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
Easter Adventures at Killerton
Easter Adventures at Killerton Follow the interactive play trail through the grounds and gardens and…
Unflappable! Fashioning the 1920s
The exhibition will give us the chance to highlight some dazzlingly chic creations including bead…
The Music of Queen by Candlelight
The Music of Queen by Candlelight returns to Exeter Cathedral! Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York…
Devon County Show
Love animals, tractors, heavy horses food, music, dog shows, scurry racing, funfairs, crafts…
Spring Concert
Clyst Valley Choral Society presents an evening of music on the theme of 'journeys' by Bach…
80s Anthems By Candlelight
80s Anthems by Candlelight comes to Exeter Cathedral! Calling 80s music fans everywhere… this…
From the Vow Made
Sunday 1 June – Wednesday 4 June 2025, during Cathedral opening hours From The Vow Made will be a…
The Supremely Talented - Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings
Jon Boden has become the 'stand out performer of his generation' (The Guardian) of…
Eddie & Jenny: The Blues Musical
Eddie & Jenny - an original musical written by Danny McAvoy. Directed by Leah Townley, with…
The Nello 2025
A big hello from FORCE Cancer Charity in Exeter, Devon. We wanted to take this opportunity to let…
Illyria presents 'Pride & Prejudice' by Jane Austen, adapted by Oliver Gray-outdoor theatre
In a whirlwind of balls, dinners and very eligible officers, Lizzy Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy…
The Lord Chamberlain's Men presents Twelfth Night-Outdoor Theatre
With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare's original company, they present this…
Illyria presents "HMS Pinafore" by Gilbert & Sullivan-outdoor theatre
Welcome on board HMS Pinafore, flagship of Her Majesty's Royal Navy – the perfect place to mock…
Fantasy Festival
All of our most popular characters will be joining us for a large one day Festival at Greendale Farm…
The Creative Craft Show is back in Exeter for 2025
The Creative Craft Show is set to make a grand return to Westpoint, Exeter from Thursday 25th – 27th…
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Get cosy on Stuart Line Cruises' Exeter Christmas Canal Cruise! 🎄
- 1 minute read
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…
Learn MoreLudo Sports Bar & Kitchen opens new site in Exeter
- 3 minute read
Ludo Sports Bar & Kitchen – one of the UK's leading premium sports bar brands – has secured £6m of new funding from HSBC UK to grow its portfolio by five additional sites, with the first of these set to open in November, in the Guildhall Shopping Centre in Exeter. It will become the second Ludo…
Learn MoreFour historical landmarks to visit in Devon this summer
- 3 minute read
With half term coming up and the Summer holidays on the horizon, we thought we’d share some of the county’s oldest attractions and historic landmarks to add to your itineraries. Devon is a county steeped in history. With settlements across the county dating back to the Iron Age, the English Civil…
Learn MoreSummer Stays at the University of Exeter
- 4 minute read
Located within walking distance of Exeter’s vibrant city centre, the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus provides the perfect, budget-friendly place to stay this summer. With over 500 ensuite bedrooms available, the University provides a quiet haven, from which to explore the nearby city, coast…
Learn MoreGet ready to feast: Northernhay Gardens to host the first Exeter Street Food Festival this June!
- 5 minute read
Street Food Warehouse is thrilled to announce the first Exeter Street Food Festival is heading to Northernhay Gardens (EX4 3SA) this June. From Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June over 25 of the best local and national street food traders will be serving up cuisines from across the world in the heart of…
Learn MoreBetween 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…
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