Explore Exeter

As you’d expect from a city with a 2,000 year history, Exeter has plenty to show off, with stunning architecture and heritage visitor attractions, as well a vibrant nightlife and culture. Exeter is a real hub of history and fun, so it is no wonder that it is known as Devon's capital city. 

At the heart of the city lies Exeter Cathedral, one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in the country. Cathedral Yard is dotted with cafes and restaurants in which to sit and appreciate the Cathedral’s impressive West Front. Join a free Red Coat Guided Tour to find out more about the history of Exeter or take a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, (which also has free entry!) with 16 galleries of displays and a year round calendar of prestigious touring exhibitions. For a truly immersive historical experience, descend beneath the city’s streets on a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages, constructed in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city from springs outside the city walls – an experience not for the claustrophobic!  

Shopping

The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping destination – you can find a great choice of shops, both independent and familiar are all within easy walking distance from each other. Browse large department stores in the main shopping areas of Princesshay and the High Street, or head to the Castle and West Quarters for quirky independents and vintage clothing, tucked away in interesting arcades.  

Once you're done with retail therapy, head to the Quayside to watch the world go by from one of the waterside pubs or cafes. From here you can indulge in some watersports or hire a bike or canoe to explore the Exeter Canal, it's the perfect way to see the city in a whole new light. There's plenty to see and do in this part of Exeter, why not visit the Quay Climbing Centre to scale the south west’s largest indoor climbing wall?

Culture

As a major city and a university town, you'll always find something to do in Exeter, whether that is catching professional theatre productions or music performances at venues big and small. Nearby you'll find Powederham Castle who often host large scale events featuring big name artists, particularly in the summer months, while chart toppers are also known to appear at some of the city's smaller venues. 

As well as music and theatre, you can find everything from art shows to talks and workshops and just about everything else in between, plus with a football and rugby team, there's lots for sports fans to get their teeth into too. 

Food and drink

As you might expect from a city, the choice of eateries here is vast, it truly is putting it one of the foodie capitals of South West England. Every week you'll find a weekly farmer’s market selling field-fresh produce and regular street food markets provide the opportunity to try quality Devon meats and fish as a quick lunch stop. Head to the Cathedral Quarter for a traditional cream tea, or enjoy real ales and fine wines in historic pubs. There is an extensive range of cuisines, all with a unique Devon flare, making it perfect for special ocassions, quick bites or just because! 

Exeter Events

<

Discover more Devon

Between the covers – a brief guide to literary Exeter

  • 6 minute read

Devon is awash with literary connections, from Agatha Christie who was born in Torquay and kept a holiday home in the English Rivera to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who used the wilds of Dartmoor as inspiration for the Hound of the Baskervilles – there are connections to our favourite books everywhere…

Learn More

Step into spring with the National Trust in Devon

  • 15 minute read

Across Devon, National Trust gardens are filling with colourful spring blooms, and houses are looking tip-top after their intensive winter cleans. Loads is going on this season from Easter adventures and family trails to tree planting and learning about veteran trees to guided art tours and much…

Learn More

Action-Packed February Half Term at Devon's Top Attractions!

  • 9 minute read

Devon’s Top Attractions open up their doors to welcome visitors back for the half term break. There is plenty of indoor fun to keep all family members entertained no matter what the winter weather. With the varied range of attractions, there is an activity for everyone including creative craft…

Learn More

A brief guide to half term in Devon

  • 6 minute read

Lucky enough to be heading to Devon this half term? There’s a whole host of fun and adventures to be had this February – don’t believe us? Here’s a brief guide to what you can enjoy in Devon this half term! During half term, why not get ready for Easter by joining the village of Clovelly for their…

Learn More

10 things to do in Devon this year

  • 4 minute read

Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely start to 2024 so far and have plenty of exciting things planned for the rest of the year. If one of those exciting things is a trip or two to Devon, here are some of the top events taking place in 2024 that you certainly don’t want to miss! Devon County Show…

Learn More

Best places for Veganuary

  • 2 minute read

After the indulgence of Christmas, you might be looking to make a change and enjoy some new dishes – in which case, why not take part in Veganuary? This annual movement is a challenge to be vegan for the month of January, gives you a chance to explore food in a whole new way and try some interesting…

Learn More