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21 amazing things to do in Exeter (& full travel guide!)

Are you looking for things to do in Exeter, Devon? From the historic quayside to the cathedral in the city centre, this is a city brimming with culture. Here are all of Exeter’s best attractions!

Standing in Exeter’s Cathedral Close, you’ll feel like you’ve gone a few centuries back in time. 

Exeter Cathedral, an impressive gothic structure, stands tall amongst the collection of Medieval terraced row houses. Its ornate exterior is bedecked in carvings, all of which tell a part of the fascinating story that is the historic city of Exeter. 

Likewise, the row of Medieval buildings is a row of historical treasures, each boasting an impressive curiosity. 

Back from Cathedral Close sits the modern building, largely rebuilt in the 1960s after the Exeter Blitz. But even here, ancient buildings sit between (sometimes even inside) modern shops and you’re never far from a preserved section of the ancient city wall. 

Walk ten minutes in the other direction, and you’ll reach Exeter quay, a beautiful, natural area of the city that’s famous for watersports and peaceful places to eat and drink. Plus, the sound of seagulls in the air will remind you that you’re never too far from the sea. 

Whether you’re after nature, adventure, history or gastronomy, there are so many things to do in Exeter. 

Table of Contents

The Best Things to do in Exeter

Here’s what to do in Exeter, whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or a week, and whatever your travel style is!

Be Awed at  Exeter Cathedral

No trip to Exeter is complete without visiting the imposing  Exeter Cathedral.

One of the only buildings fully decorated in Gothic style in the world, and with the globe’s longest uninterrupted Medieval Gothic vaulting, it’s a sight to behold inside and out. 

Religious or not, this building will enthral you. 

There has been a cathedral here for a long time.

The first one was built in Norman times in 1113 AD. It was then torn down and rebuilt in 1342, for no real reason other than the fact that Salisbury Cathedral was better and Exeter was jealous.

They were right to do so in my opinion – the cathedral still stands today and remains one of the grandest in the country, and it’s still top of most people’s lists of things to do in Exeter to this day.

There are so many interesting features to look out for in and outside Exeter Cathedral. Here are some in particular: 

• Be sure to look out for the figures of people, saints, and angels on the outside . These were carved over 200 years – it took so long because the Black Death kept sweeping through Exeter and interrupting work! 

• Inside, there is a minstrel’s gallery, various chapels, an astronomical clock and some tombs of notable figures of the city.

Exeter Cathedral costs £7.50 for adult entry (although seniors and students pay £6.00 and it’s free for residents and under 18s!), and it is open from 11 am – 3 pm Monday to Saturday. Of course, you can enjoy the exterior any time within daylight hours. 

See my full guide to Exeter Cathedral here.

Take in History on a Red Coat Tour

I wish every city had Red Coat Tours .

These free tours leave from either Exeter Cathedral or the quayside every day at 11am and tour around the historic points of the city centre. There are a few tours on offer on different days, so if you’re in Exeter for a while, you can choose which interests you most! 

• Historic Exeter, a general overview of the city.
• Georgian Exeter, as this is when the city made a turn from an industrial settlement to a fashionable one. There is still a lot of Georgian heritage throughout the city.
• Medieval Exeter, exploring Exeter’s growth in the woollen cloth industry, including some of the surviving buildings from this period. 
• Forgotten Exeter, the hidden corners of the city that not many people speak about.
• Exeter Old & New, a tour of ancient and modern Exeter, featuring what is expected to be the country’s oldest Norman building. 

I’ve taken all of these tours, and Forgotten Exeter was my favourite. 

You can book your free tickets  here .

There are some instructions about picking tickets up, but I’ve always just turned up at the meeting point and the guide had my name.

The tours are completely free and are organised by the council and run by volunteers.

Stroll around the historic Exeter quayside 

Exeter’s history doesn’t stop at the Cathedral. A ten-minute stroll away sits Exeter quay, which was historically where many of Devon’s goods were exported. 

Back in the 17th century, when the woollen cloth industry made Exeter a very wealthy city, the quayside was right at the heart of all the action! 

So, as you might expect, there are tonnes of historical buildings here. 

Exeter’s quayside  is a lovely  place for a walk ; there are lots of bars and restaurants that you can stop in too. I love Rockfish, At the Waterfront and Exeter quayside Distillery, all of which are located in the quay area. 

A history of Exeter quay

It’s also a very historic area. The quay has been around since Roman times, but it was blocked in the 13th century because the Countess of Devon, Isabella de Fortibus, built a weir.

Why? She had mills in Topsham, which is just down the river, and didn’t like the competition!

Her cousin reinforced this in 1317, and essentially the city was blocked for 250 years. 

Eventually, the infamous King Henry VIII came to the rescue (although it was actually Edward VI, his son, who acted on it). They had bad blood with the Fortibus predecessors, which worked well for the people of Exeter.

The river couldn’t regain its natural flow, as it had been blocked for so long.

Therefore, canals were built linking the quay to the River Exe.

This resulted in Exeter becoming a prosperous trading site, regained for its links to the sea. 

Hear the stories of the Customs House

For all this woolen cloth trade, Exeter needed a customs house!

One of the best free things to do in Exeter, the Customs House is nowadays a Visitors Centre.

Located right by the quayside, it was built in 1680 to control the trade coming in via the River Exe.

It’s now a visitor centre, but there are items on display from the woollen cloth industry and an exhibition about 2000 years of Exeter’s history.

Shop til you drop in  Gandy Street and Fore Street

Exeter has some of the best independent stores in the South West, and Gandy Street and Fore Street are where you’ll find them!

Gandy Street is reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley – it was actually said to be part of the inspiration for it (J.K. Rowling went to university in Exeter).

Fore Street is part of the Independent Quarter of Exeter. There are also the boutique shops of the Cathedral Quarter and the hidden gems of the Castle Quarter!

Visit the fascinating  Royal Albert Memorial Museum

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum has exhibitions about Exeter, Devon, Britain, and the world!

It’s a fantastic place to start learning about the city and is one of the best things to do in Exeter with kids.

It is free entry and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.

Learn the story of the House That Moved

The House That Moved is a little-known Exeter attraction, but I find it absolutely fascinating.

It’s a Medieval building, constructed with a larger first and second floor than ground floor, as was typical at the time due to land space issues. 

It’s current position is on West Street, at the bottom of Stepcote Hill, but it’s original position was at the corner of Edmund Street and Frog Street. 

In the 1960s, a new road was built, projected to go right through where the property was. However, Exeter had already lost so many of its important buildings in World War Two, and protests from archaeologists and citizens meant that another solution had to be found. 

So it was moved. 

Engineers used a system of iron rails and wheels to transport it to its location now. It’s still standing, a little crooked, and you can find it through this Google maps location – the bottom is now a bridal shop.

Stepcote Hill is a beautiful building with lots of historic houses, and is also well worth a stroll down (or hike up!). 

Walk down the narrowest street in the country, Parliament Street

This is a bit of a contentious Exeter attraction, but it’s worth mentioning! 

It is believed to be the narrowest street in the world.

Parliament Street is apparently a street and not an alleyway because it has houses and streetlights. 

It’s basically a gap between two buildings with a sign at the end saying it’s record-breaking. But, if you’re a fan of the Guinness Book of Records, you might want to check it out. 

Explore the  Exeter City Walls

The Romans first built Exeter’s city walls, and they used to stretch over a mile around the city.

They aren’t complete any more, but a lot of them still remains. In fact, they were adapted by historic groups throughout the centuries. 

You may have seen the walls on your Red Coat Tour, but they are worth checking out if you didn’t (and you might want to go back to see another bit of them too!).

Look out for the different brickwork and a few markings in the stone that suggest the year that individual parts were created and improved. 

Don’t touch the  touchstone

There is a touchstone by the city walls close to the cathedral (here’s the  Google Maps location ).

Medieval travellers used to touch this stone as they entered the city, and it was said to absorb the evil spirits that they met as they travelled through the nearby towns and villages.

Don’t touch it on the way out – if you do that, legend has it that you bring all the bad spirits that are stored in the stone.

I always play it safe and don’t touch either way. 

Head to the Exeter priory

Exeter Priory is the oldest building in the city; it was founded in 1087 by William the Conqueror. It was the home of Benedictine monks, but was closed in 1536 due to the dissolution of the monastries. It was then a Tudor home. 

 You can visit Exeter Priory on Sundays and Mondays, or they do special events including plays and Tudor re-enactments at other times of the year. 

Traverse the  Exeter Underground Passages

Exeter’s underground passages are the only of their kind in Britain; they were used to source clean drinking water in Medieval times, and can now be explored on a guided tour!

The tour details some of Medieval Exeter’s history and guides groups around the underground network of the city. 

Tours of the Exeter Underground Passages must be booked in advance. They cost £7.50 for adults, £5.00 for children, and £22.00 for a family of 4.

Small children may find them scary, and they are unsuitable for people who suffer from claustrophobia. 

See Exeter’s other historical curiosities

History buffs should be in their element when walking around Exeter. 

It used to be one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful historic cities in the UK. It still is in parts, but sadly, the Exeter Blitz caused a lot of the city to be destroyed. 

Now, you’ll find Medieval houses amongst 1960s buildings – there are so many historical treasures that are really easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for! 

Here are some parts of Exeter to watch out for. 

• Look above Lakeland: this historic building dates back to the mid 17th century and has historic coats of arms on the front. Next door, there’s a Tudor house that dates back to 1567. 
• St Catherine’s Chapel and Almshouses : This building dated back to 1458 as accommodation for impoverished men. There was also a chapel on-site. It was sadly destroyed in the 1942 bombings, but the ruins stand as a memorial. 
• St Stephen’s Church: Situated near to Exeter Cathedral, this church is over 1,000 years old and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. 
• Medieval Exe Bridge: This is a real Exeter hidden gem! One of the oldest brick bridges in the country, it dates back to 1190 and nowadays sits amongst Exeter’s busiest roads.

Go back in time at  Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle  is a 20 minute drive out of Exeter, but it’s an easy trip out of the city.

Still occupied by the Courtenay family, the castle’s history spans 600 years, and it was one of the most important places in Devon in the Civil War.

You can learn all about this on a guided tour; also, check out the beautifully landscaped gardens, which are the perfect place for a picnic. 

Visit Topsham

An ancient Roman port, Topsham is one of the most historically significant places in Exeter.

The petite but quaint high street welcomes you with beautiful buildings, independent shops and historic pubs.

Plus, you can learn all about the town in the Topsham Museum!

There are wonderful estuary views too. 

One of the best ways to visit Topsham is by hiring a bike from Saddles & Paddles and journeying down the Exe Estuary Cycle Trail. More on that below! 

Cycle down the Exe Estuary

The Exe Estuary Cycle trail is one of the best in Devon.

Sprawling down the river, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy wonderful riverside scenery. 

The estuary trail encompasses villages like Topsham, Exton and Lympstone on the east, and Exminster, Starcross and Dawlish Warren on the west. 

You can either hike, cycle or drive the estuary trail, stopping at various points along the way and taking in its history and nature. 

If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from Saddles & Paddles.

Go canoeing in Exeter Canal

As well as incredible cycling trails, Exeter quay, canal and estuary area also offer a playground for watersports enthusiasts. 

Although Exeter is 10 miles from the coast, its beautiful quay means that it’s very much a waterfront city. 

One of the best ways to enjoy this is by taking a stand-up paddleboard or canoe out onto the quay and paddling to the Double Locks Pub, which is situated on the other side of Exeter Canal. 

In fact, canoeing in Exeter is one of the best ways to see the city from another angle and get out into nature with very minimal effort! 

