Exeter, Devon Travel Guide | Top Things to Do

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Strategically located near the head of the navigable River Exe estuary and surrounded by the lush hills of the Exe Valley, Exeter is a vibrant and lively city that feels both stylish and trendy. Highlights for us include Exeter Cathedral, Roman walls, café-lined streets, designer brands mixed with independent shops, leafy parks, and (probably our favourite) Exeter Quay and its lively waterside pubs enjoyed by students, visitors and locals.

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Map of Exeter

Introduction

Exeter is the County Town of Devon and the second largest city in the county after Plymouth. It is convenient to access by road, rail and air and is geographically a good base from which to visit other areas of Devon.

The historic centre is compact, and you can cross it on foot in 20 minutes. Yet, the city is full of history: Imagine Roman legions, and merchants; stonemasons and wool traders. Then there’s the reality of wartime raids, and twenty-first-century rebuilding and reinvention. This guide takes you through Exeter’s history, main attractions, how to arrive and get around, where to stay, eat, and enjoy, with our local tips and day-trip ideas to help you make the most of your time.

A brief history: from Roman Isca to modern-day city

People have lived in the Exe Valley for thousands of years, long before written records were kept. Archaeological finds suggest that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers used the river for food and transportation, with later evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements on the surrounding hills, including Stoke Hill Camp, located just to the north of Exeter, and Haldon to the west. These early communities left traces in tools, pottery, and earthworks, showing that Exeter’s story reaches far back into prehistory.

Exeter’s documented history dates back to Roman rule. Around the mid-first century AD, the Second Augustan Legion built a fortress here, which they called Isca Dumnoniorum. A civilian town grew around the garrison and remained after the legion moved on. Much of Exeter’s later city wall traces the Roman perimeter, which you can still walk around today.

By the Middle Ages, Exeter was thriving on the wool cloth trade and its strategic location on the river. That location also sparked a bold act of civic engineering: having been choked off from seaborne trade by medieval weirs downstream, Exeter’s merchants commissioned the Exeter Ship Canal in the 1560s. It’s often cited as the first English canal to use pound locks, a technical leap that predates the canal mania by two centuries. Successive enlargements in the 1600s–1800s expanded the waterway to its present form, creating the canal basin you see at the Quayside today.

Exeter’s Tudor and Georgian prosperity left fine terraces and civic buildings, but the city was also scarred and then reshaped by war. In April and May 1942, Exeter was one of the cultural targets of the German Baedeker raids, suffering heavy damage and loss of life; the post-war rebuilding, especially around the High Street, explains the mixture of medieval lanes and modern retail blocks that you can see today. 

Exeter may be steeped in history, but it’s anything but stuck in the past. The city buzzes with energy thanks to its Russell Group university and the presence of the UK Met Office, one of the world’s leading weather and climate centres. Roman walls and medieval streets sit comfortably alongside cutting-edge research and a lively student scene. A beautifully refurbished museum and a state-of-the-art Passivhaus leisure centre add to the mix, showing a city that balances heritage with innovation.

What to see and do in Exeter

Exeter Cathedral: a masterpiece of Decorated Gothic

At the heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral Green, is Exeter Cathedral, one of England’s great medieval churches. Founded as a bishop’s seat in 1050 and rebuilt over the 12th to 14th centuries, the cathedral is known for its “longest continuous medieval stone vault,” approximately 96 metres (315 ft) of uninterrupted ribbed ceiling, made possible by the church’s absence of a central tower. Other highlights include the lavish Minstrels’ Gallery, the Bishop’s Throne, and the celebrated astronomical clock, whose main dial dates back to the late 15th century.

Cathedral Green is a great meeting place to watch the world go by. People watch in the summer sunshine. Visit at sunset, when the west front of the Cathedral glows. Return in late November or December when the excellent Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market fills the Green with artisan stalls and warming food and drink (the 2025 dates are 20 November–19 December). 

RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery) – Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3RX

Known locally as RAMM. Exeter’s celebrated city museum combines global collections with local finds, from Roman Isca to natural history dioramas and world cultures. It’s free to enter and generally open Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays; check the site for current hours and special exhibitions). The building itself, with its Victorian roots, boasts beautifully refurbished interiors and speaks well of Exeter’s civic investment in culture. 

Exeter’s Underground Passages – 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1GA

Beneath Exeter’s busy streets lies one of its most unusual places to visit: the medieval underground passages. Built in the 14th century to carry fresh water into the city, this network of vaulted tunnels is unique in Britain.

Today, guided tours take you below ground to explore the narrow passageways, hear stories of their construction and use, and gain a distinctive, if not unusual, perspective on Exeter from a completely different angle. It’s a fascinating blend of history and adventure, and one not to miss if you want to discover a side of the city hidden from most visitors.

We recommend booking in advance, particularly during school holidays, as tour numbers are limited. Please note that tours do not permit children under five and aren’t suitable for those who are claustrophobic. Arriving 15 minutes before your tour is advised, and hours vary seasonally. 

The Historic Quayside & Exeter Ship Canal

A short downhill walk from the centre brings you to the Exeter Quayside, where warehouses, merchant houses, and the historic Custom House line the canal basin. You’ll find a great selection of cafés, bars, restaurants, antiques shops, and more.

Hire a bike or canoe, or simply walk the towpath (or take a ferry) to waterside pubs like Double Locks and Turf Locks. The canal, first cut in 1566, was the first in England to employ pound locks —a revolutionary feature that allowed boats to be raised and lowered between stretches of water at different levels. Today, it’s a placid, green corridor that leads eventually to the sea, which is an easy gateway to the longer Exe Estuary Trail. 

Don’t miss Butts Ferry, a small hand-operated passenger ferry that crosses the River Exe. It’s been running in one form or another since the 1600s, linking the city side of the river with the St Thomas area. Still pulled across the water on a cable, the ferry is a reminder of Exeter’s river heritage and a fun way to travel between the quay and the canal basin on the opposite bank.

City walls, gardens and gateways to the past

• Just a short walk from Exeter’s busy High Street is Rougemont Castle, the remains of which offer visitors a glimpse into nearly a thousand years of history. Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror after the Norman siege of the city, its red volcanic stone gatehouse still looms above Castle Street. Once the stage for dramatic sieges, witch trials, and centuries of law courts, the modern-day castle is privately owned and serves as a unique venue for weddings, concerts and events. Even if you can’t step inside the castle, the surrounding Rougemont Gardens and the older castle remains are open daily, making a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The gardens feature sweeping lawns, views of the Exe Valley, mature trees, and remains of the Roman city walls. The Royal Albert Museum has an entrance from the gardens.
• The Old Exe Bridge (remnants near Exe Bridges) dates back to the 1190–1214 period and is the oldest surviving bridge of its size in England; several preserved arches remain visible.  The New Exe Bridges (actually a pair of bridges) were built in the late 1960s, as part of a road redevelopment scheme.
• Exeter Guildhall (203 High Street, Exeter, EX4 3EB) Standing on Exeter’s High Street, the Guildhall is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. First recorded in 1160, it holds the distinction of being the oldest municipal building in England still in continuous use. Its striking Elizabethan frontage, added in the 1590s with carved granite columns and grand oak doors, makes it one of the most photographed spots in central Exeter. Go inside and you’ll discover the richly panelled Council Chamber, portraits of former dignitaries, and centuries of civic regalia. The Guildhall has hosted a range of events, from royal visits to legal proceedings and city council meetings, and today it remains Exeter’s official civic heart, while also opening its doors for weddings, ceremonies, and free public visits.
• St. Nicholas Priory (The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3BL) is the city’s oldest building still open to the public. Founded in 1087 as a Benedictine monastery, the priory later became a Tudor merchant’s house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, it has been carefully restored to show what life was like for a wealthy family in 1602, complete with period furniture, painted plaster ceilings, and a great hall set for feasting.

