Background....

The Turf Hotel (or Turf Locks Inn) is one of Devon's most iconic and uniquely situated pubs. Its history is inseparable from the Exeter Ship Canal, which it was built to serve. Its famous isolation isn't a modern gimmick but a direct consequence of its 19th-century origins.

Origins and Construction (Early 1800s)

The pub's story begins with the final extension of the Exeter Ship Canal. While the canal itself dates back to the 1560s, it was significantly extended and deepened in the early 19th century to accommodate larger sea-faring vessels.

Built around 1827: The Turf was constructed as part of this major engineering project, which extended the canal to a new, final lock system right at the edge of the Exe Estuary. This new lock was named Turf Lock.

Original Purpose: The building was originally a two-in-one structure. It served as the lock-keeper's cottage and also as a place to serve refreshments to the "bargees" (the men who worked the barges), sailors, and other workers on the canal. It was a functional, working building above all else.

A Working Pub for a Working Canal

For most of its life, The Turf was not a destination pub but a vital stop for the canal's commercial traffic.

Serving Trade: The Exeter Canal was a crucial trade route, bypassing the difficult-to-navigate upper parts of the River Exe. Goods like wool, paper, and coal were transported to and from Exeter's Quay. The Turf was the last stop before the open estuary, a place for workers to rest and wait for the right tides.

The Lock-Keeper's Role: The lock-keeper was a vital employee of the canal, responsible for operating the complex lock gates that allowed ships to move between the canal and the tidal estuary. Living on-site in what is now the pub was essential.

The Famous Isolation

The reason you still can't drive to The Turf is simple: it was never meant to be accessed by road.

Built for the Waterway: Its location was chosen purely for its strategic importance to the canal. All supplies, from beer barrels to food, originally arrived by boat. The focus was entirely on the water, with no need for a connection to the limited road network of the time.

Decline of Commercial Traffic: As railways and eventually modern roads became the primary way to transport goods in the 20th century, commercial traffic on the canal dwindled. The Turf's role began to shift from a functional stop for workers to a unique destination for leisure seekers.

The Modern Era

Today, The Turf is celebrated for the very isolation that defined its history.

A Destination Pub: It has become a beloved spot for walkers and cyclists using the Exe Estuary Trail, as well as for boaters and birdwatchers exploring the estuary's rich wildlife.

Iconic Status: Its large, sprawling beer garden with panoramic views, its historic slate-hung facade, and the unique journey required to reach it have secured its status as a "must-visit" Devon landmark. It represents a living piece of the region's maritime and industrial heritage.