You can rent a canoe (or a stand-up paddleboard or kayak!) from Saddles & Paddles. The staff will then direct you the best route, and you can take to the water independently.

If you’re visiting Exeter in the warmer months, it’s a glorious activity! 

The most popular route is an out-and-back trip to the Double Locks Pub, where you can grab a coffee before making the journey back! 

You can read all about canoeing in Exeter here.

Another nearby spot for SUPing is Exmouth, at the other end of the estuary.

Watersports like these are among the  best things to do in Exmouth , as it’s where the river and beach meet!

 Visit Exeter quayside distillery

One of my favourite things to do when I visit different UK cities is trying the local tipples. 

Exeter’s drinks scene is constantly evolving, and its most recent addition is the Exeter quayside Distillery. 

Here, business partners Dan and George create gins and vodkas, infused with unusual flavours. 

You can learn all about the process (and how they are quite different to other gin distilleries!) through a guided tour. 

Alternatively, they also offer make-your-own gin experiences. 

You can read more about the Exeter Quayside Distillery here.

Soak in St Sidwell’s Point spa

There’s something very relaxing about a spa session while you’re on a weekend away. 

Now, Exeter has a fantastic option. For £20, you can enjoy two hours of relaxation at the St Sidwell’s Point Health Centre. Its spa has a steam room, sauna, sanorium and hot tub. 

The UK’s first Passivhaus spa (a German concept), St Sidwell’s Point spa uses environmentally friendly methods to keep heat and energy in, saving them a huge amount of money and being more environmentally friendly in the process!

It’s a fascinating concept and a wonderful place to relax and unwind for a few hours. 

You can also pay a bit extra and use the gym and pool facilities. 

You can read about St Sidwell’s Point spa here.

Head to an Exeter Chiefs rugby game

Exeter has not one, but two incredible rugby teams – a men’s rugby league team and a women’s premier 15s team. 

The woman’s team has won the Allianz Cup and come second in the Premier 15s team after just two seasons!

The rugby stadium is located at Digby & Sowton, a short train ride from Exeter Central. Tickets are usually affordable and a great atmosphere is guaranteed!

It’s worth the trip, even if you aren’t usually a live sports fan – I’m not and had a great time on my recent visit. You can read more about what to expect here! 

Tackle the quay climbing centre

If you’re looking for something to do in Exeter in the rain, check out the quay climbing centre!

This is the biggest claiming centre in South West England and incorporates bouldering, climbing walls with ropes and clip N climb, which is perfect for kids age 4+. 

Where to eat in Exeter

Exeter is one of the best cities in South West England for gastronomy. Here are some of my favourite restaurants in the city!

• Margoux :  A luxury restaurant in central Exeter, Margoux serves up British and European classics with a wide range of cocktails and wine. 
• The Terrace :  Famous as the best rooftop bar in Exeter, The Terrace serves fruity cocktails and has an extensive food menu with burgers, steaks and curries. 
• Rockfish :  Fish is on the menu here, with a fresh order coming daily from Brixham Harbour (just 30 miles away). There are some veggie/ meat options too. 
• The Turk’s Head:  A must visit for history buffs, this restaurant is one of the oldest in Devon and serves up delicious pizza! 
• On the waterfront:  Another pizza place with views of the quay, this restaurant serves possibly my favourite pizza ever. If you’re visiting as a group, try one of their extra-large bases! 
• Eat on the Green:  Sitting in a prime position in front of Exeter Cathedral, this tea room dishes up delicious British pub food. 

Where to stay in Exeter

I’ve written a full blog post on where to stay in Exeter , but here are some of my recommendations!

However, if you want to check some places out quickly, here are my recommendations: 

Budget Hotel: Check out The White Hart pub, which is a friendly establishment with cosy rooms, right in the heart of the city. Click here for more information.

Mid-Range Hotel: The Jury’s Inn is a modern hotel, with good value rooms, right in the heart of the city. Click here for more information.

Boutique Hotel: Headweir Mill House Hotel is situated in a converted Mill House, with unique, individually styled rooms. Click here for more information.

Places to visit near Exeter

There are plenty of incredible day trips around Exeter that you can either take the train, bus or drive to. Here’s a list of some of the best places around Exeter City to visit: 

• Exmouth Beach:  this is one of the  best beaches near Exeter , with long sands expanding down the East Devon coastline. It’s famous for being a watersports hub and for boat trips with Stuart Line Cruises. Exmouth Beach is also the start of the Jurassic Coast! There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the town centre.
• Killerton House:  one of the most popular National Trust properties near Exeter, this estate has a rich history and is perfect for a family day out. 
• Castle Drogo:  this is another wonderful  National Trust  property near Exeter and was the last castle to be built in England. It sits on the edge of Dartmoor, so you can enjoy the moorland on the same day trip. 
• Dartmoor National Park: there are so many incredible places to visit in Dartmoor National Park. From the beautiful Lydford Gorge to the many tors (Hound Tor and Saddle Tor are two of the best!), parts of Dartmoor are only a short drive from Exeter. 
• Dawlish Warren:  Dawlish Warren is another popular beach close to Exeter City. It’s well-connected to the city by rail, with train journeys only taking 15 minutes. This is one of the most scenic railways in England too. 
• The South West Coast Path: While Exeter isn’t on the South West Coast Path, Dawlish and Exmouth are. You can take a train from Exeter to either location and hike east (towards Sidmouth and Beer Beach) or west (toward Teignmouth and Torbay). Exeter’s excellent location and position as a transport hub mean that it’s fairly easy to get back to at the end of the day.

How to get to Exeter

You can reach Exeter City centre by taking the train, coach or driving. Here are some instructions: 

• You can take the train from London Paddington, which takes just over two hours. There are also train services from  Plymouth ,  Bristol , Birmingham and other cities. You can read my GWR first class train review here. 
• The coach takes a lot more time but is generally substantially cheaper. You can book tickets through Megabus or National Express. 
• You can reach Exeter by driving on the M5 or taking the M3 and A303. 

How to get around Exeter

Uber also operates in Exeter, although there aren’t as many cabs as in other destinations. 

I often use Apple Taxis or, if I’m travelling back to Exmouth (where I live), AJ Taxis .

What is Exeter famous for? 

The historical city of Exeter is famous for its beautiful 900-year-old Cathedral and historic quayside.

In fact, history is everywhere in Exeter, with restored buildings dating from anywhere between the 11th and 19th centuries. 

Nowadays, it’s quite well known as a city with plenty of outdoor activities on offer, due to its lovely position in the countryside of South West England.

Is Exeter worth visiting?

Yes, the beautiful city of Exeter is definitely worth visiting! 

There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip here, including its fascinating history spanning back hundreds of years and its range of contemporary, outdoorsy and family friendly activities. 

Exeter also has a wonderful food scene, plenty of cocktails and wine bars, and unique hotels. 

With a mild climate and some of the prettiest scenes of any city in the UK, it’s ideal for a weekend break! 

These are the best things to do in Exeter!

Exeter is the second-largest settlement in Devon  and one of the most historic cities in the UK.

First settled by a Celtic community, then populated by  Romans , it is steeped in tales.

While it is nowadays quite a laidback city with a population of around 130,000, you can see the historical significance anywhere. 

There are plenty of other reasons to visit Exeter, too. It’s located at the start of the  Exe Estuary , only around 12 miles from the coast and near to epic moorland – nature is never far away.

In the city, there are a plethora of independent shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy!

If you’re going on a Devon holiday, it’s a great base.

Or, if you just want a city break, especially if you love history and chilled-out places, it’s a perfect option.

So, are you ready to visit Exeter?

You could tick these off in two days (check out my weekend in Exeter itinerary to see how they all tie together), or you could take your time and see a few attractions in and around the city.

It all depends on what kind of trip you want!

One thing’s for sure though – there’s plenty to do in this fascinating city, and whatever your travel style, you’ll find something to love in Exeter. 

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Self-guided Walking Tour of Exeter (with Maps!)

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Discover Exeter’s rich and varied history on our exciting self-guided walks. Exeter’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot – and there is plenty to discover along the way. Explore fascinating Roman vestiges, shopping areas and wonderful architecture.  The city’s Quayside area is the ideal destination for a relaxing stroll, whilst taking in the the beauty of the River Exe and Canal.

The first part of our tour takes us through Exeter’s historic past as a wool town. By the early 1700s Exeter was a very wealthy city, thanks to wool. Exeter’s prominence in the cloth industry was due to its proximity to spinners and weavers throughout Devon, and the fact that cloth was finished on Exe Island. The cloth was loaded onto ships at Exeter Quay and exported to France, Spain, Holland and Portugal. Business thrived until the effects of the Napoleonic Wars and the dominance of the mechanised mills of the north of England led to the decline of the woollen cloth trade in Exeter.

We will then explore the old town to explore its medieval past.

The Middle Ages were a period of rapid growth for Exeter. It became the religious, commercial, and administrative centre for the region. Throughout the period following the Norman Conquest in 1066 until the reign of Henry Tudor in 1485 (Henry VII), a complex relationship between the Crown, Cathedral and City developed.

Exeter Ship Canal

Park at Okehampton Street Car Park, EX4 1DY or Okehampton Street Car Park, EX4 1DY. Head tho the nearby River Exe and turn right. There is a pleasant reverside walk that you can start on. half a mile later you will be on Exeter Quayside, although a modern development its full of bars and restaurants.

This is the start of the Exeter Ship Canal. It first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock.

Customs House

Cross over the Cricklepit Bridge, built in 1988 to link the quayside with Haven Banks. Or if you are in the Summer and feeling brave you can cross the Butts Ferry, a hand-operated pedestrian cable ferry. After using the bridge, bear left to reach the Visitor centre at the customs house. If you used the ferry head left.

The Quay House was re-built in 1680-1 at the height of Exeter’s woollen cloth industry. The building was used to store cloth and other goods before they were loaded and transported down the canal. It also had an overhanging roof, which enabled cargos to load and unload out of the rain.

Today the history and development of Exeter’s Quayside is brought to life with lively displays, illustrations and artefacts. There is also the opportunity to see “Exeter – 2,000 years of history,” an exciting audio-visual presentation highlighting Exeter’s history from Roman times to the present day. The Quay House Visitor Centre provides tourist information, Quayside treasure hunts, an accommodation booking service and a gift shop selling local pottery, replica maps and a wide range of local interest books.

Just beyond along the canal are the olds warehouses the which today are used by crafts and antiques shops to sell their wares  and places to eat and drink. After the decline of the woollen cloth industry this area of the Quay was still busy with the storage and transportation of grain, wine and oil.

Cricklepit Mill

Head back along commercial street, with the canal on your left. lookout for the Bishop Blaize Pub, behind it is Cricklepit Mill.

This area you are now in was called Exe Island, it was once the very heart of the Devon cloth industry packed with mills, fulling stocks, cloth drying sheds and racks. You can imagine the noisy activity of workers with heavy hammers pounding the newly dyed cloth. The fulling mills were powered by water via man-made channels called ‘leats’.

Cricklepit Mill was one of many in Exeter, including three on the Quay, but most have gone or are in a bad state of repair. Cricklepit Mill now offers a small visitor centre and wildlife garden where we run a range of events and activities for the general public.

Old Exe Bridge

At the end of commercial street take the subway on the left of the road and you will come out in a park and see the Old Exe Bridge.

This is where the first bridge across the River Exe was built in 1200. During the boom years of the woollen cloth trade, packhorses and horse drawn carts trying to get in and out of town would regularly get held up on the narrow bridge.

Tuckers Hall

You need to head to the raised New Bridge Street. There are step on the other side of it, climb the steps and head left up Fore Street.

