Exeter
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Gothic cathedral with the world's longest unbroken medieval stone vault.
3 tips
- Book a roof tour for city views
- Look up at the astronomical clock
- Evensong is free to attend
📷 Photos
- 2
Free museum of Devon history, world cultures and natural history.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Cafe inside for a break
- Allow two hours
📷 Photos
- 3
Medieval water tunnels beneath the city explored on guided tours.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Not for the claustrophobic
- Wear flat shoes
📷 Photos
- 4
Grassy close around the cathedral, a favourite spot to relax.
3 tips
- Picnic on the lawn on sunny days
- Christmas market held here
- Great angle for cathedral photos
📷 Photos
- 5
Historic riverside quay with warehouses, cafes and boat hire.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Hire a canoe or bike nearby
- Cross the Cricklepit footbridge
- Lively on summer evenings
📷 Photos
- 6
Peaceful gardens beside the Norman castle gatehouse and city walls.
3 tips
- See the Norman gatehouse
- Quiet lunch spot
- Leads to Northernhay Gardens
📷 Photos
- 7
Benedictine priory turned Tudor merchant's home, the city's oldest building.
3 tips
- Open limited days, check ahead
- Kids enjoy dressing up
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
- 8
One of England's oldest municipal buildings still in use.
3 tips
- Free entry when open
- Admire the timber roof
- Check opening days
📷 Photos
- 9
Pretty estuary town of Dutch-gabled houses and riverside pubs.
3 tips
- Cycle there along the canal
- Train is quick from Exeter
- Try the riverside pubs
📷 Photos
- 10
Sandy spit and nature reserve at the mouth of the Exe estuary.
3 tips
- Great for birdwatching
- Sandy beach for families
- Station right by the beach
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Exeter tips
Transportation
- Know the two stations: Exeter St Davids handles mainline trains from London and Bristol, while Exeter Central is closer to the high street and cathedral.
- Ride the Avocet Line: Scenic trains run from Exeter along the Exe Estuary to Topsham and Exmouth, great for birdwatching and a seaside day out.
- Cycle the Exe Estuary Trail: This mostly flat path follows the estuary from Exeter towards Exmouth and Dawlish Warren; bike hire is available at the Quay.
Security
- Check Dartmoor firing times: Parts of northern Dartmoor are military ranges; check firing times online before hiking and obey red flags.
- Prepare for moorland weather: Fog and rain can roll over Dartmoor quickly; carry a map, warm layers and waterproofs when heading out from Exeter.
- Stay aware on nights out: Exeter is safe, but the high street and Quay get busy on weekend nights; watch your drink and use licensed taxis.
Saving
- Visit RAMM for free: The Royal Albert Memorial Museum on Queen Street has free entry and fascinating collections from Devon and around the world.
- Book trains in advance: Advance tickets from London to Exeter are much cheaper than walk-up fares, and a railcard cuts prices further.
- Picnic on Cathedral Green: Grab a pasty or sandwich and sit on the lawn in front of Exeter Cathedral instead of paying for a sit-down lunch.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect mild but damp weather: Exeter rarely gets very cold or very hot, but rain is common year-round; pack a waterproof jacket in every season.
- Layer for summer: Summer days can be warm and sunny, especially by the coast, but evenings cool off quickly; bring a light jumper.
- Bring sturdy shoes: Waterproof walking shoes are useful for the muddy estuary paths and day trips to Dartmoor.
Cultural
- Have a Devon cream tea: In Devon, the custom is to spread clotted cream first and jam on top of the scone, the reverse of neighbouring Cornwall.
- Explore the cathedral: Exeter Cathedral has the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world; look up as you walk the nave.
- Visit a historic pub: Pubs around Cathedral Close and the Quay date back centuries; order at the bar, as table service is not usual.
Local Hacks
- Tour the Underground Passages: Exeter's medieval underground water passages are unique in Britain; book a guided tour, as group sizes are small.
- Browse Gandy Street: This narrow lane of independent shops and cafes is said to have inspired Diagon Alley; it is a quieter alternative to the high street.
- Walk to Topsham: Follow the canal path from Exeter Quay to the riverside town of Topsham, then grab lunch and take the train back.
1-day itineraries in Exeter
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
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