Heart of Devon

Exeter and its surrounding areas has much to attract the visitor - a rich and varied landscape, the fascinating rocks and sandy beaches of the Jurassic Coast, plus the vibrant regional cultural capital of Devon, Exeter. From moor to sea, there are a host of things to discover and do, all enriched by Devon's distinctive culture and history.

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(Click here for more information about the towns & villages in and around Exeter & East Devon) 

City
Exeter is a thriving city, with a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years from Roman times. Today, it combines a wealth of visitor attractions and architectural splendour with a bountiful array of shops, restaurants, bars and live music venues.
A year-round calendar of events offers something for everyone, from the Exeter Summer Festival to open-air theatre and local markets. Enjoy local Devon food and drink in the weekly Farmers Market or at the major annual Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink.

Eating out in Exeter is a great experience for food lovers. A stroll around the city will reveal dozens of restaurants, many award winning, serving something to suit all tastes and budgets. Exeter provides a dining experience to rival the best in Europe, with fresh, locally produced food prepared with flair and imagination. Enjoy delicious expertly prepared local food, sample regional ales or treat yourself to a traditional Devon cream tea on Cathedral Green!

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Coast
More than thirty miles of stunning UNESCO World Heritage Coastline, part of the 95 miles charting 185 million years of the Earth's history - this is the Jurassic Coast. Towering red cliffs and undulating sand dunes, sheltered coves, rock pools and sparkling sea - it's clear why this coastline has been designated an area of international importance. Sandy expanses at Exmouth, and Teignmouth, to the crunch of pebbles at Branscombe and Beer, thirty miles of stunning coastline fringe this stunning part of Devon.
For charming coastal towns, visit Sidmouth, with its Regency hotels and esplanade, or Dawlish situated on Brunel's stunning South Devon Coast Railway, one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, Dawlish has been a popular seaside resort since the 18th century.


Country
If you want to enjoy the richness of nature and the gentler pace of country life, look no further. Rightly, most of the area is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - East Devon AONB and the Blackdown Hills AONB, both are a rural paradise half forgotten by time, rich in history and wildlife. The hills, fertile valleys and woodlands found in the countryside teem with wildlife and are punctuated by farmland, quiet roads and traditional narrow, high banked Devon lanes, flower laden in springtime.
Walkers have an abundance of pathways to choose from, including the South West Coast Path, the East Devon Way and the Exe Valley Way, which rises on Exmoor then wends its way along an ever-changing route of some 45 miles to reach the sea at Exmouth, passing through many peaceful villages, busy market towns and the cathedral city of Exeter.