Members of the Cloth Workers Guild met here to make decisions about their trade. They would discuss such things as quality standards and apprenticeships. You can see the tools of their trade in the ironwork on the gate.

St Nicholas Priory

Carry on up fore street to Mint Lane, at the end of which is St Nicholas Priory.

Part of this historic building was home to two of the city’s most prominent wool merchants. The Priory was built almost a thousand years ago as a Benedictine monastery and was partly destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536.

Guildhall & Merchant Houses

Retrace your steps to fore Street and continue along it. It turns into high Street and the Guildhall is on your left.

For over 800 years the Mayor and Council have regulated the affairs of Exeter from the impressive Guildhall. The homes, shops and offices of wealthy merchants were also built in this area. You can still see the beautiful timber fronts.

Northernhay Gardens

Continue along the High street until you reach castle street. Dont miss out on the information panels on you left. Turn right onto Bailey Street, turn left into Northernhay Place then up the hill into Northernhay Gardens.

The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build the adjacent city walls. Walking through the gardens is a good way of seeing the walls.

Athelstan’s Tower

When in the park follow the higher path by the wall until you arrive just below Athelstan’s Tower (opposite the bandstand).

King Athelstan also built a castle on the highest ground inside the wall, on the Red Mount, now known as the Norman, Rougemont Castle. It is thought that the only part of his castle to survive is a part of the ruins known as “Athelstan’s Tower”.

Norman Gatehouse

Walk through Athelstan’s Tower through Rougemont gardens to see the Norman Gatehouse.

Although not strictly part of the wall, the castle was an important part of the city’s defences. Built in 1068 following the Norman siege of Exeter, it established a foothold of control for the Normans over the previously rebellious citizens of Exeter. This gatehouse is the oldest standing castle building in Britain.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Walk back through the Rougemont gardens, and pass through another gate in the walls. Note the herringbone structure of the walls. Turn left and continue through the park until you reach Queens Street. Turn left along it and RAMM is on your left.

The displays in the museum reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.

Exeter's City Walls

walk back the way you came, then cross Queen Street onto Northernhay Street, after 50 metres turn into Maddocks Row. At the end of Maddocks Row turn right into Paul Street and proceed to the traffic lights at the south end of the Iron Bridge. You are now at the site of The North Gate.

North Gate: This was the site of one of the smallest of the city’s four main gates. It was burnt down during the Perkin Warbeck Rebellion of 1497 and also damaged during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549.

Cross the traffic lights and go straight ahead into Bartholomew Street East. Keeping the railings on your right, walk straight down the path to Bartholomew Terrace.

Snayle Tower:   On the corner of Bartholomew Terrace in front of you once stood a large semi-circular tower that dominated the defences to the west of the city. It offered an excellent observation point for the many sieges of the city particularly during the English Civil War.

Continue to the end of Bartholomew Street West. Cross Fore Street, walking down the hill to the end of West Street. 

West Gate: This gate was the main entrance to the city from Plymouth and Cornwall and was a particularly busy place at the height of the woollen cloth trade.

Cross Western Way at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left and walk uphill to the first turning on your right (Lower Coombe Street) and proceed onto cobbled Quay Hill, at the bottom you will be at  Water Gate.

Water Gate: This gate was added to the city wall circuit for commercial rather than defensive reasons. During the 16th and 17th centuries this area was involved in the woollen cloth industry, be it finishing the cloth on Exe Island or exporting the cloth from the Quay.

Continue on the footpath up the hill to Western Way.From here either cross Western Way via the Yaroslavl Bridge, or to your right over the pedestrian crossing. The next board is located on the other side of South Street. Here you will find out about the South Gate.

From here either cross Western Way via the Yaroslavl Bridge, or to your right over the pedestrian crossing. The next board is located on the other side of South Street. Here you will find out about the East Gate.

South Gate: This was the most impressive of all the city gates. This stretch of wall was very vulnerable from attack, so a number of smaller towers were built.

Follow the footpath alongside the city wall to Cathedral Close, turn right on to Southernhay. At Southernhay turn left then continue behind Broadwalk House to discover more about the East Gate.

East Gate: Being the principal entry point to the city, this gate played a vital defensive role during the many sieges of Exeter, especially during the Perkin Warbeck rebellion.

Exeter Cathedral

From the end of the city wall head back to the High Street. You will pass on your left St. Stephen’s Church, which dates from the 11th Century.

The Cathedral is the jewel in Exeter’s crown. Exeter became a major ecclesiastic centre in the Middle Ages, not only was there a Cathedral, but within the city there were 32 parish churches, and around the area there were 7 monastic houses.

The cathedral area has been used as a place of worship since the 4th Century and eventually a Saxon Abbey was built. The Abbey became a Cathedral in 1050. From 1114 a new Cathedral was constructed, and in the 13th and 14th centuries the Cathedral was rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic architectural style.

If you walk anti clockwise around the cathedral you will come to St Petrock’s (Exeter) Ltd, and the Gates to the Close For over 500 years entry to the Cathedral Precinct would have been controlled by seven gates. The gates were erected following the murder of a member of the Cathedral clergy.

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9 reasons to visit Exeter

Discover the best things to do in Exeter

Devon’s unofficial capital is a vibrant and historically industrious city on the shores of the famous River Exe – the perfect place for an alfresco meal or even a spot of kayaking.

From its striking Gothic cathedral to its picture-perfect Tudor and Victorian architecture, this 2,000-year-old Devonshire city has plenty of stories to tell and endless nooks and crannies to explore. If that’s piqued your interest, read on for more reasons why Exeter is one of the best places to visit in Devon.

Free things to do in Exeter

Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour

With such an eclectic past, there’s so much more to Exeter than meets the eye and one of the easiest ways to get insider knowledge is on an Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour  – one of the best free things to do in Devon. Choose from daily tours exploring Exeter’s strange and unusual facts on an Oddities & Curiosities tour, Medieval Exeter or discover spooky facts about the city on a Ghosts and Legends tour. Stopping by many of Exeter’s historic buildings, you’ll hear chilling stories about one of the most haunted cities in the country.

More free things to do in Exeter

Another free tour is the self-guided Exe Estuary Trail  – a purpose-built 26-mile walking and cycling route that passes through towns and villages steeped in maritime history, idyllic countryside and scenic coastal views. If you fancy exploring it on two wheels, bicycle hire is available through Co-Bikes . For a deeper insight into the city, pay for a tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages . Built back in medieval times to house the pipes that brought clean water into the city, they are the only passages of this kind now open to the public in Britain. Donning a hard hat, you’ll wander through these narrow, dark tunnels to hear stories of war, sieges, plague and pestilence and even see centuries-old masons’ marks and graffiti.

Places to visit in Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral  is the most visited landmark in the West Country, brimming with 900 years of history. Adorned with grotesques, the cathedral – that took around 300 years to build – sports the longest unbroken medieval vaulted ceiling in the world, which is decorated in historical scenes like the murder of Thomas Becket. It’s also famous for its two Norman towers, and 15th-century Astronomical Clock. You can admire the decadent interiors of the cathedral for a small price and, if you plan your timings right, catch the heavenly voices of the Cathedral Choir’s Evensong. Afterwards, take a stroll down neighbouring Cathedral Close – the heart of the city since the Roman era – to see some beautiful Grade I-listed buildings that date back to the Medieval and Early Modern Ages.

More places to visit in Exeter

Keep an eye out for The House That Moved – a timber-framed Tudor House that was literally moved to save it from being destroyed – and discover how the Tudors lived in St Nicholas Priory , Exeter’s oldest building, founded by William the Conqueror in 1087. Now a living museum, you can have a nose around a medieval kitchen, a Tudor bed chamber and much more. Or escape to Powderham Castle , owned by the same family since it was founded in 1391 and admire the 18th-century Marble Hall, peruse the permanent art gallery and potter around the landscaped gardens.

Places to stay in Exeter

Hotel Du Vin

It’s not every day that you go on holiday, so why not treat yourself to a stay that’s a little bit out of the ordinary? The luxury Hotel Du Vin , in the heart of Exeter, used to be an Eye Infirmary, and the heritage is still reflected in its historic walled gardens and 19th-century architecture. Each bedroom has its own unique personality, and comes with indulgent touches like Egyptian cotton sheets, original artworks and a roll-top bath. Take some time to yourself in the hotel library or unwind in the modern REN Spa, complete with an indoor-outdoor pool and spa treatments that use ingredients sourced locally from Devon.

More places to stay in Exeter

Another luxury bolthole in central Exeter, Southernhay House , is home to one of the city’s swankiest hotel bars. Located in a beautiful Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, this hotel nods to its East India Company past with room names like Silk, Cotton, Ivory and Spice. For something a bit more upbeat (and to keep the kids entertained), book a stay at the Crealy Theme Park & Resort . While known for its rides and amusements, the resort is also one of the best campsites near Exeter. Choose from five-star hot tub lodges, glamping safari cabins and over 100 camping and touring pitches.

Attractions in Exeter

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

In need of rainy day activities? The award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum  should be top of your list. With 16 galleries and collections exploring the likes of natural history, zoology and the local history of Exeter, there’s more than enough to keep you and the kids captivated for a few hours. Inspect cabinets from Victorian biologist Percy Sladen who amassed one of the largest collections of echinoderms (starfish and sea urchins to us normal folk), admire Japanese samurai armour and see war clubs and tools from Captain Cook’s voyages up close.

More attractions in Exeter

Film fanatics will love a peek around The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum , full of cinematic wonders and all sorts of memorabilia that spans the history of the moving image. Based on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, you’ll come across shadow puppets, posters, cameras, flip books and more, chronicling the development of entertainment from Charlie Chaplin to Buzz Lightyear. Maritime enthusiasts may prefer a trip down to Topsham Museum , housed inside a 17th-century merchant’s house by the River Exe. Celebrating the area’s shipbuilding history, the museum has a collection of smaller vessels as well as a number of rooms furnished in a period style and even features the dress worn by Vivien Leigh in the film Gone With The Wind.

Restaurants in Exeter

The Galley in Topsham

Surrounded by fertile farmland and close to miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that Exeter is lauded as one of Britain’s foodie capitals and has an abundance of tasty experiences up its sleeve. Tuck into ‘Devon on a plate’ at The Galley in Topsham , which serves up the freshest fish and seafood from Devon’s shores in a simple yet stylish manner. Opt for a teriyaki mackerel starter before indulging in a prosecco-battered plaice fillet with a side of triple-cooked chips. If you prefer trying a bit of everything, book a seat at one of the top-notch supper clubs at The Oddfellows . This quirky pub has a zero-waste ethos and hosts a seven-course supper club packed with locally sourced ingredients to showcase the best Exeter has to offer.

More restaurants in Exeter

Indulge in the flavours of this Devonshire city on the Exeter Food and Drink Trail , which celebrates fantastic native suppliers. This colourful, easy-to-use map gives you a route to follow to find tasty treats like cheese, mussels and honey. Or find a new addition to your Christmas cheese board at Quicke’s Cheese . Take a tour of Home Farm and watch expert cheese makers craft each truckle by hand before treating your taste buds to a tutored cheese tasting and a two-course seasonal lunch.

Bars in Exeter

The Exeter Brewery

After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to relax than with a crisp pint – especially when you can savour it in the place it’s been made. If you fancy yourself a bit of a hops connoisseur, don’t head home before taking a tour of the Exeter Brewery  to see how they brew all their ales in the ‘engine room’, before you settle in for a drink or two at the Tap Room. Choose from the likes of ales, ciders and lagers like Darkness, Ferryman and Fraid Not or, for the non-beer drinkers, a range of wines and spirits. Be sure to accompany your tipple with an award-winning savoury pastry from Tom’s Pies – they’re pretty popular.

