Explore Exeter

Exeter is a cosmopolitan city with an ancient history, located on the River Exe.  A visit here makes the perfect day trip when you’re staying on Devon’s English Riviera with the new South Devon Highway reducing the travel time to just 40 minutes. You’ll love beautiful Cathedral Green and the lively Quayside.  Why not take one of the free guided walks around Exeter with the Red Coat guides? Find out more on the Visit Exeter website.

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is very much the town's historic landmark and a wonderful example of Gothic architecture. It boasts the longest unbroken stretch of medieval gothic vaulting in the world and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Devon. Free tours of the cathedral are available (admission applies) and tickets can also be purchased for roof tours during the summer.

Exeter's Underground Passages

There’s an exciting labyrinth of medieval passages you can visit, right under Exeter High Street. Back in the 14th and 15th centuries, the system of tunnels was used to bring fresh water into the city. Exeter is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type and guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s. Open all year.

Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours

Join one of the many free walking tours and explore Exeter with an official guide. The tours last about 90 minutes and include: Cathedral to Quay, Exeter’s City Wall, Forgotten Exeter and the Mint, Exeter’s Historic Quayside and Ghosts & Legends.  The daily tours usually depart from outside the West Front of Exeter Cathedral. 

Historic Quayside

Make sure you also spend some time at Exeter’s idyllic quayside.  Browse the antique shops, go for a walk along the riverside, hire a bike or a canoe or just soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars. 

Parks and Gardens

Exeter has some lovely parks such as Northernhay Gardens, Rougemont Gardens and the University of Exeter’s Botanical Gardens where tours are available.  The Exeter Green Circle is a twelve mile walk which is split into 5 sections – leaflets for each section are available on Exeter City Council’s website.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Exeter’s world-class museum is well worth a visit with internationally important world culture and natural history collections. The Garden Entrance links directly to the Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens.  A bridge from the entrance leads to the Roman wall with panoramic views of the gardens and the city.

Shopping

Exeter is a popular Devon destination for shopping with lots of big name stores on the High Street plus the beautifully laid-out and traffic-free Princesshay offering shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.  Chic Gandy Street in the Castle Quarter is quite delightful with its stylish clothes and gift shops.  There are also two undercover shopping centres: The Guildhall and Harlequins.

Getting There

Exeter is an easy 30-minute drive from the English Riviera on the new South Devon Highway and there are also buses and trains, making it the perfect day trip.

Check out Visit Exeter website if you're looking for more inspiration about what to do in Devon's vibrant University city.