Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas Eve11am - 10pm
Christmas Day10.30am - 6pm
Boxing Day11am - 10pm
New Year's Eve11am - Midnight
New Year's Day10.30am - 10pm
There’s something lovely about Christmas by the canal. Follow the waterside path to Double Locks for festive food, winter drinks and a spot by the log fire with your favourite people.
From office Christmas parties to family gatherings and long-overdue catch-ups, there’s room to celebrate your way. Settle into the cosy pub for a festive feast, or bring the whole crowd together in our heated marquee with its own private bar. Keep an eye out for family festive events throughout the season, too.
Joining us on Christmas Day? Leave the roasting and washing-up to us. You bring the company; we’ll take care of lunch.
Planning a festive get-together? Our three-course Festive Feast is £37 per person, with roast turkey, West Country beef and a few seasonal twists to choose from. Add a festive cocktail, mulled wine or mulled cider to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
For Christmas Day lunch, our three-course menu is £85 per person, with a childrens menu for £49. Browse the menus below, then speak to our team about your group’s choices and any dietary requirements.
Gather your family and friends by the Exeter Ship Canal for Christmas Day. Our three-course menu brings together festive favourites, from roast turkey with all the trimmings to Christmas pudding, while our team takes care of the cooking and washing-up.
Christmas Day lunch is £85 per person, with a three-course childrens menu for £49 per person. Dining is bookable from 12pm.
Joining us for a drink first? Our outdoor bar and marquee open from 10.30am for drinks and pub snacks. Settle in, raise a glass and let Christmas Day unfold.
Those days between Christmas and New Year are made for getting out by the canal. Bring the dog for a walk, take that new bike for its first spin along the Exe Estuary Trail, then pop in for a pint and a bite to eat.
Starting the year with us? Join us for breakfast on New Year’s Day from 10am, followed by a little fresh air by the water
Christmas Testimonials
Get the Christmas party started with a round of mulled wine or cider. For the next toast, there’s our Winter Aperol or an Espresso Martini. Order a few for the table, find your spot by the fire and let the festive catch-up begin.
Give the gift of the pub this Christmas. Treat someone to a Sunday roast by the canal, a round of drinks with friends or a little something to look forward to in the new year. They can choose how to spend it.
Christmas isn’t just for the grown-ups at Double Locks. Browse our annual Christmas dog market with your four-legged friend, then help the little ones write their letters to Santa. Keep an eye on our What’s On page for dates and all the festive goings-on.
Yes, we’re now taking bookings for Christmas 2026 at Double Locks, Exeter. From festive lunches and family get-togethers to office Christmas parties, Christmas Day dining and drinks by the canal, we’d love to welcome you. Whether it’s a cosy gathering beside the log fire or a big celebration in our waterside marquee, we recommend booking early to secure your preferred date.
Absolutely. Our spacious, covered and heated marquee is perfect for larger Christmas parties, accommodating up to 150 guests, complete with its own private bar. For smaller celebrations, we also offer cosy semi-private spaces inside the pub for up to 40 guests. Whether it’s festive dining, an office Christmas party or drinks with friends, we’ll help you find the perfect setting beside Exeter Ship Canal.
Our festive menus are full of seasonal favourites and traditional Christmas trimmings, perfect for gathering friends, family or colleagues around the table. We also offer festive sharing boards, drinks packages and children’s options. Explore our Christmas menus on our website.
Yes, our Christmas bookings are made by submitting an enquiry through our website. Simply click ‘Book Now’, enter your preferred date and party details, and our team will be in touch to confirm availability.
If your chosen date or time isn’t available, we’ll happily suggest an alternative.
Yes, we require a £10 per person deposit for Christmas party bookings, which is redeemable against your final bill. For Christmas Day bookings, full payment of £85 per adult and £49 per child is required in advance.
You can view our full Christmas Booking Terms & Conditions here.
The quickest and easiest way is through a secure online payment link, which our team will send you. Alternatively, you can pay in cash at the pub.
If you require an invoice, cleared funds must be received at least two weeks before your booking.
Yes, we require food pre-orders for festive group bookings to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Our Christmas Feast menu and festive sharing boards must be ordered in advance, typically 7–10 days before your booking.
Absolutely. We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas celebrations. Please include any dietary requirements or allergies alongside each guest’s menu choices when submitting your pre-order.
We also ask that you remind our team of any allergies when you arrive.
Of course. We offer a selection of festive drinks packages to help get your celebration off to a great start. Just ask our team for the available options and pricing.
es, we have an on-site car park. You’ll find us at Canal Banks, Exeter, EX2 6LT. If you’re travelling by train, Marsh Barton station is around a 15-minute walk away along the canal.
Yes, we’re open throughout the festive period. Our Christmas opening hours are:
Christmas Eve: 11am–10pm
Christmas Day: 10.30am–6pm
Boxing Day: 11am–10pm
New Year’s Eve: 11am–midnight
New Year’s Day: 10am–10pm
Travelling to Exeter to see family or friends? Make a little more time for the festive catch-up. Join us at Double Locks for a Christmas meal and a walk by the canal, then head into the city for a cosy bedroom at one of our nearby sister pubs, City Gate or Turks Head.
No need to hurry home when there’s another day together to look forward to.
We’re tucked beside the Exeter Ship Canal at Canal Banks, Exeter, EX2 6LT.
By train: Marsh Barton is our nearest station, around a 15-minute walk from the pub. Follow the canal path to Double Locks.
By car: There’s parking on site. Just past Marsh Barton station, drive over the small bridge (yes, you can drive over it) and follow the road up to the pub.
On foot or by bike: Follow the canal from Exeter Quay. It’s around 1.5 miles to Double Locks, and there are bike racks outside when you arrive.
By canoe or kayak: Paddle up the Exeter Ship Canal and use the pontoons beside the lock gates before popping in for a well-earned pit stop.