More bar and pubs in Exeter

Continue your booze-infused education at Kenton Park Estate , where you can indulge in a spot of wine tasting. The experience includes a tour of the plantations as well as a meet-and-greet with the estate’s furry residents. In addition to the sparkling wines, you’ll get to try some cider or a bespoke G&T in the estate’s herb garden, depending on the tour you pick. For more of the West Country’s staple drink, cider, head to Ventons Devon Cyder or  Sandford Orchards , both just outside of Exeter. The latter is family-owned business based in the oldest working cider mill in the UK and you can nab a behind-the-scenes look at the Cider Works before rounding off your visit with a cider tasting and a side of pizza.

Animal attractions in Exeter

Wildwood Escot

If you’re on an Exeter city break with the kids, don’t miss the chance to visit to Wildwood Escot . Chock-a-block with family-friendly activities, playgrounds and friendly animals, you’ll have a tough time getting the little ones to leave. Start your day by navigating the maze, then zoom down the 40-metre zipline before crafting your own Saxon jewellery in the Saxon Village Forge. After a quick snack break, take a walk through tranquil woodland where you’ll get to spot wolves, lynx, and even Mish and Lucy, two European brown bear cubs. Round off your day at the wildlife conservation park by challenging the kids on the Traversing Wall. They’ll sleep well, that’s for sure.

More animal attractions in Exeter

For more animal adventures, take a short drive out of the city to The Donkey Sanctuary  in Sidmouth. As well as the visitor centre and the Understanding Donkeys Zone, the site also has a maze, walking trails, donkey grooming sessions and a restaurant with scenic views over the paddocks. Or take to the waters on an Exeter Canal Cruise with Stuart Line Cruises . You’ll travel along the oldest working shipping canal in Europe, witnessing the locks come to life and the swing bridge open before docking in Exmouth where you can grab a well-deserved ice cream.

Activities in Exeter

The Quay Climbing Centre

Put your skills to the test on the South West’s largest indoor climbing wall. Based at Exeter’s Quay Centre , this all-weather activity will certainly make up for all those extra holiday calories. If you’re a newbie to climbing, you can book a taster session that’ll guide you through the basics, while committed climbers can tackle routes for all levels on roped and lead walls reaching up to 14 metres high. In the same building you’ll find the Clip’n’Climb Centre, the ultimate vertical playground for the young and young at heart. This colourful climbing wall has 25 different routes to try, from the Big Cheese to the Spaghetti Junction, the Stairway to Heaven to the Twister. Will you be able to conquer them all?

More activities in Exeter

If that doesn’t scratch your itch for adventure, why not get behind the wheel of a 4x4 on a Land Rover Westcountry Driving Experience ? Choose between half or full-day courses and navigate 35 acres of rugged off-road terrain, tackling demanding obstacles and pushing your skills to the limit. The flagship Land Rover Experience centre in the UK also offers junior experiences for 11 to 17-year-olds and heritage drives that use vehicles from the past 70 years. Alternatively, take it down a notch and explore Exeter and its surroundings on foot. Within easy reach of Dartmoor National Park, the Jurassic Coast and the Blackdown Hills, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to glorious scenery and endless walking paths .

Theatres in Exeter

Exeter Phoenix

Once you’re all explored out, settle down for an evening of entertainment at one of Exeter’s thriving theatres. The Exeter Phoenix  is the home of creativity in the city, hosting all sorts of art forms from gigs to galleries, cinema to comedy and even creative courses. If you can’t nab tickets for a show, have a wander around the free contemporary visual art gallery or catch a film in the solar-panelled cinema, Studio 74. Pre-show drinks and snacks are also available in the Phoenix Café Bar, if you really want to make a night of it.

More theatres in Exeter

Over at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus you’ll find Exeter Northcott Theatre , the first performing arts centre to be built on university land. Famous for fostering new talent, from the likes of Robert Lindsay to Imelda Staunton, this theatre also hosts touring West End shows, stand-up comedy, live music and much more. For the chance to see more emerging talent, head to Cygnet Theatre , just above the city’s quayside. This training theatre has been coaching actors since 1980 and puts on a range of classic, modern and musical performances.

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Originating as a Roman fort, built at the start point of the ancient Fosse Way (a major Roman road running north to Lincoln), Exeter has now grown to become a strategically placed cathedral city.

The Romans built a wall around the town in AD 200, since which the, Saxons, Danes and Normans have occupied it, each adding to the fortifications. In fact William the Conqueror laid siege to the town, during the winter of 1068; the only remaining stronghold in England following his victory at Hastings two years earlier. The remains of the original Roman wall are still visible today, most prominently around Southernhay. A 12th-c tower still stands at the northernmost corner of the wall, at Rougemont. Near to which is the original gatehouse of the castle built by William the Conqueror.

Historic buildings line Exeter's Cathedral Yard © TAB

Exeter's Cathedral Yard is a delightful area to visit at the heart of the busy city, with old Elizabethan houses, shops and restaurants, overlooking the spacious lawns around the magnificent Norman Cathedral . The Guildhall , the centre of Exeter's civic life for over 800 years, claims to be the oldest municipal building in the country. Its roof, restored in 1469 during the Wars of the Roses, displays the Bear and Ragged Staff badge of Warwick the Kingmaker.

Many of the city centre's ancient buildings were destroyed during air raids in WWII. One that survived is St Mary Steps Church, on Stepcote Hill, which has a clock on its wall in which the hours are struck by three figures, known locally as Matthew the Miller and his two sons.

Exeter's quayside on the River Exe © TAB

Much of Exeter's prosperity in medieval times came from the trade that passed through its quay on the river. In 1290, the port was cut-off by the construction of a weir across the Exe, 3 miles south of the city, by Lady Isabel the Countess of Devon. In 1564, Exeter commissioned England's first ship canal, which eventually brought some trade back to the city.

Exeter's Maritime Museum (once located in the canal basin near the quayside), sadly closed in 1997. The majority of its exhibits (from a Welsh coracle to Brunel's steam dredger 'Bertha'), were transferred to 'World of Boats' at the fishing port of Eyemouth on the East Coast Scottish Border.

Content by Steve B

Places of interest to visit in Exeter

Exeter cathedral.

Opening times: all year, Mon-Fri 9.30-6.30, Sat 9.30-5, Sun 7.30-6 Admission Charge Location: 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, EX1 1H5 - Tel: 01392 285983 - Website Facilities: gift shop

Exeter Castle

The Castle stands on the highest part of the city, to the north-east of the city walls. The reddish colour of its volcanic rock foundations gave it its current name: 'Rougemont Castle'. Not much remains of the early Norman buildings except for the entrance gatehouse. The castle is now privately owned and run as a venue for art exhibitions and music events.

Courtyard opening times: Mon to Fri throughout the year from 7am to 7pm - Admission Free Location: Castle St, Exeter, Devon EX4 3PU - Tel: 01392 420 703

Free Guided Town Tours

The Red Coat Guides give free 90 minute tours of Exeter throughout the year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Tours start from the Royal Clarence Hotel in Cathedral Yard or from the Quay House Visitor Centre. A City Wall tour is also available, which lasts 2 hours.

For details email: [email protected] - Tel: 01392 265203

Exeter Guildhall

Exeter's oldest municipal building still in use today. Built in 1330, with later modifications. Contains portraits of several local dignitaries, guild crests, civic silver and other rich regalia.

Opening times: vary depending on official usage, see website for details Free - Donations Welcome Location: High St, Exeter, EX4 3EB - Tel: 01392 665500 - Website

Quay House Visitor Centre

Located by the River Exe, Quay House (circa 1680) was built to store woollen cloth and other goods for transport along the river and canal. Contains a small museum dedicated to the history of the quayside, including several audio-visual presentations explaining Exeter's history from the Roman era onwards.

Opening times: all year, Apr-Oct, daily 11-5; Nov-Mar, Sat-Sun 11-4 Free Entry Location: 46 The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AN - Tel: 01392 271611 - Website Facilities: gift shop

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Contains several galleries of local history displays from pre-history to the present day. Also hosts Exeter's art gallery and largest exhibition space.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm Free Entry Location: Queen St, Exeter, EX4 3RX - Tel: 01392 665858 - Website Facilities: shop, refreshments, guided tours, parking for blue badge-holders only (call 01392 265960)

Underground Aqueducts

Dating from the 13th century, these underground passages once transported the city's water supply from springs, at the head of the Langbrook Valley, outside the city walls.

Opening times: Mon ~ Sat 9.30am to 5.30pm - Admission Charge Location: Paris Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3PZ - Tel: 01392 665887 - Website

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Why you must visit Exeter: A bumper guide for 2024

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Effortlessly blending historic and stylish developments, the cathedral city of Exeter is Devon’s well-heeled administrative and spiritual centre.

The Gothic cathedral of the city guards stands tall over cobblestone streets, while Georgian and mediaeval structures and ruins of the Roman city are scattered throughout.

Chic shops and hipster cafes add a flash of modernity, and thousands of university students guarantee lively nightlife and a buzzing centre.

The lively quayside is also a launching point for kayaking and cycling trips out of the city and towards the glorious Devonshire countryside.

Reasons to visit Exeter

Exeter things to do

The city’s population is largely student-based, and you will often find throngs of young academics in various states of hipster dress milling about town.

Given its proximity to popular Bristol and Bath and the Welsh Capital of Cardiff, it is easy to overlook Exeter when choosing a UK city break.

However, this charming city has a lot to offer, and there are many reasons to visit Exeter for your next UK staycation.

I’ve visited this charming city many times, and I would really recommend it for a cultural and historical city break in England. Check out my bumper Exeter guide and plan your visit.

Exeter city centre

Exeter has everything you might expect from a British city: a lively high street, modern shopping centres, coffee shops, restaurants and bars.

The real charm of this city is that these amenities are interwoven with a rich tapestry of historic buildings.

You can marvel at the Gothic architecture, a magnificent cathedral and even a 2000-year-old Roman city wall, of which around 70% of it remains.

Exeter Cathedral

Surely the first activity on an Exeter itinerary has to be a trip to the iconic Exeter Cathedral ?

This medieval cathedral dates back over 900 years and is decorated with stunning Gothic architecture and carvings.

Aside from its architectural delights, it’s a vibrant and active cathedral with several daily services.

As we were wandering around silently snapping away, friendly staff asked if we would like to attend Choral Evensong.

Exeter Cathedral services

‘Oh yes, that would be lovely’, was my enthusiastic response, before realising I didn’t really know what a Choral Evensong was.

My Secular upbringing has resulted in relatively little knowledge of religion, churches, or even what to expect from a service.

Perhaps sensing my bewilderment, the kindly Clergyman explained that it was a service sung by the Cathedral Choir and included prayers, a sermon and an anthem.

There was beautiful singing from the choir and the right level of solemnity and warmth. It was a lovely, immersive experience.

I would highly recommend attending an Exeter Cathedral service when you are in town.

Exeter Cathedral admission charges

Exeter Cathedral receives no regular funding from the Church of England or the UK Government.

The Cathedral charges tourists and sightseers a small admission fee to help maintain one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals, which is an important part of their annual income.

Self-guided walk in Exeter

Coming out of the cathedral, you will find yourself on the pretty Cathedral Close.

Here, you’ll find impressive architecture, a cute coffee shop and the historic Royal Clarence Hotel. This magnificent hotel is currently being rebuilt and restored after a fire in 2016.

Cathedral Green Exeter

With cobbled streets, climbing vines and listed buildings, this whole area looks like a Pinterest account.

It is definitely worth spending some time relaxing on the green and admiring the scenery. It’s one of the best free things to do in Exeter city centre.

From Cathedral Close, you can easily take yourself on a self-guided walk of Exeter’s City Wall, about 70% of this 2000-year-old wall remains.

