Are you looking for a place that mixes the old with the new perfectly? Then Exeter, England, is your spot. This lively city in the U.K.’s South-West is known as the “gateway to Devon.” It’s rich in history, like ancient Roman walls, and has fun, modern experiences. A trip here is a top choice for anyone wanting to see the best of Exeter.
Exeter is a standout for travelers wanting the full experience. It offers incredible sights, fun things to do, and a warm welcome. Ready to explore this charming part of England? This guide will show you why Exeter is a top pick for your next trip.
Key Takeaways
- Exeter is a vibrant city in the South-West of the United Kingdom, known as the “gateway to Devon”.
- The city offers a unique blend of history and modernity, with layers of time woven into the streets.
- Exeter is a great destination for visitors, with a variety of top attractions, activities, accommodations, and culinary delights to explore.
- This article will guide you through the best things to do in Exeter, England.
- Exeter’s diverse offerings make it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an unforgettable experience.
Uncover Exeter’s Storied Past
Exeter’s rich past is alive in its tours and attractions. Dive into its history with the Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours. These tours give inside stories and explore the city’s medieval times and spooky tales.
Visit the Exeter Cathedral and nearby Exeter Cathedral Close to see history up close. The cathedral, from the 11th century, shows stunning Gothic design. Its close is a calm place away from the busy city.
Take a different tour with the Exeter Underground Passages. These tunnels were used long ago for city wells and defense. They show the cleverness of people from Exeter’s past.
| Exeter Historic Attractions | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours | Uncover the city’s strange facts, medieval history, and spooky legends. |
| Exeter Cathedral | Admire the impressive 11th-century Gothic architecture. |
| Exeter Cathedral Close | Explore the tranquil and historic surroundings of the cathedral. |
| Exeter Underground Passages | Discover the city’s medieval network of tunnels and wells. |
By visiting these places, you’ll get deep into Exeter’s history. You’ll understand and love the city’s lasting impact.
Explore Exeter’s Historic Landmarks
Exeter is packed with history, showing off famous places that take you back in time. Besides Exeter Cathedral, there’s much more. You can see sites that highlight its rich past.
The House That Moved
The The House That Moved is a special place in Exeter. It’s a unique timber-framed Tudor house. You can see how life was in the Tudor times by visiting. This unique house was moved to keep it from being destroyed.
St Nicholas Priory
The St Nicholas Priory is also a key spot in Exeter. It dates back to the 11th century and was home to a religious community. Today, you can visit and see its great hall and undercroft. This visit shows us a lot about life in medieval times.
Powderham Castle
Not far from Exeter is Powderham Castle, a true symbol of the area’s history. This medieval castle is where the Earl of Devon lives. You can tour through its grand hallways and rooms. It’s like walking through history and stories.
Luxurious Accommodations in Exeter
Exeter has numerous high-end accommodations to make your stay special. You can pick from historic hotels to places perfect for families. This ensures every visitor finds the right match for their travel needs.
Hotel Du Vin
The Hotel Du Vin in Exeter combines old charm with modern comforts. It sits in the city’s center, inside a renovated Eye Infirmary. Here, you’ll find luxury alongside history, from the beautiful exterior to each unique bedroom.
Southernhay House
Southernhay House is perfect for a quieter, more personal stay. It’s in a Georgian townhouse carefully updated for guests. With just 11 rooms, a garden, and an honesty bar, this place offers a very special atmosphere.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
For families, there’s Crealy Theme Park & Resort. This place is not just a fun theme park. It has lodges, glamping, and more for everyone to enjoy. It’s perfect for a vacation full of excitement and memories.
Exeter, England: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
Exeter, England, is a vibrant city full of captivating attractions and activities. It blends its rich history with modern highlights. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences from scenic walks to historic site tours.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in Exeter’s historic landmarks, the city’s Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours are perfect. These tours share the city’s unique facts, medieval past, and spooky stories. You can visit spectacular sites like Exeter Cathedral and engaging places like Exeter Underground Passages.
Besides its history, Exeter offers many other attractions. You can see the unique House That Moved or visit the impressive Powderham Castle. If peace is what you seek, the Exeter Cathedral Close is a beautiful place to relax.
Looking for a luxurious place to stay? Exeter has many high-end options, including the historic Hotel Du Vin and the lovely Southernhay House. Families will love the fun at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. There truly is something for everyone in Exeter.
Interested in Exeter’s top spots or just looking for a guide? Whether you’re into city highlights or the best vacation spots, Exeter has a lot to offer. Its mix of history, culture, and modern life makes it a top destination in the South-West of England.
Discover Exeter’s Cultural Treasures
Exeter is a city rich with history and culture, showcased by its fascinating museums. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a highlight, winning many awards. It has 16 galleries featuring nature, zoology, and local history. You can see Victorian Percy Sladen’s collection, Japanese samurai armor, and Captain Cook’s tools.
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is perfect for movie fans. It’s at the University of Exeter and houses a massive collection related to cinema history. From old toys to movie items, this museum shows the movie-making journey through time.