Green Exeter

One of the great things about Exeter is that you never feel far from the countryside. Riverside meadows and wooded parks ring the city. Follow the Exe Estuary Trail (shared-use path) south to Starcross and across to Exmouth by ferry (seasonal), or combine short loops on the Exeter Green Circle with café stops. A short drive brings more options: Haldon Forest Park for cycling, high ropes and breathtaking views; Killerton (National Trust) for beautiful gardens, house and estate walks (don’t miss the church); Powderham Castle for stunning views of the River Exe, a farm shop, deer park walks, and event days. 

University of Exeter

Even if you’re not visiting for study, the Streatham Campus is worth a stroll for its botanic-style plantings, sculpture trail, and hilltop views. The university helps shape the city’s café culture, nightlife, and arts scene, and hosts Exeter’s Northcott Theatre.

Seasonal highlights & annual events

• Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market: among the South West’s most atmospheric festive markets, with 100+ chalets set around the Cathedral Green (2025 dates 20 Nov–19 Dec).  
• Exeter Craft Festival: a three-day showcase of makers and designers on Cathedral Green.
• Exeter Respect Festival: a vibrant early-June celebration of diversity with music, food and community stalls in Belmont Park.  
• Year-round, you’ll find arts at Exeter Phoenix, theatre at Exeter Northcott and Barnfield, comedy and gigs at the Corn Exchange, plus regular music, markets and pop-ups on the Quayside and in the city centre.   

Getting there

By train

Exeter has several central stations; long-distance services typically use Exeter St Davids.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) operates fast trains from London Paddington; typical journey times are approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes (check live schedules), with many services continuing to Plymouth and Cornwall. South Western Railway also operates services from London Waterloo to Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s.

CrossCountry offers direct services north to Bristol, Birmingham and beyond.

A newer local stop, Marsh Barton, opened in July 2023 to serve the Marsh Barton Industrial Estate, but it is also conveniently located for Riverside Valley Park. With free parking nearby and connections to all stations on and around the River Exe, this makes a great starting/finishing point for walkers.

By road & coach

Exeter is located at the southern end of the M5, which links the Midlands and Bristol (1 hour 30 minutes) directly to the city. From here, the A30 and A38 fan west to Devon and Cornwall. Coach operators, including National Express and Megabus, connect Exeter with Bristol Airport, London and many UK cities. If you’re driving an EV, note that rapid-charger coverage on some South West A-roads remains patchy at best, so plan charging stops in advance. 

By air

Exeter Airport (about 6 miles east) has a changing roster of domestic and short-haul European flights as well as seasonal holiday services. Check the airport website for current routes. Buses link the airport to the city, and trains run from nearby Cranbrook to Exeter. 

Getting around

On foot and by (free!) guided walk

Exeter’s compact centre is eminently walkable. To get your bearings, join a Red Coat Guided Tour, a free, volunteer-led programme running most days with themes from “Medieval Exeter” to “Exeter Blitz.” You simply turn up at the meeting point (some special tours require online booking). 

Buses and Park & Ride

Stagecoach South West is the leading city operator, with dense coverage and three Exeter Park & Ride sites that make it easy to leave your car on the edge of town and take the bus into the centre. Current network maps and timetables are published online; fares and ticket caps evolve, so check Travel Devon for updates if you’re planning intensive bus travel. You may also find Rome2Rio helpful in planning travel – we do!

Trains within the city

Besides St Davids and Central, Exeter has handy local stops at St Thomas, Polsloe Bridge, Pinhoe, Digby & Sowton and Marsh Barton – helpful in reaching business parks, the river corridor walks and suburbs. The new Marsh Barton station, opened 4 July 2023, sits on the Riviera Line between Exeter and the coast. 

Cycling: the Exe Estuary Trail

For easy, scenic cycling, follow the Exe Estuary Trail, a mainly traffic-free route from the city to Starcross and, via ferry (seasonal), across to Exmouth or via Topsham. Plenty of hiring options exist on the Quayside, and the path is also a fantastic walk with numerous places for refreshment. 

Where to stay in Exeter

Here are the best areas to stay in Exeter whether you prefer the cathedral quarter, the Quayside or a quieter neighbourhood.