I recommend that you pick up a free leaflet from the Exeter Visitor Information Centre that will explain the history of the wall as you stroll around.

Exeter Underground Passages

As well as wandering around the city, you can also explore underneath it by visiting Exeter’s Underground Passages .

This medieval subterranean passageway was used to transport water right underneath Exeter city centre. “So, we’re going to look at some sewers?” asked my puzzled husband.

No darling, a medieval vaulted passageway, there is definitely a difference, right?

Our cheerful tour guide informs us that these are the only passages of this kind open to the public in Britain and are a major part of Exeter’s rich history.

You could hear the city life above you as we shuffled through small passageways adorning hard hats.

Listen to cars rumbling, traffic lights sounding and the faint murmur of human activity.

It’s a rather unusual experience, meandering through dimly lit tunnels, listening to tales from our chipper tour guide: “We thought we found a homeless man down here once; turns out, it was just a hipster.”

Explore Exeter Quay

Exeter Quay is a short stroll from the passages, a vibrant area with a fabulous mix of historic and modern design. It’s a developed part of Exeter that is located next to the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal.

Exeter quay kayaking

If you are feeling adventurous, hire a bike or kayak Exeter Quay to explore the waterfront by boat.

You can rent kayaks in Exeter Quay from AS Watersports . Hire kayaks, canoes and Sup boards from this professional outdoor company. They also offer Kayak and canoe tasters and one-on-one lessons.

It’s also a lovely part of Exeter for a stroll by the water as you soak up the scenery. There are also little cafes and boutique shops to discover in the Exeter Quay area.

Exeter quayside shops

If you are feeling especially cultured, I recommend a lovely cup of tea at the riverside cafe at the Antiques and Collectables Centre.

You can even browse their retro offerings, including books, maps and vinyl records. It’s a lovely alternative shopping experience in Exeter.

Imagine how envious your friends will be when you return home with an antique globe. “Oh, this old thing? We got it at an adorable little antique place in Exeter darling.” Set smug level to 100%.

You could spend a good few hours browsing the boutique stores and antique shops that dot the quayside. There is also an eclectic mix of cute cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars to explore.

Shopping in Exeter

There are also a plethora of retail options in Exeter for the shopping fans amongst you.

I’ll admit that I hate shopping; my idea of a successful shop is to get in and get out fast, like a successful military incursion.

However, if retail therapy is your thing, the main shopping centre of Exeter is extensively pedestrianised and has modern shopping centres such as Guildhall, Princesshay and Harlequins Shopping.

There are also several quaint little shopping streets with boutique and independent retailers to choose from.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

If you love soaking up arts and culture, visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery.

There are 16 galleries of displays at this museum that feature a range of exhibits from pre-history to the present day. There are pieces from Exeter and from all over the world.

The Museum also has special exhibition spaces and a lively and changing programme, so there’s always something new to see

The best part is that entry is free to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, so you can visit several times when you are visiting Exeter.

South West Coast path

If you love long seaside walks, then you may want to venture out of Exter and walk the South West Coast Path.

This picturesque National Trail is 630 miles long. It runs from Minehead in Somerset all the way to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

The path has a variety of gentle walks, steep coast paths and headland strolls. It’s an incredibly scenic walk that locals and visitors love.

You can choose to walk end to end or undertake one of the many circular walks. You can find more information on the South West Coast Path at the Exeter Tourist Information Centre.

Powderham Castle

Immerse yourself in history by spending a few hours at Powderham Castle . There is a lot to see in this historic castle, and if you have run out of time, you can come back within seven days for free.

To get the most out of your English castle experience, make sure to take a guided tour inside the Castle. You’ll be able to wander through secret doors and even make your way across a haunted landing!

Entry fees to Powderham castle are £12.95 for adults and £10.95 for children.

They can get stuck in at the nature trail, have a go at arts and crafts and plant seeds in the potting shed. There’s also an adventure play castle and pet corner to entertain them.

Watch a show at Exeter Phoenix

Get artsy at the Exeter Phoenix, one of the South West’s leading contemporary art venues.

Here, you’ll find a hugely varied arts and theatre programme featuring dance shows, film, theatre and visual arts.

It’s a really unique thing to do in Exeter and should have something to suit everyone. Check out the Exeter Phoenix website to see what’s on when you visit Exeter.

Catch an Exeter Rugby game

Catch an Exter rugby game and have an exciting few hours at a live sports event. The Exeter Chiefs are the local professional rugby union club and they play a mean game of rugby.

They play their home matches at Sandy Park, located on the city’s outskirts.

You can see when the Chiefs are playing by checking the fixtures on the Exeter Chief’s website.

Where to eat in Exeter

There are some rather excellent places to eat in Exeter with all manner of cuisines on offer, ranging from cheap eats, pub grub to fancy dining.

Depending on your budget, you can visit many places on your weekend break.

Some of the best places to eat in Exeter include:

• Conservatory Restaurant
• The Welcome Cafe
• The Galley Restaurant
• The Daisy cafe

Harry’s Restaurant Exeter

Harry’s is a firm favourite of Exeter residents. They have been serving up honest and reasonably priced food since 1993.

There are over 75 menu dishes to choose from in this charming red brick bistro, as well as an impressive selection of wine and cocktails.

Typical menu choices include Devon crab linguini, ribs, Butternut squash risotto, rib-eye steak and sweet potato & bean chilli.

Rendezvous Wine Bar Exeter

A definite winner for a relaxing lunch and gorgeous wines is the Rendezvous wine bar , located near Exeter Cathedral.

This cosy wine bar stocks local and international wines that are paired beautifully with its tempting menu.

Soak up the sun in their picturesque garden and feast upon a selection of dishes including Cajun-spiced pork loin, pumpkin and sage ravioli and roast fillet of salmon with harissa polenta.

Boston Tea Party Exeter

Boston Tea Party is a popular South West coffee shop chain serving a smashing selection of brunch, lunch and tea.

The food in this uber-cool hangout is homemade, deliciously moreish, and highly Instagrammable.

Brunch options include chorizo hash, scotch pancakes and eggs florentine with avocado. It’s definitely one of the best cafes in Exeter.

Doctor Ink’s Curiosities Exeter

Doctor Ink’s is an award-winning, slick, prohibition-era style bar that shakes up a selection of inventive, Victorian-influenced cocktails.

An incredible amount of thought and detail went into this quirky bar, from the decor to the menus to the whimsical and expertly crafted drinks.

If you are looking for awesome cocktail bars in Exeter, this is the place for you.

The Old Firehouse Exeter

The Old Firehouse is frequented by students, locals and Harry Potter fans, who are convinced this bar inspired the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter series.

This popular bar is certainly atmospheric, serving a selection of local ales and ciders by candlelight.

There’s also a hearty menu of burgers, baguettes and baked potatoes.

Day trips from Exeter

If you have time, some gorgeous areas near Exeter can be visited. Nearby Topsham is located on the Exe Estuary and is a nice day trip from Exeter.

Topsham is technically now a part of Exeter but has its own distinctive maritime feel.

I think the best time to visit Topsham is late afternoon. This way, you can wander around the quaint historic town, have dinner, and catch the sunset.

There’s a really good mix of boutique shops, distinctive buildings and historic pubs in Topsham.

If you are staying for the sunset in Topsham, grab a pint and a bowl of hot chips on one of the harbourside bars and catch the sun setting over the water.

Dartmoor national park

Exeter is also in the middle of some stunning landscapes including Blackdown Hills and Dartmoor national park .

The park’s Nine hundred fifty-four glorious square kilometres are ideal for hiking, horse riding, and climbing.

This beautifully rugged and wild national park is around 25 miles from Exeter and is perfect for a day trip from Exeter.

Dartmoor walks

There are many Self-guided short walks in Dartmoor. You can start these walks directly from the National Park Visitor Centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Princetown.

You can pick up Dartmoor walking leaflets and books from the National Park visitor centres and also get more information about hikes in the area.

If you are new to hiking, Why not join an organised walk at Dartmoor National Park, led by an experienced hiking guide?

This is a great way to explore the wild and open moors with an experienced guide. Visit the Moorland Guides website for details of the Dartmoor walks, including ‘dog-friendly walks’.

Where to stay in Exeter

There is a range of accommodation options in Exeter. You can choose from luxury hotels, independent B&Bs, boutique guesthouses, Air BnB properties, or a rural escape in the nearby countryside.

Some of the best places to stay in Exeter include:

• Queen’s Court 
• The City Gate Hotel 
• The Telstar Hotel
• Premier Inn Exeter Central
• Raffles Hotel

Hotels outside of Exeter

If you are looking for places outside of Exeter, I recommend the magnificent Two Bridges Hotel.

This rather swanky country hotel is located in nearby Dartmoor National Park.

With its grand oak-panelled interior, fine dining and four-poster beds, there is a definite ‘Downtown Abbey’ vibe here.

Two Bridges Hotel

Two Bridges Hotel delivers exactly what you might expect from an English country hotel.

There is an array of antique-looking decor, including grandfather clocks, old paintings and various lampshades.

You’ll also find the occasional brass jug and well-worn, padded chairs to sink into with a large scotch next to a cosy open fireplace.

Two Bridges Hotel Restaurant

Before we went through to dinner I was having the usual ‘what to wear’ crisis. How does one dress for dinner at a country hotel?

The bar area was awash with hunter wellies, walking poles and gilets, lord knows how these people dress for dining?

It could be anything from a ball gown to a full hunting season get-up. Ultimately, I settled for a vintage tea dress and what my mother would describe as ‘occasion shoes’.

We were treated to some serious upscale dining with rather lovely countryside views.

Dinner was exactly what I would expect from a country manor venue, with a range of classic dishes using local and seasonal produce.

The staff were extremely knowledgeable as to where produce had originated from.

Is Exeter worth visiting?

Exeter in Devon is indeed worth visiting for a variety of reasons. This city, rich in history and culture, offers diverse experiences for curious visitors.

Its accessibility by air, train, and road makes it a convenient city destination to reach. Exeter’s accommodation options also cater to various preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay.

The mild maritime climate allows for year-round exploration, with late spring to early autumn being particularly pleasant.

The warmth of the locals adds a special touch to the overall experience. Exeter’s residents are known for their friendliness and willingness to share insights, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Based on my many trips to Exeter, I think it’s worth visiting for travellers who appreciate history, culture, nature, and culinary experiences.

How to Get to Exeter

By Air: Exeter International Airport connects the city to major UK and European destinations. Alternatively, Bristol Airport is about a 2-hour drive away.

By Train: Exeter has two main railway stations, St David’s and Central. Regular trains run from London Paddington and other major cities.

By Car: Well-connected by the M5 motorway, driving to Exeter provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside.

Planning a trip to Exeter

Practical Tips:

• Local Transportation: Exeter has an efficient bus service, and the city centre is easily explored on foot. Consider renting a bike for a more eco-friendly way to navigate the city.
• Currency: The currency in England is the British Pound Sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller establishments is advisable.
• Language: English is the official language.
• City Passes: Consider purchasing a city pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions. The Exeter City Pass often provides discounted entry to key sites and sometimes includes public transportation .
• Weather: While Exeter generally enjoys mild weather, checking the forecast before your trip is advisable. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.
• Local Events and Festivals: Check the local events calendar for festivals, markets, or special events during your visit. Exeter hosts various cultural events throughout the year, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local scene.
• Search for a  Holiday Park in Devon and plan your accommodation in Devon.

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Portia Jones has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist and is a Lonely Planet guidebook author and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust Magazine and the Independent. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.

