Exeter

There are many fascinating historic attractions in Exeter, enough to occupy at least a day's sightseeing. Shopping in Exeter is a unique experience, with major High Street names sitting beside high end designer boutiques and local independents. All this, plus a packed calender of city events and festivals makes Exeter the perfect destination for a city break.

Exeter is home to the magnificent St Peter's Cathedral in the heart of the city. The Cathedral still features two massive Norman towers that were part of the original building when it was consecrated in 1133. The building is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Britain. Explore beneath the city's streets at the medieval Underground Passages - the only attraction of their kind open to the public in Britain!

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The Historic Quayside is a ten-minute walk from the Cathedral and is the ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea. Whilst there visit the Quay House Visitor Centre - it covers 2,000 years of Exeter's history in just 15 minutes!

Whatever floats your boat - rafting, hiring a pedalo, canoeing, cycling or walking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of England's oldest pound lock canal. The River Exe and its valley parks are rich in flora and fauna.

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What next? Well, you could step back in time and experience Tudor life first hand at St Nicholas Priory. Originally part of a medieval priory, St Nicholas Priory was later home to a wealthy Tudor family and is now presented as their 1602 Elizabethan town house, complete with quality replica furniture and the bright colours of the period.

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If you pay a visit to Exeter University's Streatham campus, you will find rare plants, sculptures and the Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture. For culture vultures, there are new plays to catch at the Northcott and Barnfield Theatres or the latest in contemporary art at Exeter Phoenix and Spacex Galleries.

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Located just outside Exeter, is the historic port of Topsham. Good food is a speciality with many historic pubs, and award-winning restaurants serving regional and seasonal produce. Shopping in Topsham offers a vibrant mix of boutiques, interior design, galleries, gifts, cookware, fine wines and foods, and antiques including several floors to browse at the former Customs House on the quay.

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Red Coat Guided Tours of Exeter operate daily. These free city walking tours take in everything from Ghosts and Legends to exploring Exeter's catacomb by torchlight! All periods of Exeter's history are explored. Alternatively there are self-guided heritage trails of the city - leaflets available from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets. 

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A year-round programme of events and festivals in Exeter cater for all interests, ages and budgets. From animation, music, dance, food and comedy festivals, to Heritage Open Days, dragon boat racing and colourful markets, no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to see and do.

Exeter's thriving arts scene is reflected in its many galleries. The city also proudly displays a unique collection of public art including murals, painted tiles, statues, mosaics, ornate windows and contemporary seating.

If shopping is your passion, there are over 700 shops in Exeter to choose from, of which 350 are independent stores. Visit our dedicated shopping website to find out more about shopping in Exeter. Browse for antiques and crafts on Exeter's Historic Quayside, stock up on local delicacies at the weekly farmers market or pick up some local art at one of the city's many galleries.

The Princesshay development features over 60 shops and restaurants in new landscaped open spaces, enhancing Exeter's shopping experience by offering a great range of shops from major High Street names to high end designer boutiques. The cafes and restaurants offer delicious cuisine from around the world, with outside tables giving a European piazza-style feel.

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Eating out in Exeter is a great experience for food lovers. A stroll around the city will reveal dozens of restaurants, many award winning, serving something to suit all tastes and budgets. Exeter provides a dining experience to rival the best in Europe, with fresh, locally produced food prepared with flair and imagination. Enjoy delicious expertly prepared local food, sample regional ales or treat yourself to a traditional Devon cream tea!

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The Exeter Shopping Guide & Parking Map contains information on the shopping quarters in Exeter, as well as a useful map showing the location of the car parks and visitor attractions. Click on the image to the right to view a copy, or request a copy from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets, contact details below. Please click here to view the 2012 car parking charges.

Visit our Places to Stay page to search for accommodation in Exeter.

For more information please contact the local Tourist Information Centre:

Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets
Dixs Field
Exeter
EX1 1GF

Tel: 01392 665700
Email evit@exeter.gov.uk
www.exeter.gov.uk/visiting 

Download a copy of the 2011 Exeter Summer in the City Guide here, full of attractions to visit in the city and events from May - August. You can also download below a Mini Guide to Exeter in Dutch, French, German, Italian and Spanish below.  

Exeter Mini Guide - Dutch
Exeter Mini Guide - French
Exeter Mini Guide - German
Exeter Mini Guide - Italian
Exeter Mini Guide - Spanish