• Cathedral Quarter / Southernhay: For first-timers who want everything on the doorstep, historic views, restaurants, and the peace of Cathedral Green. Georgian streets in and around Southernhay are quiet at night, yet central.
• The Quayside & Canal Basin: Converted warehouses, waterside pubs and morning towpath walks. Ideal if you prefer a more lively atmosphere.
• St Davids & the North Side: Close to the main station and university, a good base for day-tripping by rail.
• St Leonards & Magdalen Road: Leafy residential streets with independent delis and cafés; a quieter, “local” feel within walking distance of the centre.
• Topsham (4 miles south, on the estuary): A pretty, historic former port with superb food, antiques, and estuary views; linked by frequent trains and buses.

What kind of accommodation?

You’ll find a healthy mix: boutique hotels in repurposed buildings; dependable mid-range chains near the centre; waterside apartments; and friendly guesthouses in residential streets. Weekend city-breakers often choose the Cathedral/Princesshay side for its convenience; walkers and cyclists gravitate to the Quayside; families sometimes prefer Topsham due to its proximity to Exmouth and the coast.

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If you are searching for the best restaurants in Exeter, you will find a mix of independents and familiar names across the centre and the Quayside.

Exeter’s food scene blends South West provenance (Devon beef, Exmoor lamb, Lyme Bay seafood, West Country cheeses and ciders) with a lively, student-fuelled energy. A few local pointers:

• Quayside & Canal Basin: Pubs with terraces overlooking the water’s edge; smokehouses and seafood; hire a bike or canoe, then reward yourself with pizza or a pint by the river.
• Cathedral Green / Princesshay / Gandy Street: A cluster of cafés for brunch, gelato windows for sunny days, and smart spots for dinner within a two-minute stroll of the cathedral and museum. (We have always loved Gandy Street’s colourful independent shops, bars and restaurants.)  
• Magdalen Road & St Leonards: A compact high street of independents in an affluent area of Exeter. Coffee roasters, delis, a wine shop, neighbourhood bistros, up and coming and loved by locals.
• Sidwell Street: Fast becoming a genuine foodie hotspot, where you’ll find everything from independent cafés and bakeries to global flavours including Turkish grills, Asian street food, and vibrant Middle Eastern eateries.
• Topsham: Estuary-facing pubs, fishmongers and seafood restaurants with refined menus; a treat for slow afternoons and early evenings.

Entertainment, culture and sport

Arts & film

• Exeter Phoenix is the city’s indie arts hub—live music, contemporary art, workshops and an arthouse cinema.  
• Exeter Northcott Theatre (on the university campus) stages drama, dance and comedy; Barnfield Theatre hosts community and touring productions.  
• The Exeter Corn Exchange in the city centre hosts programmes featuring stand-up, concerts, and family shows.  

Sport

• Rugby union at Sandy Park (home of Exeter Chiefs) guarantees atmosphere and easy access from the motorway and Park & Ride sites on match days.  
• Football fans head to St James Park to see Exeter City FC play in a classic, close-to-the-action ground.
• Exeter Racecourse is situated on Haldon Hill, a few miles south, offering an elevated and scenic venue for National Hunt fixtures.  

Active days

• Paddle the canal, cycle the Exe Trail, or hike Dartmoor’s tors (trains from St Davids reach gateway towns like Okehampton on certain services; otherwise, buses head for the moor’s edge).
• For swimming and wellness in the city centre, St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, opened in April 2022. It is a striking, ultra-efficient complex featuring pools, a gym, and a spa.  

Shopping in Exeter

Exeter strikes a balance between major retail and the character of independent businesses. Princesshay and the Guildhall quarter feature big brands; lanes like Gandy Street and Fore Street conceal vintage stores, record shops, and boutiques. On the Quayside, look for antiques, crafts and waterside markets, then stop for a coffee with river views. 

Places to Visit Near Exeter

Looking for day trips from Exeter? These ideas are easy within an hour by train, bus, bike or car and work well for half days or full days.

Exeter makes an ideal base for exploring the coast, countryside, and historic houses. Within thirty minutes, you can reach the Exe Estuary, the Jurassic Coast and green parkland, with simple transport by train, bus, bike or car. Here are straightforward ideas to help you plan.

