Exeter

Exeter can be found in the heart of Devon, so it is a great place to go to compromise between those that love being outdoors and those that love city breaks. The city is surrounded by miles of countryside and is close to the Jurassic Coast.

Perhaps one of Devon’s most well-known places, Exeter is a small city that packs a big punch. Now a popular student town thanks to the university and links to the major transport system, Exeter is a vibrant, attractive and historically interesting place to visit.

Aside from the beautiful surroundings, Exeter has a real sense of uniqueness. It has a varied cultural scene that is embraced by visitors and locals alike. The city centre is full of interesting attractions. The cathedral is a magnificent feat of architecture and draws a big crowd. There are daily free tours starting from the front of the cathedral that will take you on a journey through the city’s history.

If you’re visiting in the summer, the green at the front of the cathedral is a great spot to soak up the sun and stop for a bit of lunch. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is an award-winning museum that houses the city’s 2,000 year history all in one place. If you want to delve a bit deeper, look out for the underground passages. These are a network of tunnels beneath the city which can explored on a guided tour. When you’re above ground, keep your eyes open for the remains of the Roman occupation with the spectacular Roman wall.

Top attractions in Exeter

Many of the top rated attractions are within walking distance of each other making this one of the most accessible cities in the region. The city is split into distinct quarters which will help you explore hidden gems and surprises as you explore. This historic quayside is located about fifteen minutes from the city centre on foot and is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. Take a visit to examine the architecture and to join in with events and to experience some of the waterside restaurants and cafes. The more daring among you will enjoy a relaxing boat trip, a spot of climbing or one of the other activities on offer in this part of the city.

Being a cultural hub, Exeter is renowned across the south west for its art scene. It has grown in popularity as a venue for top music performances and sporting events as well as having a wide range of galleries and events aimed at encouraging creativity. There are a good mix of independent venues that show off an impressive range of listings, such as the Bike Shed Theatre, the Exeter Phoenix and Powderham Castle which is on the outskirts of the city and has a packed calendar of events and festivals all year around.

Like every city, there are plenty of shopping opportunities, there is a thriving high street full of brand names and also independent shops and boutiques as well as a diverse mix of eateries. Exeter is one of Devon’s most popular place for retail therapy. At the heart of the city is the award-winning Princesshay Mall where you’ll find a mix of shops and restaurants. Running parallel to the Princesshay is the High Street where you’ll find more familiar names and cute, smaller businesses. The Cathedral Quarter has pedestrian friendly shopping options, Gandy Street, just off the high street, is full of gift shops and Fore Street is where you’ll find the more unusual shops. Following this street will lead you down to the Quay where there is even more to tempt your bank balance.