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
Dartmoor: A Radical Landscape - photography, film and Land Art
'Dartmoor: A Radical Landscape' shows the work of 18 artists and photographers spanning 1969…
Welly Wandering walk
It might be cold outside, but here at Killerton there's plenty to get you out and enjoying the…
Madame Chandelier's Opera Party for Kids
Dazzling divas! Dramatic death scenes! Hilarious high notes! Experience opera's greatest hits…
NFL Sundays
As the Official UK Sports Bar Partner in the South West for the 2024 NFL season, Ludo Sports Bar…
The Ivy Exeter Celebrates heritage with evening of 1920`s inspired Jazz Entertainment
This January, The Ivy Exeter is hosting a one-night-only evening of dazzling jazz entertainment…
ToooB
Introducing toooB, a curious and friendly shape-shifting creature who is not quite sure where…
Petrushka
On Thursday 30 January, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are thrilled to be returning to the…
Jim Moray "Pushing Boundaries Of Trad. Folk"
Jim Moray is heading out on tour in January and February 2025 with a new single, his first new music…
Museum of the Moon
In February, the stunning Museum of the Moon installation by world-famous artist Luke Jerram…
Wonder Gigs
Wonder Gigs – music for you, play for them. Wonder Gigs is a family friendly, live event for…
Cello Elegy
Experience a celebration of the cello with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. On Thursday 13…
Breathe
Find the epic in the tiny from the perspective of an acorn. Join this extraordinary journey to…
Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes
Mark's now famous mix of standup, theatre, journalism and the odd bout of performance art has…
Heroes and Superheroes
Join the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for a fun-filled filmic concert for the whole family, on the…
Hospiscare's Men's Walk 2025
Join us on Saturday, March 15th, for a scenic seven-mile walk starting and finishing at Exeter's…
Mens Walk 2025
Join us on Saturday, March 15th, for a scenic seven-mile walk starting and finishing at Exeter's…
Spring Foraging Courses with Wild Food UK: Exeter
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Fairytales and Folklore
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns to Exeter University Great Hall with a magical…
Devon County Show
Love animals, tractors, heavy horses food, music, dog shows, scurry racing, funfairs, crafts…
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Get cosy on Stuart Line Cruises' Exeter Christmas Canal Cruise! 🎄
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What could be better to get you into the Christmas Spirit than a scenic cruise along the peaceful and historic, Exeter Canal, with a visit to the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market? Enjoy your cruise in the warmth with mulled wine in hand, as you sail along Europe's oldest, working shipping canal on…
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Learn MoreFour historical landmarks to visit in Devon this summer
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Learn MoreSummer Stays at the University of Exeter
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Learn MoreGet ready to feast: Northernhay Gardens to host the first Exeter Street Food Festival this June!
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