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10 Best Things to Do in Exeter, Devon

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 24, 2023

The historic cathedral city of Exeter boasts no end of things to do for visitors looking to experience an authentic small city vacation in England. The county town of Devon, Exeter was established by the Romans some 2000 years ago as a gateway to the southwest, a role it was perfectly suited for given its location on the wide River Exe, which is navigable and flows southward from here to the English Channel.

Spend a day or two in this charming city today and you'll find countless interesting places to visit. Historic sites are everywhere, from Medieval bridges to landmarks added later as the city's industrial and economic importance increased in Victorian times. Some of these, such as Exeter Quayside, have been revitalized and repurposed as major tourist and entertainment attractions, further enhancing the city's reputation as a must-visit travel destination in the UK .

To learn more about this exciting university city in England, be sure to read through our list of the best things to do in Exeter, Devon.

Take a Guided Tour of Exeter Cathedral

Shop, dine, and be entertained at exeter quayside, royal albert memorial museum and art gallery (ramm), visit exeter's underground passages, enjoy a private tour & afternoon tea at exeter historic guildhall, visit northernhay gardens, england's oldest public park, see exeter's oldest building: st. nicholas priory, visit the medieval exe bridge, cross the iron bridge, exeter castle, map of things to do in exeter, devon, exeter - climate chart.

Officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, Exeter Cathedral was established in 1133 but has been much altered over the years. Its squat, almost square appearance looks quite unlike most other English cathedrals. Boasting Gothic flourishes, its ornate western-facing façade was added some 300 years later in the 14th century, when the construction was finally completed.

The seat of the Bishop of Exeter, the cathedral's interior is equally interesting and contains many well-preserved flourishes from different time periods. Its most notable interior features include a unique 15th-century astronomical clock, a collection of 50 medieval-era misericords that once served as a form of prayer stool, and an ornately carved minstrels' gallery dating from the mid-1300s.

Exeter Cathedral also boasts the world's longest medieval-era stone-vaulted ceiling , as well as one of the oldest cathedral libraries in England. Established in the 11th century, it still contains one of the original books that formed the basis of the library around 1050. A more recent addition to the cathedral includes a Boer War memorial, added during renovations in the 19th century.

A great way to get the most out of your visit to this must-see cathedral is as part of a guided tour. A variety of tour options are available, including one that features a climb up to the cathedral's roof. Fun nighttime tours up to the tower area also available. Audio tours are available for those who prefer to go it alone. A gift shop and café are also available for guests to enjoy.

Address: 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, Devon

Official site: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Visitors are often surprised to learn that Exeter, although some miles from the sea, has a long history as an important port. It's situated on the River Exe, and evidence exists that the Romans in fact settled here nearly 2,000 years ago for its convenient river access to the English Channel.

Though lost for a period of time, this connection was re-opened in 1563 with the development of a ship canal leading to Exe Estuary and, eventually, the open sea. Exeter Quayside was also developed around this time, with some of the original buildings dating from this period of rapid development. The oldest surviving building, the Custom House, was built in 1680 and now serves as a useful tourist information center and gift shop.

Redeveloped and rejuvenated, Exeter Quayside is today a vibrant district that's within an easy walk of the cathedral and is a delight to explore. Highlights include a lovely riverside park with plenty of benches from which to gaze at the water and watch the world go by, as well as numerous eateries and shopping outlets .

For other fun things to do, you can rent bicycles to explore the pleasant quayside trails, or even rent a kayak or canoe and hit the water.

Address: The Quay, Exeter, Devon

Official site: www.exeterquayside.co.uk

Known affectionately by locals simply as "the RAMM," the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is Exeter's largest and most important cultural attraction . Established in 1868 and set in a historic 18th-century building just a few minutes' walk away from Exeter Train Station, the museum underwent a major renovation in 2011 and is well worth visiting for all ages.

Highlights of a visit include exploring the museum's large collection of nearly a million artifacts related to zoology, anthropology, geology, and archeology. While only a fraction of this huge collection is on display at any one time in its 16 galleries, exhibits and information is laid out in an easy-to-follow and compelling manner using state-of-the-art technology.

The RAMM has also built up a solid reputation for its impressive collection of artworks. It's also a popular stop for traveling exhibits from other galleries across the globe, with temporary exhibits changing frequently in addition to regular educational programs and workshops for both kids and adults. A café and gift shop are located on the premises.

Address: Queen Street, Exeter, Devon

Official site: https://rammuseum.org.uk

Exeter's unique Underground Passages offer a fascinating look at the city's early infrastructure. Dating back to medieval times, the city's unique network of underground passageways and tunnels were originally built to provide clean drinking water from a series of springs located outside the city walls.

The only such water system in Britain, it initially consisted of a series of lead pipes, with the tunnels we see today added later to allow repairs and upgrades to be carried out underground without causing disruption for the city folk moving about on the streets above.

Exeter's Underground Passages are accessible today via a 30-minute-long guided tour , which includes entry to a visitor center with fascinating interactive displays showing how the system was built and operated. Other highlights include film and video presentations, artifacts discovered during archaeological digs, and a gift shop.

Address: 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon

Official site: https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/underground-passages/

Dating all the way back to the 1100s, Exeter's historic Guildhall stands as a testament to the city's importance as a place of trade and governance. It's located on the High Street near the cathedral. While the building's façade is a more recent addition (it was added around 1590), much of the rest of the structure remains little changed.

In fact, with records indicating the building was in use in the latter half of the 12th century, Exeter Guildhall is thought to be the oldest municipal building still being used for the purpose for which it was designed. Other notable features include the oak door dating from the 1590s, the original roof, and an impressive 18th-century chandelier.

Still often used for city functions and banquets, the public can visit this remarkably well-preserved historic building as part of a private guided one-hour tour which can be tailored to your specific interests. For a real treat, ask to have a cream tea added to your tour.

Address: 203 High Street, Exeter, Devon

Official site: https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/exeter-guildhall/

Located just behind always bustling Exeter High Street, lovely Northernhay Gardens has the distinction of being England's oldest public open space. Established in 1612 for city citizens, the site was known to have been used by the Romans as a quarry. In addition to a section of Roman wall, the park is also where you'll find a section of England's only surviving Saxon town wall, too.

It also has the distinction of being one of the city's largest parks . Consisting of 1,200 acres of lawns and gardens, there's plenty of room to wander. The park is also home to a number of important Exeter memorials and Victorian-era statues, including Athelstan's Tower war memorial, as well as a bandstand.

In addition to enjoying superb views over the city, visitors will enjoy setting up for a picnic on the grass or catching one of the seasonal events or concerts regularly held here.

Address: Northernhay Gate, Exeter, Devon

Tucked away in an area of impressive old homes and set on a narrow laneway known as The Mint stands Exeter's oldest building: St. Nicholas Priory. Established by William the Conqueror in 1087 and over 935 years old , this remarkably well-preserved timber-framed building was turned into a merchant's home under Henry VIII's rule and offers a fascinating insight into life during the Tudor period.

Located on the Exeter Woollen Trail and well-known for its important role in the city's most famous trade, the building was eventually taken over by the city and turned into a fascinating living museum. Highlights of a visit include a working medieval kitchen, Tudor-period furnishings in the parlor and bed chamber, as well as the impressive Great Hall.

While now only open on Sundays for guided tours, it also serves as a unique function space and venue. Check the attraction's website for details, including news of upcoming plays and performances.

Address: The Mint, Exeter, Devon

Official site: www.nicholaspriory.com

Located just a short walk along the river from Exeter Quayside, the medieval Exe Bridge is another reminder of the city's former importance as a place of trade and commerce. Built in 1214 , nearly half of this once 590-foot-long bridge survives to this day and has the distinction of being the oldest and largest of its kind to have survived.

In addition to once having up to 18 arches (8.5 have survived), the bridge's chapel has also survived. Known as St. Edmund's Church, it's a reminder that almost all such bridges were built with chapels on them as a place to give thanks for a safe crossing. In its heyday, the bridge would also have supported numerous other buildings. Once a marsh, the surrounding area is now a park.

Another historic feat of engineering worth visiting is the Iron Bridge. Built over Longbrook Valley in the 1830s, this elegant structure allowed traffic and trade to enter the city near the former North Gate without having to make the difficult climb through the valley.

The bridge is made from cast iron pieces that were shipped into Exeter and assembled, and the end result is an 800-foot-long bridge with 40 arches that looks like a piece of artwork.

After crossing over the bridge, be sure to take the steps leading down to its base in order to fully appreciate its scale.

Location: St. David's Hill Exeter, Devon

Also known as Rougemont Castle, Exeter Castle was built on the site of the old Roman walls in 1068. While little now remains other than a set of picturesque ruins, the castle was once an important part of the city's defenses, and is even included in William Shakespeare's epic play, Richard III .

The castle was named after the red stone used in its construction, which can still be observed in the surviving Norman gatehouse. You can access the old castle through either Northernhay or Rougemont Gardens.

Address: Castle Street, Exeter, Devon

Official site: www.exetercastle.uk/history/

More on England

Well-heeled and comfortable, Exeter exudes evidence of its centuries-old role as the spiritual and administrative heart of Devon. The city's Gothic cathedral presides over pockets of cobbled streets; medieval and Georgian buildings and fragments of the Roman city stretch out all around. A snazzy contemporary shopping centre brings bursts of the modern; thousands of university students ensure a buzzing nightlife; and the vibrant quayside acts as a launch pad for cycling or kayaking trips. Throw in some stylish places to stay and eat, and you have a relaxed but lively base for explorations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Exeter Cathedral

Magnificent in warm, honey-coloured stone, Exeter's cathedral is one of Devon’s most impressive ecclesiastical sights. Dating largely from the 12th and…

A fixture on the city's cultural scene since Victorian times, this hulking red-brick museum recently received a £24 million revamp. It's a treasure trove…

Underground Passages

Prepare to crouch down, don a hard hat and possibly get spooked in what is the only publicly accessible system of its kind in England. These medieval…

Exeter Quay

On fine sunny days the people of Exeter head to the quay. Cobbled paths lead between former warehouses that have been converted into antique shops, quirky…

The earliest parts of Exeter's Guildhall date from 1330, making it the oldest municipal building still in use in the country. An ornate barrel roof arches…

Powderham Castle

The historic home of the Earl of Devon, Powderham is a stately but still friendly place built in 1391 and remodelled in the Victorian era. A visit takes…

Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

This eccentric museum is a must for cinephiles. It contains a hoard of film-themed memorabilia amassed by Scottish film-maker Bill Douglas, best known for…

Exeter Livestock Market

For a sense of what life's like on the farms tucked into East Devon's red-soil hills, head to one of the auctions at Exeter Livestock Market. Join farmers…

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Archaeology

Sep 30, 2019 • 2 min read

Archaeologists working on the redevelopment of an English bus station have uncovered the remains of a Roman fort, including coins and local pottery.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Exeter (Devon, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Exeter (Devon, England)

Until the steam age the university city of Exeter was a thriving port for the wool trade, bolstered by one of the UK’s oldest ship canals.

Exeter escaped heavy industry in the 19th century because it was set too far from fuel sources, and this has helped it keep some of its Tudor character.

This city is often rated as one of the most liveable in the UK, while its highly-rated university adds a dash of dynamism and culture.

There’s a lovely quayside where you can imagine old galleons docking, a regal guildhall and a sublime cathedral with Norman towers and plenty of expert Medieval workmanship.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Exeter :

1. Exeter Cathedral

Begun at the start of the 12th century and finished just under 300 years later, Exeter Cathedral is bursting with incredible things to see.

Oldest of all is the pair of square Norman Romanesque towers flanking the nave.

The absence of a central tower at the cathedral has created the longest unbroken Medieval vaulted ceiling in the world, at just under 100 metres.