Walking out of the city center, you find the Topsham Museum. It tells the story of the maritime history of Topsham, a lovely town by the river. You’ll see how shipbuilding, fishing, and trading shaped the area.
Whether you love nature, movies, or local history, Exeter’s museums and galleries add to your cultural adventure. They are key spots in this lively city.
Savor Exeter’s Culinary Delights
Exeter stands out as a top place for food lovers in Britain. It has a wide range of dishes that everyone will love. You can enjoy everything from the ocean’s best to cheeses made with care.
The Galley in Topsham
The Galley in Topsham is a short trip from Exeter and a great place for the best seafood. It’s right by the River Exe. You can try amazing dishes like teriyaki mackerel and prosecco-battered plaice fillet.
The Oddfellows Supper Club
You should visit The Oddfellows Supper Club in Exeter for a special meal. They cook with fresh, local ingredients to create unique and tasty dishes. Don’t forget to pick a wine from their great list to go with your food.
Exeter Food and Drink Trail
Do the Exeter Food and Drink Trail to find the city’s best food spots. This self-guided tour leads you to great restaurants, pubs, and food shops. It’s a fantastic way to explore Exeter’s food scene.
Quicke’s Cheese
Stopping by Quicke’s Cheese is a must when you’re in Exeter. Their family has made exceptional cheeses for centuries. You can’t miss their famous Clothbound Cheddar and other amazing cheeses.
Quench Your Thirst at Exeter’s Finest Watering Holes
After a day of seeing Exeter’s historic sites and culture, it’s time to relax. The city is home to many Exeter breweries and Exeter cider makers. Be it ales, ciders, or lagers, there’s something for everyone here.
The Exeter Brewery
In the city’s heart, The Exeter Brewery welcomes all to see where the magic happens. They show off their ales, ciders, and lagers. Visitors get to enjoy these in the friendly Tap Room, learning about the city’s rich brewing history.
Kenton Park Estate
Just beyond Exeter, you’ll find the Kenton Park Estate, a family-run cider and wine spot. They’ve been winning awards for their Ventons Devon Cyder for years. There, guests can walk among the orchards, discover the cider-making process, and enjoy the estate’s top-quality ciders.
Sandford Orchards
Sandford Orchards, yet another gem, offers an in-depth look at cider making. This Exeter cider maker lets you taste a variety of ciders. Made from local apples, these ciders come in both traditional and new flavors.
Bars and pubs in Exeter are ideal for trying local craft ales and ciders. They are perfect places to drink and celebrate your journey through this lively city.
Family-Friendly Adventures in Exeter
Exeter has lots of fun activities for families and kids. You can find both learning experiences and thrilling outdoor fun in this historic town. It’s the perfect place for visitors of any age.
Wildwood Escot
Wildwood Escot is not far from Exeter. It’s a park focused on wildlife conservation with fun things for everyone. Try the 40-meter zipline over the trees. You can also watch how things were made in the old days at the Saxon Village Forge.
Take a look at all the animals, like the wolves, lynx, and European brown bear cubs. There’s a lot to learn and see about wildlife here.
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is in Sidmouth, a short drive from Exeter. This place is both fun and educational, with a visitor center and lovely trails. You can also meet the donkeys up close during donkey grooming sessions. After that fun, you can eat at the beautiful scenic restaurant there.
Outdoor Excursions Near Exeter
Exeter is perfect for starting adventures in the great outdoors around it. You’re just 25 minutes away from
Dartmoor National Park
. It’s a wide, wild place that’s great for walks. Here, you can see ancient burial mounds, the famous Hound of the Baskervilles, and Dartmoor ponies.
If you prefer quiet nature,
Becky Falls
is the place to go. It’s a charming waterfall spot that has drawn visitors for decades. There are paths to the falls through lovely forests.
The town of
Topsham
is near the River Exe and rich in history. It’s great for a stroll by the water, shopping in unique stores, and enjoying local seafood at its best spots.
Want some energetic fun?
Exeter quayside
Then rent a bike and hit the trail by the River Exe. You’ll see beautiful city views and countryside. It’s a great way to be active and enjoy nature.
Conclusion
Exeter, England is a fascinating mix of ancient history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and exciting outdoor activities. By exploring the medieval buildings and secret passages, tasting local dishes, and visiting old pubs, visitors can dive into the city’s spirit. Exeter welcomes all visitors, offering a luxurious stay, family fun, or a thorough discovery of its lively environment.
This Exeter travel guide has highlight the best parts of Exeter, England, ensuring you have an amazing holiday. We’ve covered the top Exeter attractions summary and shared great Exeter vacation recommendations. With this knowledge, you can enjoy everything Exeter has to offer.
Enjoy the city’s long history, taste the delicious local food, and be amazed by its natural beauty. While walking its charming streets, exploring secret passages, or having a drink in an old pub, you’ll find Exeter hard to forget. It will surely be a highlight on your travel list.
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