Topsham and the Exe Valley Trail

Ride the local train a few minutes to Topsham for quayside walks, independent shops and estuary views. From here you can cycle or walk sections of the Exe Estuary Trail towards Exmouth or Exeter. Look out for wildlife on the mudflats and stop for coffee by the water. It makes a relaxed Topsham day trip from Exeter with frequent local trains.

Powderham Castle and Starcross

South of Exeter, the river widens around Starcross. Visit Powderham Castle for parkland, deer and house tours, then stroll the riverside. In season, the Exmouth to Starcross Ferry links Starcross with Exmouth, making for a simple circular day when combined with rail or bike travel.

Exmouth and the start of the Jurassic Coast

Exmouth is the nearest seaside town. It offers a wide sandy beach, water sports, and clifftop views. Walk short sections of the South West Coast Path or relax on the promenade. For a simple rail link, the Exeter to Exmouth train (Avocet Line) runs regularly and takes around half an hour. For ideas and practical tips, see our Exmouth Travel Guide.

Sidmouth

Elegant streets, Byes Riverside Park and red cliffs make Sidmouth a rewarding day out. Combine a town wander with coast path viewpoints or a garden visit.

Budleigh Salterton and the Otter Estuary

Pebble beaches, quiet seafronts and nature reserves define Budleigh. Walk the promenade, explore the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and pause for a cream tea.

Seaton, Beer and the Tramway

Follow the coast east for a classic trio. Ride the Seaton Tramway through wetlands to Colyton, explore Seaton’s esplanade and take a short hop to the fishing village of Beer for beach time and cliff walks.

Killerton (National Trust)

A few miles north of the city, Killerton offers a Georgian house, costume displays and miles of paths through parkland and woods. It suits mixed-weather days and family visits, with waymarked walks and cafes.

A La Ronde (National Trust) and Lympstone

Near Exmouth, A La Ronde is a unique sixteen-sided home with estuary views and a curious interior. Combine with a stroll or coffee stop in nearby Lympstone for a gentle half day by the water.

Haldon Forest Park, Devon

Head southwest for Haldon Park forest trails, cycling, Go Ape, and superb viewpoints, all the way back to the city and moors. Waymarked routes range from easy miles to longer loops, and bike hire is available on site in season.

Woodbury Common

East of the city, Woodbury Common forms part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths with vast skies, heather and gorse, and far-reaching views over the Exe and Otter valleys. Walk quiet tracks to the Iron Age earthworks at Woodbury Castle, look for stonechats and Dartford warblers on the heath, or bring a bike for sandy trails and bridleways. It’s close to Exmouth and Budleigh, with plenty of space for children and car parks dotted around the common.

Visit Dartmoor National Park

A Dartmoor day trip from Exeter is close enough for granite tors such as Haytor, riverside woodland around Fingle Bridge and a pub lunch after a circular walk.

Crealy Theme Park and Resort

For families, Crealy offers rides, indoor play and animal encounters a short drive from the city. It is a practical all-weather option with food outlets and on-site facilities.

Darts Farm and the lower Exe

Between Exeter and Topsham, the award-winning and frankly spectacular Darts Farm brings together local producers, a food hall, cafés, and outdoor space. It is a simple stop for lunch or picnic supplies that is easily combined with a visit to Exmouth or Topsham.

Practicalities and other helpful links

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top things to do in Exeter?

Start at Exeter Cathedral and Cathedral Green, then visit RAMM, book the Underground Passages tour, and head to the Quayside and Exeter Ship Canal for cafés, pubs and waterside walks.

Is Exeter walkable?

Yes. The historic centre is compact and crossable on foot in about 20 minutes, with many sights clustered around the Cathedral, High Street and the Quayside.

What is the Exeter medieval touchstone?

The medieval touchstone is a small block set into Exeter’s city wall near Cathedral Yard, just below the cast iron Burnet Patch Bridge. It is thought to be the original stone from the old South Gate, demolished in 1819. By tradition, travellers touched the stone before passing through the gate to purify themselves and ward off harm. You can find it on the wall under the bridge, a short walk from the cathedral green.

