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
Candlelight Tours
Experience Exeter Cathedral after hours, when the doors are shut and candles flicker in the night…
Christmas of Play - Children's musical trail
Bring the whole family to enjoy the outdoors Christmas play trail at Killerton. Take a walk around…
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market. Festive Spirit, Made in Exeter. Friday 17 November – Sunday 17…
Killerton House at Christmas
Immerse yourself in a traditional Christmas. The ground floor will be traditionally dressed with…
Christmas at the Exeter Custom House
A magical series of Christmas events will be taking place at the Exeter Custom House over December…
Christmas with the Cathedral Choir
Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 7pm doors open at 6:15pm Friday 8 December 2023 at 7pm doors open at…
The Stagecoach Christmas Party
Visitors to the city centre can begin their countdown to Christmas with a family fun afternoon…
Christmas Charity Pub Quiz
Not just your regular quiz, prepare for lots of fun, treasure hunts, live music round and much, much…
Handel's Messiah
Join the University of Exeter Chapel choir for a thrilling performance of Handel's Messiah. The…
Handel's Messiah with Exeter Cathedral Choir
Sunday 10 December at 2:30pm, doors open at 1:45pm The Exeter Cathedral Choir will be teaming up…
Exeter Nativity
Doors open at 3:15pm The Exeter Nativity returns, with a star studded cast taking the parts of all…
Elf the Musical!
Release your inner Elf this Christmas at Westpoint ELF, the hit Hollywood blockbuster movie has been…
Last Night of the Christmas Proms
The ultimate musical Christmas cracker, our ever-popular festive concert of hits is back with an…
Twelfth Night - A Concert by Candlelight
After a sold-out concert for Twelfth Night in 2023, solo pianist Alex Wilson is delighted to be…
Crown and Coronation
Following its launch at the Tower of London, Exeter Cathedral will be the first tour venue to host…
Darkness Into Light
The atmospheric opening of Sibelius' only concerto casts an immediate spell of mystery. The solo…
Mendelssohn's Masterpiece
There is perhaps no more popular or beloved violin concerto than Mendelssohn's masterpiece…
London Town
Vaughan Williams' Second Symphony has been described as the musical equivalent of Monet's…
The Best of Williams & Zimmer
Two titans of the film music world compete head to head! In a concert featuring some of the best…
Hospiscare Men's Walk 2024
Join the Hospiscare team at Double Locks or walk your own route on Saturday 9 March to raise vital…
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Brightside Exeter & Honiton invites young chefs to pizza making classes
- 1 minute read
Calling all young aspiring pizza chefs and ice cream aficionados… Brightside at Exeter and Honiton are holding pizza making and ice cream decorating classes on Wednesday 15 th and Wednesday 29 th November 2023, from 4-7pm. Each child will be given a pizza base and four toppings of their choice to…
Learn MoreCheck out TikTok’s favourite Devon locations
- 7 minute read
We know that we sound biased when we tell you that Devon is the best place for a staycation, so we’re hoping that by telling you about some of the most popular locations according to TikTok, it will strengthen the argument! Back in the summer, the team at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have revealed…
Learn MoreExplore Exeter’s history with the city’s Blue Plaques
- 11 minute read
One of the best ways to explore a city is by following a city walk or guided tour and Exeter is no exception. There are a host of fascinating guided walks around the city for you to enjoy, but if you want to set out on your own, why not plan a route around Exeter’s Blue Plaques where you can learn…
Learn More5 great places to visit while staying in Exeter
- 5 minute read
Exeter is an exciting and cultural hub and is a great destination for the summer holidays. You have the hustle and bustle of the city centre, a host of cultural attractions, loads of eateries and the quayside, where you can relax, people watch or have a go at some watersports. There’s so much to see…
Learn MoreHoe! Hoe! Topsham’s Secret Gardens Are About To Be Revealed
- 2 minute read
Final preparations are in hand for one of the events of the year in Topsham - the return of the town’s Secret Gardens event, back for the first time since 2018. It takes place on June 11 between 1pm and 6pm. Visitors and residents will have the unique opportunity to visit 14 ‘hidden gem’ gardens…
Learn MoreVisit the library after hours for a summer of fun and creativity!
- 1 minute read
Head to Exeter Library this summer during Art Week Exeter for a spectacular line up of live music and creative workshops as part of the latest round of Library Lates. The Library Lates after hours parties have become a regular fixture in the calendar at Exeter Library since being introduced after…
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