Eagle-eyed visitors can make out more than 400 bosses in the vault, adorned with decorative patterns or historical scenes like the murder of Thomas Becket.

Produced in 1360, the Minstrels Gallery in the nave has 12 angels in niches, each playing a different musical instrument.

The astronomical clock meanwhile has a lower face from 1484 with a 24-hour dial, while the upper face from 1760 counts the minutes.

Finally, the astonishing 13th-century misericords in the choir are the oldest complete set in the UK, and feature the oldest known depiction of an elephant in the country.

2. Royal Albert Memorial Museum

In 2011 this museum dating back 1868 was reopened to wide acclaim following a £24m refurbishment.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum was conceived as a practical memorial to Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, and was housed in a very ornate Gothic Revival building.

It’s a diverse attraction, with collections in world cultures, natural history, zoology, prehistory, antiquities and art.

For just a quick summary of the art collection there are works by Thomas Gainsborough, John Nash and Barbara Hepworth.

You can inspect the cabinets from the study of Victorian biologist Percy Sladen, who amassed one of the largest single collections of echinoderms (sea stars, sand dollars and sea urchins). Some of the many other highlights are Medieval building fragments, Japanese samurai armour, the 14th-century Exeter puzzle jug and a wall coated with prehistoric hand axes and spearheads.

3. Historic Quayside

The Historic Quayside on the Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal is one of the prettiest scenes in the city.

In the warmer months there’s something going on most days, like the annual 10k run or outdoor concerts, while the pubs, restaurants and cafes have tables next to the water.

There has been a port of some description here since prehistory, and behind the cobblestone road are old cellars, 17th and 18th-century warehouses and the Custom House.

This is the oldest brick building in Exeter, dating to the start of the 1680s and easy to notice for its quoins and pediment, and the cannons out front.

You can cross the Exe on the manually operated Butts Ferry, which has been here since 2005 on a crossing used since 1641. There are also canoes or bikes for hire on the quayside, so you can head off and see where your curiosity takes you.

4. Guildhall

A pillar of civic life in Exeter since Medieval times, the Guildhall is still used by the City Council for meetings.

The Italian Renaissance facade on the High Street, with arcades, Corinthian columns and mullioned windows, comes from 1590. Beneath the arches is where the city stocks used to stand, and the venerable oak door here was carved in 1593. The Council Chamber, adorned with portraits of former mayors and high stewards, dates to the late-1460s, although it was restored in Victorian times.

Lining the walls are wooden panels with the coats of arms of the many former council members, and strange beasts have been carved into the corbels in the beamed ceiling.

Under the hall is a vaulted cellar used as a dungeon and once known as the “Pytt of the Guyldhall”.

5. Cathedral Close

Tracing Cathedral Green to the north and east is Cathedral Close, which has been at the very heart of Exeter since Roman times when it had a basilica and baths.

The way is lined with Grade I listed buildings from Medieval times and the Early Modern Age, and these housed clergy, canons and cathedral officials like the chancellor.

Looked out for the half-timbered houses at nos. 7, 8 and 9A, while St Petrock’s Church and St Martin’s Church deserve a peek if open.

A real eye-catcher is Mol’s Coffee House from 1596, with a gable, wooden balcony and pairs of bay windows.

On the second floor you can see royal coat of arms from the 16th century.

The stucco-fronted Royal Clarence is from 1769 and is the oldest building in England to be described as a hotel, although much older Medieval houses were integrated in the construction.

6. Underground Passages

There’s a burrow of passages under Exeter, excavated in Medieval times to bring drinking water to the city.

The water travelled through lead pipes, and to make them easier to maintain and avoid digging up the city, the pipes were kept in large vaults.

You can put on a hardhat and head underground to see these tunnels for yourself, where you’ll find centuries-old masons’ marks and graffiti.

Before the guided tour you’ll visit the heritage centre, which has pieces of the old lead pipe in a glass case and interactive displays on topics like hydraulics.

7. Rougemont Gardens

Next to the faint vestiges of Rougemont Castle is a park along the stronghold’s 950-year-old ditch defences.

The castle was built on the northern walls of the Roman city in 1068 during the Norman Conquest.

Later it was mentioned in Shakespeare’s Richard III, and the last people in England to be executed for witchcraft were tried at this building in 1682. The largest fragment is the square early-Norman gatehouse.

The park is bounded to the northwest by a piece of the city wall, and beyond this you’ll come to Northernay Gardens.

First designed in 1612 as a pleasure walk for the people of the city, Northernay Gardens is the oldest public open space in England.

8. Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

At the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter is a free museum about the history of the moving image.

Named after the Scottish directory Bill Douglas, the museum is an Aladdin’s cave for fans of cinema, full of curios like magic lanterns, shadow puppets, posters, early cameras, movie magazines from the silent era, vintage cinema signs, hand panorama reels, wax phonograph cylinders, flip books and a great deal more.

You can browse all kinds of authentic memorabilia spanning the history of Hollywood, from Charlie Chaplin to Buzz Lightyear.

9. Parliament Street

For a quick diversion, Parliament Street, branching off the High Street and a short walk from the Cathedral Yard, is one of the narrowest streets in the world.

Measuring 63.5 centimetres across at its narrowest point this street was first set out in the 1300s.

Its former name was Small Lane, and in the 19th century it was given its much grander title in irony as a protest against the Reform Act of 1832, which transformed the UK’s electoral system.

10. Haldon Forest Park

Head south from Exeter and you’ll soon be in a mosaic of woodland known as the Haldon Forest.

There are over 3,500 hectares of pine and hardwood forest, all on elevated ground along a ridge between the River Teign and the Exe estuary.

The Forestry Commission maintains a web of walking paths and bike trails, and you can hire a pair of wheels at the “Hub” near the ranger’s office.

There’s also a cafe, a high ropes course, an activity trail for kids, while children can also download the “Snarkhunter” for all kinds of interactive outdoor games inspired by the Lewis Carroll character The Snark.

11. Crealy Great Adventure Park

Just the place for excursions if you have children under ten, Crealy Adventure Park is a themed attraction that opened in 1989 and continues to grow.

There are now more than 60 rides, shows and amusements, including splash rides, small roller coasters, fairground rides, adventure playgrounds and the Animal Barn contain farm and zoo animals.

The park is in 100 acres of green Devon countryside, and some of its newer rides are Dino Jeeps where you ride past animatronic dinosaurs, Supersubs for a deep sea voyage in search of Atlantis and the Junior Driving School where kids can take the wheel on a challenging course.

Also new is Bugz Unlimited, where you can get within inches of bizarre insects like Madagascar hissing cockroaches and leafcutter ants.

12. Powderham Castle

Six miles south of Exeter, Grade I listed Powderham Castle stands on the west bank of the Exe estuary.

The property has 14th and 15th-century origins and was given extensive Gothic Revival additions in the middle of the 19th century.

Remarkably, Powderham Castle has been in the same family, the Courtenays (Earls of Devon), since it was founded around 1390. Some of the best bits inside are the 18th-century Marble Hall, the mahogany staircase and the Neoclassical Music Room designed by celebrated Georgian James Wyatt.

These are enhanced with priceless items like a 17th-century Brussels tapestry, a 15th-century carved over-door and an Axminster carpet from 1798. Outside, kids can join in on a treasure trail, busy themselves with arts and crafts at the Nature Nook and try planting seeds at the castle’s Potting Shed.

13. Donkey Sanctuary

A breeze through the bucolic East Devon countryside, the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth rests in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Here, free of charge, you can meet some of the hundreds of donkeys that this charity rescues every year.

There are also indoor attractions to visit, like the Visitor Centre, and Understanding Donkeys Zone, which detail the international work done by the sanctuary and tells you everything you need to know about these equines.

At Dr Svendsen’s Hut you can hear about Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, who founded the Donkey Sanctuary in the 1970s.

There’s also a maze, grooming sessions, walking trails and a restaurant with views over the paddocks and out to sea.

14. Topsham Museum

A quick drive or 15-minute train ride from Exeter Central station, the Topsham Museum is one of a row of 17th century merchants’ houses by the Exe.

Thanks to its location at a sheltered spot at the head of the estuary, Topsham once had shipbuilding docks that assembled early-19th-century warships like HMS Terror and HMS Cyan, and there are exhibitions about this heritage.

The museum has a collection of much smaller vessels that used to travel on the Exe, while a number of rooms have been furnished in a period style.

An unexpected treat is the set of memorabilia for the film star Vivien Leigh, including a dress she wore as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind.

15. Pebblebed Wines

Both the mild climate and sandstone soils around Exeter are suited to winemaking, and at Pebblebed you can visit the winery and have a chat with the vintner.

Pebblebed grows Merlot, Rodo, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Seyval Blanc and Madeleine Angervine, and welcomes visitors to its vineyard just outside Topsham from May to September.

The label also runs a cellar in the village, just upstream from the quay, where you can sample wines from its range along with tapas made from local ingredients.

15 Best Things to Do in Exeter (Devon, England):

• Exeter Cathedral
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum
• Historic Quayside
• Cathedral Close
• Underground Passages
• Rougemont Gardens
• Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
• Parliament Street
• Haldon Forest Park
• Crealy Great Adventure Park
• Powderham Castle
• Donkey Sanctuary
• Topsham Museum
• Pebblebed Wines

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Things to Do in Exeter

Being one of the region’s two cities, there is always something to do when in  Exeter.  All the main city attractions are within close walking distance and as the city centre is split into four distinct quarters, you’ll find it easy to navigate to each event and venue.

So much to see and do

As a student city, Exeter has a whole host of events and activities taking place all year around. You’ll find an abundance of live music, theatre performances and touring entertainment as well as an abundance of premier attractions which welcome tourists in their droves. In comparison to most other cities, Exeter’s compact size makes it great for those who want to pack a lot into their city break.

Exeter Cathedral   is one of the region’s must-visit attractions, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for taking a little rest or dining alfresco. If you want to know more about the city, the free tour hosted by Red Coat Guides which starts at the front of the cathedral is a daily occurrence and is highly recommended. Another top attraction is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery which has stunning permanent displays as well as touring exhibitions meaning that there is something differing to discover every time you visit. For something a little different, make sure to explore beneath the city by taking a tour of the Underground Passages, a network of tunnels which run underneath the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The tours are guided and it is the only attraction of their type in the UK making it a truly unique experience. For those of you who are fans of historic buildings and impressive architecture, Powderham Castle is within the Exeter region and regularly hosts events as well as being a tourist attraction in its own right.

The historic quayside is one of the most interesting areas of the city and has a fascinating history. The whole area of the quayside has beautiful architecture as well as hosting regular events and with the number of pubs and eateries in the area, you’ll always have somewhere to go. It is also a haven for activities, with cycling, walking, boat trips, watersports and climbing on offer. If having you’re enthusiastic about being active during your visit, in the suburbs of the city you’ll find botanical gardens at Bicton Park which are perfect for having a wonder around and on a nice day is great for whiling away the hours people watching and enjoying the great outdoors.

Food, drink, live music, shopping and more...

Though we’re sure you’ll never run out of things to do in Exeter, if you find yourself at a loose end, the compact nature of the city makes it a great destination for shoppers. With big high street names and independent stores interspersed with great eateries, bars and cafes all within an easy walking distance from each other, you’ll find lots to exercise your wallet.

On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find Crealy, one of the largest theme parks in the south west. Crealy is an ideal destination for families as it has a wide range of rides and activities suitable for all ages, as well as an indoor play area making it a great all weather attraction. Similarly, Haldon Forest is near Exeter and offers the chance to take part in a whole host of activities. You can easily spend all day there.

Whatever the weather, you won’t be short of things to do while in Exeter.