How do I join a Red Coat Guided Tour?

Red Coat Guided Tours run most days and are free. Some themed tours require online booking. They are a good way to get your bearings and hear the city’s stories.

Are the Underground Passages suitable for children?

Tours do not permit children under five and are not suitable for anyone who is claustrophobic. Numbers are limited so booking is advised, especially in school holidays.

When is the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market?

It usually runs from late November into December on Cathedral Green. Check the current year’s dates before you travel.

What is the best time to visit Exeter?

Spring brings blossom, lighter evenings and quieter streets. Summer is festival season with long days for the Quayside and canal. Autumn has softer light for photography and colourful parks. Winter is calm, good for museums, cosy pubs and the Christmas Market.

What is the weather like in Exeter?

Exeter has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are generally mild, spring and autumn are changeable with bright spells, and winters are cool with wetter periods. Pack layers and a light waterproof year round.

How long is the train from London to Exeter?

Fast services from London Paddington take about 2 hours 10 minutes to Exeter St Davids. Trains also run from London Waterloo to Exeter Central and St Davids.

Which areas are best to stay in?

For first timers, Cathedral Quarter and Southernhay are central and convenient. The Quayside offers waterside pubs and canal walks. St Davids suits rail travellers. St Leonards and Magdalen Road feel residential and local. Topsham on the estuary is a pretty base a short train ride away.

Where to eat in Exeter?

Try the Quayside for terraces by the water, Cathedral Green and Princesshay for cafés and restaurants, Gandy Street for independents, Magdalen Road for delis and neighbourhood spots, and Sidwell Street for global flavours.

Best pubs and places to drink in Exeter?

Head to the Quayside for canal-side pubs and craft beer, Cathedral Yard and side streets for historic inns, and Magdalen Road or Fore Street for neighbourhood bars and wine rooms.

How do I get around the city without a car?

Walk the centre, use Red Coat Guided Tours, take Stagecoach buses and Park and Ride, hop between local rail stops including St Thomas, Polsloe Bridge, Digby and Sowton and Marsh Barton, or cycle the Exe Estuary Trail.

Where can I hire a bike or canoe?

Go to the Quayside for bike and canoe hire, then follow the canal towpath to Double Locks and Turf Locks or continue onto the Exe Estuary Trail.

What is special about the Exeter Ship Canal and Quayside?

The canal first opened in the 1560s and was the first in England to use pound locks. Today it is a green corridor with cafés, antiques, watersports, the hand pulled Butts Ferry and easy access to riverside pubs.

Is there parking and EV charging in Exeter?

There are short and long stay car parks across the city. If you are driving an EV, plan charging stops ahead of time when travelling on South West A roads.

Which day trips are easy from Exeter?

Exmouth and the Jurassic Coast, Topsham and Powderham Castle, Killerton, Haldon Forest Park and Crealy Theme Park are all popular and close.

Where can I find green space and easy trails?

Explore the Exeter Green Circle, riverside parks and the Exe Estuary Trail. Haldon Forest Park, Killerton and Powderham are a short drive away.

What is Marsh Barton station useful for?

Opened in 2023, Marsh Barton serves the industrial estate and is handy for Riverside Valley Park. It connects with local lines around the Exe.

Are there family friendly attractions?

Yes. RAMM is free, the Underground Passages offer a memorable tour for older children, the Quayside has hire and flat paths, and Crealy is a popular family day out.

Can I reach Exmouth by ferry?

Seasonally you can ferry across the estuary between Starcross and Exmouth. Combine with rail or the Exe Estuary Trail for a loop.

Where is the Tourist Information Centre?

Visit Exeter at the Civic Centre on Paris Street offers maps, brochures and visitor advice.

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Final thought

Exeter is full of surprises. You might come for the cathedral, but you’ll leave with an appreciation for its Roman origins, medieval water systems, Tudor buildings, and resilience during the Blitz. Add in lively markets, riverside walks, and plenty of good food, and we think the city quickly shows its character.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.