Explore Exeter
As you’d expect from a city with a 2,000 year history, Exeter has plenty to show off, with stunning architecture and heritage visitor attractions, as well a vibrant nightlife and culture. Exeter is a real hub of history and fun, so it is no wonder that it is known as Devon's capital city.
At the heart of the city lies Exeter Cathedral, one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic architecture in the country. Cathedral Yard is dotted with cafes and restaurants in which to sit and appreciate the Cathedral’s impressive West Front. Join a free Red Coat Guided Tour to find out more about the history of Exeter or take a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, (which also has free entry!) with 16 galleries of displays and a year round calendar of prestigious touring exhibitions. For a truly immersive historical experience, descend beneath the city’s streets on a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages, constructed in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city from springs outside the city walls – an experience not for the claustrophobic!
Shopping
The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping destination – you can find a great choice of shops, both independent and familiar are all within easy walking distance from each other. Browse large department stores in the main shopping areas of Princesshay and the High Street, or head to the Castle and West Quarters for quirky independents and vintage clothing, tucked away in interesting arcades.
Once you're done with retail therapy, head to the Quayside to watch the world go by from one of the waterside pubs or cafes. From here you can indulge in some watersports or hire a bike or canoe to explore the Exeter Canal, it's the perfect way to see the city in a whole new light. There's plenty to see and do in this part of Exeter, why not visit the Quay Climbing Centre to scale the south west’s largest indoor climbing wall?
Culture
As a major city and a university town, you'll always find something to do in Exeter, whether that is catching professional theatre productions or music performances at venues big and small. Nearby you'll find Powederham Castle who often host large scale events featuring big name artists, particularly in the summer months, while chart toppers are also known to appear at some of the city's smaller venues.
As well as music and theatre, you can find everything from art shows to talks and workshops and just about everything else in between, plus with a football and rugby team, there's lots for sports fans to get their teeth into too.
Food and drink
As you might expect from a city, the choice of eateries here is vast, it truly is putting it one of the foodie capitals of South West England. Every week you'll find a weekly farmer’s market selling field-fresh produce and regular street food markets provide the opportunity to try quality Devon meats and fish as a quick lunch stop. Head to the Cathedral Quarter for a traditional cream tea, or enjoy real ales and fine wines in historic pubs. There is an extensive range of cuisines, all with a unique Devon flare, making it perfect for special ocassions, quick bites or just because!
Exeter Events
'Playing by the rules: Childhood, dress and imagination'
'Playing by the rules: Childhood, dress and imagination' will delve into the world of…
Exciting New Hedda Gabler Comes To Exeter's Barnfield Theatre
'Hedda is bored, and when Hedda is bored, she is dangerous…' A fresh, new, and exciting…
Killerton Springs into Rhyme: Blossom poetry display
Local community groups have been getting creative, writing poetry inspired by the blossom of the…
Live Music every Friday
Live music every Friday at Flamenca, Princesshay, Exeter. Book a table and get a free glass of…
Visit Open Gardens to support your local Hospice
From March until September, gardeners across Devon will be opening their gates to the community and…
Afternoon Tea at Arrietty
Award winning, Exeter based Pastry Chef, Alan Holloway is collaborating with Arrietty coffee shop…
Corvus Consort: Rachmaninov All-Night Vigil (Vespers)
Join Corvus Consort at Exeter Cathedral for a performance of Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil…
End of Season Awards Dinner
It's nearly that time of year again - our end of season dinner is a celebration of culinary…
Devon County Show
Love animals, tractors, heavy horses food, music, dog shows, scurry racing, funfairs, crafts…
Big Silly Gig
An energetic, fun and silly sing-a-long with live music, sensory props and percussion. Sing, play…
Foraging Course with Wild Food UK at Exeter
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Foraging Course with Wild Food UK at Exeter
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
The Trumpets Shall Sound
A spectacular feast of music for up to 8 Trumpets, rarely performed, and possibly not in Devon for…
Word Kitchen Open Mic Prose Night
We're bringing Word Kitchen open mics for prose and memoir writers to the Exeter Phoenix…
Exeter Street Food Festival
Exeter! We are taking over Northernhay Gardens from Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June to bring you the…
Are we nearly there yet? A history of transport
Travelling forms part of our everyday experience of life. From the earliest times to the present…
Floristry Workshop
This workshop is the perfect introduction to designing with flowers. In this workshop, Charlotte…
Foraging Course with Wild Food UK at Exeter
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Foraging Course with Wild Food UK at Exeter
Uncover the incredible variety of edible treasures hiding in the great outdoors. From wild mushrooms…
Miracle Theatre: Love Riot
Step into a world of 18th-century etiquette, scandal, and matchmaking with Cornwall's Miracle…
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Get ready to feast: Northernhay Gardens to host the first Exeter Street Food Festival this June!
- 5 minute read
Street Food Warehouse is thrilled to announce the first Exeter Street Food Festival is heading to Northernhay Gardens (EX4 3SA) this June. From Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June over 25 of the best local and national street food traders will be serving up cuisines from across the world in the heart of…
Learn MoreBetween the covers – a brief guide to literary Exeter
- 6 minute read
Devon is awash with literary connections, from Agatha Christie who was born in Torquay and kept a holiday home in the English Rivera to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who used the wilds of Dartmoor as inspiration for the Hound of the Baskervilles – there are connections to our favourite books everywhere…
Learn MoreStep into spring with the National Trust in Devon
- 15 minute read
Across Devon, National Trust gardens are filling with colourful spring blooms, and houses are looking tip-top after their intensive winter cleans. Loads is going on this season from Easter adventures and family trails to tree planting and learning about veteran trees to guided art tours and much…
Learn MoreAction-Packed February Half Term at Devon's Top Attractions!
- 9 minute read
Devon’s Top Attractions open up their doors to welcome visitors back for the half term break. There is plenty of indoor fun to keep all family members entertained no matter what the winter weather. With the varied range of attractions, there is an activity for everyone including creative craft…
Learn MoreA brief guide to half term in Devon
- 6 minute read
Lucky enough to be heading to Devon this half term? There’s a whole host of fun and adventures to be had this February – don’t believe us? Here’s a brief guide to what you can enjoy in Devon this half term! During half term, why not get ready for Easter by joining the village of Clovelly for their…
Learn More10 things to do in Devon this year
- 4 minute read
Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely start to 2024 so far and have plenty of exciting things planned for the rest of the year. If one of those exciting things is a trip or two to Devon, here are some of the top events taking place in 2024 that you certainly don’t want to miss! Devon County Show…
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