Exeter is the capital city of Devon, located in the Southwest of England. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history and a wide variety of interesting things to see and do. As ex-Exeter residents we’re fairly biased towards the city, but want to share with you the best things to see and do in Exeter, and the best places to eat and stay.
Getting to Exeter
There are several ways to get to Exeter, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation, however the easiest ways are by car and by train. Exeter is easily accessible by car from the M5 motorway. If you are driving from London, the journey will take around three hours depending on traffic.
There are a number of direct train services from major cities in the UK, including London, Bristol, and Birmingham. The journey from London by train will take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are also regular bus services to Exeter from a number of towns and cities in the region. National Express operates a number of long-distance services to Exeter.
If you’re coming from Europe or the north of England and don’t want to do the long drive, Exeter has its own international airport, with direct flights to a number of destinations within the UK and Europe.
Things to do in Exeter, Devon
Located in the heart of the beautiful Devon countryside, the city is a great destination for a few days or longer.
From visiting historic landmarks and exploring the city’s charming streets and squares, to enjoying the outdoors and trying unique experiences, there is something for everyone in Exeter.
Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quayside is a popular spot for visitors, with a number of restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The Quayside is located along the banks of the River Exe and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the river, stop for a drink or a meal at one of the Quayside’s many establishments, or take a boat trip along the river.
Visit Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The cathedral was built in the 14th century and has a number of interesting features, including beautiful stained glass windows, an impressive organ, and a number of historic tombs.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral, attend a service, or simply explore the interior at their own pace.
Explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a museum of art, natural history, and cultural history, located in the center of Exeter.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits covering a variety of subjects, including art, archaeology, geology, and natural history. The museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy a performance at the Exeter Phoenix
The Exeter Phoenix is an arts centre located in the center of the city. The centre has a range of performance and exhibition spaces, including a theatre, a cinema, and an art gallery.
The Exeter Phoenix hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music concerts, theatre performances, and film screenings.
Walk around the city
Exeter is a city with a rich history and a number of charming streets and squares.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the city and explore the different neighborhoods, including the historic quayside, the medieval cathedral close, and the trendy St. David’s area. The city has a mix of independent shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it a great place to relax and people watch.
Visit Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is a National Trust castle located just a short drive from Exeter. One of the best castles in Devon, it’s a beautiful example of medieval architecture and has a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
The castle is open to visitors from April to October and has a range of events and activities throughout the year, including guided tours, falconry displays, and outdoor concerts.
Go hiking in the Dartmoor National Park
The Dartmoor National Park is a beautiful national park located just a short drive from Exeter. The park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with a range of trails to suit all abilities.
The park is home to a number of charming villages and pubs, making it a great place to stop for a drink or a meal.
Go to the beach
The Southwest of England has a number of beautiful beaches, and Exeter is within easy reach of a number of them. Popular options include Exmouth, Dawlish, and Teignmouth. These beaches are all located within a short drive of Exeter and offer a range of activities, including swimming, surfing, and beachcombing.
Visit the Crealy Adventure Park
The Crealy Adventure Park is a theme park located just a short drive from Exeter. The park has a range of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and children’s play areas. Crealy also has a number of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to spend the day with the family.
It’s a fantastic place for the whole family, especially teenagers visiting Devon who might not be overly excited by the usual hikes and National Trust properties on your family holiday.
Go wine tasting at the Powderkeg
The Powderkeg is a winery located in the nearby village of Kenn. The winery offers wine tastings and tours, and produces a range of red, white, and sparkling wines.
Visitors can take a tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process, before tasting a selection of the wines. The winery has a beautiful setting in the countryside, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Staying in Exeter
Exeter has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From bed and breakfasts to self-catering apartments and hostels, there is something for everyone in the city.
Visitors can choose from traditional hotels in the center of the city, or opt for more unique options such as glamping sites and family-run boutique hotels on the outskirts of the city.
Hotel du Vin is a boutique hotel located in a historic building right in the heart of Exeter. The hotel has a chic, modern interior and offers a range of amenities, including a bistro serving French-inspired cuisine and a bar.
Located in the heart of the city centre next to the Guildhall is one of Devon’s oldest pubs and a favourite watering hole of Charles Dickens – or so we believe. Recently restored to its former glory, The Turk’s Head is back with a bang and has opened cosy guestrooms alongside its microbrewery, so you can stay in the refurbished rooms used centuries ago by previous travellers.
Another fantastic hotel in the city centre is Hotel Indigo Exeter, which has been lovingly restored and converted from its department store origins. This hotel was once the home of Colson’s, a department store that opened in 1792 by local milliner, Mrs. Colson, who became one of the city’s most loved characters.
The hotel takes its design inspiration from the building’s department store past and other notable neighbourhood sites as each of the 104 rooms are styled to honour elements of the city. With their luxury spa, which even includes a hydrotherapy pool, Hotel Indigo is the perfect place to explore the sights and sounds of the city.
If you enjoy the countryside more than the city, you need to stay at Weeke Barton, a boutique family-run hotel that feels like a home from home and at the same time offers everything you need for a special time away. They’re eco-friendly, too, with an aim to leave as small an environmental footprint in this special part of Dartmoor as they can.
Restaurants in Exeter
Exeter has a thriving food scene, with a range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving a wide variety of cuisines. The city has a number of award-winning restaurants, as well as more casual dining options, so there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
One of the benefits of Exeter’s location in the Southwest of England is that it has access to a wide range of fresh, local produce. The region is known for its seafood, dairy products, and meat, and many of the city’s restaurants source their ingredients from local suppliers.
One of our favourite cafes is The Glorious Art House, an independent cafe in the charming St. David’s area of Exeter. With a cosy interior, they serve a range of sandwiches, soups, and cakes, as well as breakfast and brunch dishes.
If you’re searching for a casual pub, The Fat Pig is a dog-friendly gastro pub just a short walk from the city centre, serving a mix of traditional pub food and more refined dishes. The menu changes seasonally to make the most of local ingredients, and there’s an extensive selection of beers, wines, and spirits. The rustic decor and cozy atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual dinner or a Sunday roast.
For meat lovers and anyone interested in sampling hyper local food, you need to visit Hub Box, while Rockfish is the place to go for seafood. And Harry’s Restaurant is an iconic, legendary restaurant in Exeter that every visitor should visit. And for something truly unique? Head to River Exe Cafe to dine whilst floating on the water.
Exeter has a rich history and a lot to offer visitors
Less than a 3-hour train journey from the centre of London and well connected to the rest of the UK, Exeter is a fantastic city for a short break or as part of a longer trip to Devon and Cornwall.
From exploring the city’s charming streets and squares, to enjoying the outdoors and trying new experiences, there is something for everyone in Exeter. The city is also well-located, with a number of beautiful beaches, charming villages, and stunning countryside within easy reach.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, Exeter is a great destination. Excellent accommodation options, delicious food and drink, and a range of cultural and recreational activities, mean Exeter is well worth a visit. So, if you are planning a trip to the Southwest of England, be sure to include Exeter on your itinerary!