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New restaurant opportunity at home of Exeter Livestock Market

Published: 9 September 2024

An exciting opportunity exists for someone to run the restaurant at the Matford Centre, home to the twice weekly Exeter Livestock Market.

The current lease runs out at the end of March 2025, so the City Council is seeking expressions of interest for an operator.

Exeter Livestock Market is one of the largest in the Southwest, holding weekly markets on Mondays and Fridays, with additional specialist markets throughout each month.

The Livestock Market is operated by Kivells, and since taking over the market in 2012 visitor numbers have increased.

Customers and those running the markets provide a demand for the restaurant. In fact a report by the University of Exeter in 2020 stated that ‘the market café is pivotal as a place where farmers and auction workers can eat a proper meal, or perhaps two, during the day. It is a space where business matters are discussed, tips are traded, and gossip is shared.’

The Matford Centre also contains ten business units, a boardroom, and conference suites, together with a concourse which hosts a variety of events and markets throughout the year. It is also home to a popular Sunday car boot sale. Car parking is available on site.

For full details about the opportunity, and the submission form visit the City Council website at https://exeter.gov.uk/media/dbfnglmg/expression-of-interest.pdf

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Who We Are (Agan Keyndir)

Garry tregidga.

Garry Tregidga has been a pivotal member of the Institute of Cornish Studies (ICS) since 1997. He is currently a co-Director of the Institute and is developing its Culture, Society and Heritage research strand. Research interests include oral history, ethnomusicology, and the political history of Cornwall since the 1880s in a wider Celtic and British context. Garry is also project leader of Eglosyow Morek Kernow/Cornwall’s Maritime Churches , which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and seeks to explore the religious culture of maritime communities through time. This is envisaged as a key project in extending the work of the Institute in relation to digital humanities and democratic scholarship.  Garry coordinates our Culture, Heritage, and Society theme.

Joanie Willett

Joanie Willett first became involved with the ICS as an undergraduate student in 2004 with the Cornish Audio Visual Archive. She is now a Senior Lecturer in Politics on our Penryn Campus, and joins Garry as a Co-director of the ICS. Over the course of her research, Cornwall has provided a rich and deep case study which invites many questions around identity, governance and economic development. Joanie’s primary research specialises in using political philosophy to explore the relationship between identity and the (sustainable) economy. This has led her to consider the importance of sharing knowledge and information within the Duchy, and the role of local government, parish councils, and political decentralisation in order to deliver this.

Jane Wills is Professor of Geography and Director of the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the University of Exeter Penryn Campus.  She has worked on the changing nature of employment, the campaign for a living wage and its origins in community organising. More recently, she has focused on localism and civic engagement, publishing Locating Localism (Policy Press) in 2016.   Her latest UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) project involves organising co-production workshops in Newquay, Launceston, and Helston, to engage residents in improving the public open spaces where they live in order to improve biodiversity and community well-being.  Look out for Jane’s new edited book The Power of Pragmatism (Manchester University Press) about the politics of research and knowledge production, published in Spring 2020.  Jane is our Politics and Government representative.

Michiel Vos

Michiel Vos is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (Medical School) based at our Environment and Sustainability Institute in Penryn. He is an evolutionary microbiologist working at the interface between population genomics, evolutionary ecology and microbiology, using both lab experiments and field sampling. His main research foci are genome evolution and horizontal gene transfer (‘bacterial sex’), sociomicrobiology and the ecology and evolution of pathogens in the environment.  He is also our Institute of Cornish Studies representative for the Environment and Health.

Steffen Boehm

Steffen Boehm is Professor of Organisation and Sustainability based at the University of Exeter Business School in Cornwall. His research focuses on the relationship between political economy and ecology. In recent years, he’s explored the potential of circular economy approaches to reconfigure the workings of local and regional economies. He’s co-leading the Tevi project, supporting Cornish SMEs to move towards more circular business models. An increasing focus of his research has been on the agri-food sector, given that food and land-based economies are arguably the cornerstone of future local economies that are sustainable, resilient and working for people and planet.  Steffen coordinates our Economy and Business theme.

Professor Malcolm Williams

Malcolm Williams is originally from St.Just, where before going to university as a mature student, he was a local councillor and trade union official.  He has lived for 30 years, just about as far away as you can get from St.Just, but still be in Cornwall – in Saltash! For many years he worked at the University of Plymouth and led a research group which conducted many socio-economic research projects in Cornwall. These projects included research on housing need, migration and economy and employment, as well as the evaluation of several public and third sector projects.  Much of the research was collaborative with local councils and charities.

Since 2010 Malcolm has been a Professor and was formerly the Director of the School of Social sciences, at Cardiff University.  As well as research on Cornwall, he conducts research in the methodology of the social sciences and the teaching and learning of quantitative research methods.  He has published over 100 papers and 11 books.

Malcolm is very excited about his new role in the Institute of Cornish Studies. ‘I see this as a return to my research roots.  I believe passionately in the social and economic potential of Cornwall, but at the moment our knowledge of the problems, barriers to progress and possibilities, is rather limited.  I look forward to conducting research myself, but also to work with others in the public, private and third sectors  to expand our knowledge of the socio-economic landscape of Cornwall.’

Postgraduate students

Matt blewett.

Matt Blewett’s background in archaeology led him to research attitudes about archaeology and its presentation in Cornwall. He is now researching the links between heritage, identity and democracy as part of the Institute of Cornish Studies’ “Agan Kernow” project. Through oral history he explores how people constitute their identity, asking them if heritage really does form identity, as is commonly supposed. From there he asks how their identity informs their political behaviour and their attitude towards “democracy”. Related research includes the Cornish minority, the authorised heritage discourse, public engagement, and localism.

Michael Bunney

Michael Bunney is investigating the impact of war on Cornish communities. He is researching South Cornwall in the period 1900 to 1951, with a focus on the World Wars. He is concentrating especially on the coastal communities between Fowey & Falmouth and particularly his home parishes of Gorran and Mevagissey. Michael has taught History and Politics in secondary schools for the last 21 years and he moved to the Institute in September 2019. He also teaches Politics  and International Relations at the University and is very involved with Cornish heritage activities. Michael teaches Cornish history in his local community and is Chairman of Gorran Old Cornwall Society and Gorran Parish History Society.

Kensa Broadhurst

Kensa Broadhurst is a PhD student in the Institute of Cornish Studies, funded by the Cornwall Heritage Trust.  She researches the Status of the Cornish Language between 1777-1904.  That is, the death of Dolly Pentreath, the so-called last speaker of Cornish, and the publication of Henry Jenner’s Handbook of the Cornish Language which began the language revival.  Kensa is also considering what exactly we mean by, and how we define language extinction, and hopes to contribute to developing a function and status for the Cornish language within higher education.  Outside of her PhD research, Kensa blogs and tweets in Cornish, and reads the news in Cornish on Sunday afternoons for BBC Radio Cornwall. 

Andrew Climo

Andrew Climo is an independent process re-engineering consultant working in Higher Education. He is studying for a PhD in Cornish Onomastics, using data analytics to develop the study of Brittonic personal and place names, how they are composed, what they mean, and how this relates to their topographic setting. He was previously Chair of Agan Tavas, the Society for the Promotion of the Cornish Language, and the founding editor of the bi-lingual magazine, An Gowsva. He has also published a Cornish language course book, and three major reports relating to Cornish devolution.

Matt Valler

Matt Valler is a PhD student with the Centre for Translation & Interpreting at Queen's University Belfast. His research focuses on the physical processes by which meaning is made and the material construction of narrative time, specifically how this shapes notions of 'place'. His project is titled Taking the Measure of High Cross: translating the many worlds of Truro in the time of the Anthropocene , and brings together the Philosophy of Translation with Cornish Studies. Matt lives in Truro and has worked all over the world on projects exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and geography. His Labyrinth project, uncovering disorienting stories in urban spaces, has engaged groups in London, Melbourne, New York, Washington D.C., and Barcelona. 

Christie van Tinteren

Christie van Tinteren is an ESRC-funded PhD student working within the Department of Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. He researches socioeconomic inequalities, industrial change, and the welfare state in rural Britain, as well as experiences of (and ideas about) time, history, and community. He is originally from Truro and is currently conducting a 15-month fieldwork project in Newlyn.

Before his PhD, Christie studied social anthropology at the LSE and social policy at the University of Oxford. He is interested in combining research methods and approaches, widening academic participation, and making the products of research more accessible. His research interests include: social policy; housing; heritage; nostalgia; bureaucracy; industrial change; coastal communities; inequality; rural British history; critical realism; social ontology; and class.

Honorary Research Fellows

Bernard deacon.

Bernard Deacon was formerly Senior Lecturer at the University of Exeter’s Institute of Cornish Studies. Now retired, he is exploring the topics of comparative Celtic history, Cornwall’s labour history and migration in and from Cornwall in the nineteenth century. He has written extensively on Cornish topics, including The Surnames of Cornwall (2019), Industrial Celts: Making the modern Cornish identity 1750-1870 (2018), From a Cornish Study: essays on Cornish Studies and Cornwall (2017); Cornwall’s First Golden Age; From Arthur to the Normans (2016) and Cornwall: A Concise History (2007) among others. He has also published in a range of journals and series, including Cornish Studies, European Urban and Regional Studies, Family & Community History, Global Networks, The International Journal of Regional and Local Studies, Local Population Studies and Rural History.

Lucy Ellis is currently a consultant in higher education, a research associate and editorial assistant. Her work in the field of critical tourism studies focusses on the supply of housing to host communities affected by tourism in coastal Cornwall and the host-guest relationship using the ‘ethnographic research cycle’ methodology. The research views tourism in Cornwall as dependent development. With Professor David Baker she is currently co-Editor of Future Directions in Digital Information: Predictions, Practice and Participation for the Elsevier Digital Information Review Series. In addition to writing for publication, Dr Ellis conducts other scholarly activity such as reviewing for scholarly journal titles including Information and Learning Sciences (Emerald) and Journal of British Institute of Organ Studies.

Lesley Trotter

Lesley Trotter was awarded a PhD in Cornish Studies at the University of Exeter in 2015 for her thesis on the experiences of wives ‘left behind’ by emigrating Cornish miners in the 19th century, now a successful book, The Married Widows of Cornwall . She has a special interest combining genealogical and academic research techniques to explore and increase public understanding of the social history of Cornwall and the Cornish diaspora. Lesley is Vice-Chair of the Cornwall Association of Local Historians and works with arts groups on community history projects, as well as sharing her research via frequent public talks and online at www.humblehistory.com .

Philip Payton

Philip Payton is Emeritus Professor of Cornish & Australian Studies at the University of Exeter and Professor of History at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. He holds doctorates from the universities of Adelaide and Plymouth, and is Hon. Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. He is the author/editor of more than fifty books. His most recent titles on Cornish themes are The Cornish Overseas: A History of Cornwall’s ‘Great Emigration’ (revised edition, University of Exeter Press, 2020) and Pictorial History of Australia’s Little Cornwall (revised edition, Wakefield Press, Adelaide, 2020).

Will Coleman

Will Coleman is Artistic Director of Golden Tree Productions. Best known as the creator of the Man Engine , awarded ‘Best Arts Project UK’ by the National Lottery 2017. His publication ‘ Plen an Gwari; the Playing Places of Cornwall ’ is about to go into its second edition. ‘ Footprints of Cornish Gold ’ is Will’s latest project, triggered by recent discoveries establishing the Cornish provenance of the gold (and tin) in the Nebra Sky Disk, as well as many other other early Bronze Age artefacts from Ireland to Israel. Were early developments in Cornish metallurgy and trading practices a critical catalyst in the cultural and technological shifts between the early to middle BA right across north-western Europe?