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Spotlight on Exeter

22nd November 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Today we’re shining a light on Devon’s capital – Exeter. The smaller of the county’s two cities, Exeter is perhaps one of the better known places to visit and being located in the heart of Devon – makes a great base for exploring. Full of history and culture, this is a must visit location for everyone, with everything from Roman walls to castle ruins, a picturesque quay and fabulous eateries and shops, this is a small city that packs a big punch.

If you’re tempted with a trip to Exeter, take a look at some of our suggestions here.

For places to stay, you’re spoiled for choice. There are city centre hotels to match every budget, cosy B&Bs offering amazing, locally sourced breakfasts to help you start your day, cute cottages on the outskirts surrounded by countryside and holiday parks with all the facilities you could need to keep the whole family entertained.

If you want to be centrally located, take a look at Townhouse Exeter. Hidden away on a quiet corner and only a 10 minute walk from the mainline train station, this is the ideal accommodation for those wanting to explore. The high street with its fabulous selection of shops is just a short walk away giving you easy access to eateries, big name brands and independents offering unique and alternative products. Townhouse Exeter is a contemporary guesthouse with rooms to suit every taste and budget, including singles for solo travellers. Based within a Grade II listed Victorian building, the guesthouse features modern facilities combined with historic features, there is even free high speed wifi! The breakfasts are delivered fresh to your door every morning and they cater for a variety of diets.

Image: Townhouse Exeter

On the edge of the city is the Devon Hotel. Set in a gorgeous Georgian building that was originally a manor house, the hotel retains its familiar, homely charm and has an elegant, historical atmosphere throughout. The renowned Carriages Restaurant and Lounge Bar give you great dining options and the hotel itself was the first in the South West to offer SkyTV including Sky Sports in all their rooms – perfect for trips during the colder months when the weather is less kind! Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s free car parking and the freedom that comes with having your car with you. Alternatively, you can easily get to the train stations and the bus routes from the hotel – so you can explore confidently.

The hotel is equipped with its own leisure centre and guests are welcome to use the spa at its sister hotel in nearby Sidmouth, so after a full day of taking in the sights of the city, you can relax and return from your trip refreshed.

Hotel stays aren’t for everyone, so for those of you wanting a little more privacy and space, take a look at the Exeter properties in Luxury Coastal’s portfolio. With comfy cottages, chic apartments, romantic lodges and impressive family homes on their books, their team can find you the perfect property for your break. Plus, being a local business made up of local people, they can offer you the best advice to help you plan the perfect holiday.

Image: Alpine Park

On the outskirts of the city, near the Jurassic Coast, you’ll find Alpine Park Cottages, an award winning complex of 11 modern lodge style self catering holiday cottages all within easy reach of the city centre and the coastal towns of Exmouth, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Each of the cottages have their own parking space and patio where you can enjoy sunny evenings and make the most of the weather during the warmer months. The site also has cottages designed for guests with limited mobility with level access and specialised mobility equipment, so everyone can have the holiday of their dreams.

Crealy Meadows is another option for anyone that likes the flexibility of self catering. Situated next to the Crealy Theme Park and Resort, this is the perfect site for anyone looking for a family friendly holiday. The site has a range of accommodation options that suits a wide variety of budgets and is just a short walk from the award winning theme park. While not in the city centre, you can find both Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park and the theme park on the outskirts of the city, just off the M5. With child friendly facilities and an onsite restaurant, shop and bar, the whole family is well catered for here and you’re not too far from the excitement of Exeter’s centre.

Image: Castle Brake Holiday Park

A little further out is Castle Brake, which is found just over a mile from the village of Woodbury in the idyllic setting of Woodbury Common. With caravans for hire and touring pitches, you have the option of bringing your own van or tent and enjoying some proper British camping! Alternatively, you could always stay in one of their Orchard Pods and experience a touch of glamping! Guests with limited mobility and additional accessibility needs are also catered for with their wheelchair friendly Maple Holiday Home, which is complete with a wetroom and ramped access. By staying here, you are only 7 miles from the city centre, giving you easy access to the hustle and bustle of city life and the tranquility of a countryside stay – enjoy the best of both worlds!

Of course, these are just a few of the accommodation options open to you in and around Exeter – take a look at some more options here.

No doubt you’re already aware of the abundance of activities and attractions that Exeter has to offer. Wherever you look you’re never too far from something fun – with museums, live music venues, shopping, city tours, historic buildings and a whole lot more, this isn’t a city where you’ll be bored.

Of course, perhaps the most famous attraction in the city is the Cathedral where you can discover over a thousand years of history all within Cathedral Green. Architecturally fascinating, Exeter Cathedral has the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted ceiling and has a medieval astronomical clock. As well as the stunning building, there are a host of family activities taking place and you can find the city tour guides stood outside, waiting to show you all the hidden mysteries of Exeter.

Image: Exeter Cathedral

If history is your thing, you have to visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery. With its ever changing programme, every trip to the museum is different and free entry means you can go as many times as you like. The museum features 16 galleries of displays spanning prehistoric times all the way through to the modern day and includes history from around the world, not just Exeter.

Like we said earlier, one of the biggest attractions in the region is Crealy Theme Park and Resort. Whether you’re going in term time or the holidays, there are always additional activities and events taking place on top of the 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions. As one of the biggest family friendly attractions in the region, Crealy has something to suit the whole family and even caters for wet weather trips.

For those of you wanting to indulge in a little retail therapy, Exeter is the place to be – with a mall full of recognisable brands and plenty of independent shops with eateries dotted in between, you can easily while away the hours shopping and browsing.

Find out more about this interesting city and everything there is to see and do here.