There’s something especially inviting about Exeter in autumn. As the leaves turn golden and the city settles into its cosier season, Exeter comes alive with a brilliant mix of history, culture, independent shops, great food and easy access to the beautiful Devon countryside.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed city break, a weekend of exploring or simply looking for an excuse to escape to Devon for a couple of days, Exeter makes an ideal autumn destination. And if you’re visiting in October or November, there’s the added excitement of the return of racing at Exeter Racecourse, making it easy to combine a city stay with a taste of one of Devon’s long-standing sporting traditions.
Discover Exeter’s historic heart
A weekend in Exeter is a chance to slow down and explore a city where centuries of history sit alongside a lively modern culture.
The city’s Roman origins can still be discovered today, while its historic streets, independent businesses and characterful corners make it a pleasure to explore on foot. At the heart of it all is the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, home to the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in the world. Take time to admire the cathedral’s spectacular architecture, or climb the tower for sweeping views across the city and the Devon countryside beyond.
Back at street level, you’ll find plenty of reasons to linger. Browse independent boutiques and high-street favourites, stop for coffee and cake in a cosy café, or settle in for a leisurely lunch featuring some of the best local produce Devon has to offer.
History and culture lovers should also make time for the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM), where collections spanning art, natural history and Devon’s fascinating past bring the region’s story to life.
Take to the Quayside
No Exeter weekend would be complete without a wander down to the Quayside.
With its riverside setting and relaxed atmosphere, the Quayside is a lovely place to explore at your own pace. For those who want to get out and enjoy more of the surrounding landscape, Saddles & Paddles offers bike hire, providing an easy way to follow the riverside trails and discover more of Exeter’s green surroundings.
And if you’re keen to venture beyond the city, you don’t have to go far. Just outside Exeter, the National Trust’s Killerton estate offers woodland walks, gardens and a beautifully preserved historic house. It’s the perfect place to breathe in the crisp autumn air and experience a little more of the Devon countryside before returning to the city for the evening.
Add a little excitement at Exeter Racecourse
For an extra dose of excitement, autumn also marks the return of racing at Exeter Racecourse.
Set in a spectacular countryside location just outside the city, the racecourse combines competitive racing with panoramic views across the Devon landscape. The season gets underway on Thursday 15 October, offering visitors the chance to add something a little different to their Exeter weekend.
You don’t have to be a dedicated racing fan to enjoy a day at the racecourse. There’s something wonderfully atmospheric about watching the action unfold against the backdrop of the Devon countryside, and its easy proximity to Exeter makes it a convenient addition to a city break.
Later in the season, November brings one of the highlights of the early jump-racing calendar: the Haldon Gold Cup. This major fixture attracts racegoers from across the region and brings an extra sense of occasion to an autumn visit.
Make a weekend of it
With so much to see and do in and around the city, Exeter is a destination that rewards a longer stay. Give yourself time to explore its historic heart, discover its independent shops and restaurants, and venture beyond the city to experience more of the landscapes that make Devon so special.
Whether you’re planning a day at the races, a countryside walk, a cultural city break or simply some time away, Exeter makes an easy and enjoyable base for a Devon getaway.
Ready to start planning? Discover places to stay and make a weekend of your visit.
