more than the chain shops. Thank you for recommending us and we look forward to seeing you soon.
(Apologies for the delay in responding, we've had some technical issues with Tripadvisor and have only just found your review!)
Written 4 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bobby C
12 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Brand new cycle from the best cycle shop in the southwest of England, Harry to my right shop manager and chief mechanic James to my left. The shop did a great job transferring all my assessories and setting up the new cycle. Now my adventures can restart and a few booked already , overnight in Teignmouth next Tuesday then to Brixham overnight there and cycle back home.
9th August overnight in Seaton and return home next day.
Happy days 😊😊😊😊
9th August overnight in Seaton and return home next day.
Happy days 😊😊😊😊
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
I have been booked to bring a party of ladies to your venue next Saturday. do you have parking for a long wheel Base
Minibus.
Regards
Sandra
A-2-B WITH SANDIE MIMIBUS AND COACH HIRE. Taunton
07866820652.
Written 22 July 2016
Heather B
Exeter, United Kingdom
Hi Sandra, sorry for the delay - the best method to get hold of us is direct with the shop, as messages on social media don't always get through to us immediately. I hope you sorted it in the end!
Many thanks,
Heather
Saddles & Paddles
Written 4 August 2016
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