Exeter
Why we love Exeter
Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. See what lurks below the city’s surface through its Underground Passages or keep your feet firmly on cobbled streets lined with independent shops, boutiques, and vibrant bars. Nature comes to life in Exeter’s suburbs, take an amble through Ludwell Valley Park or go bird watching at RSPB Bowling Green Marsh. Where history collides with modernity and nature mixes with urban culture, now’s the time to discover Exeter.
Paddleboard with AS Watersports
Take to the Exeter Ship canal with a paddle in hand as you see the city from the water. From canoes to stand-up paddleboards, Exeter’s water is waiting to explored by you. Hire your equipment and head into the canal for a relaxing paddle and some serious sightseeing.
Exeter Cathedral
This historic Gothic cathedral boasts glorious stained-glass windows and decorative stonework and hosts events and experiences year-round. For a bird’s eye perspective across Exeter, book a behind-the-scenes climbing tour of its North Tower.
Things to do in Exeter
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Featured things to do
Take a Red Coat Guided Tour
Free to attend, these tours are led by expert guides and offer insight into different aspects of life in Exeter. From royal stories to Exeter’s literature and forgotten tales, there’s something for everyone.
Follow a Red Coat Tour
On the water with Saddles and Paddles
Pick up your next ride here, with bikes, canoes, and kayaks all on offer to hire. Following the canal paddle or cycle, stopping off to see the sights and much needed rest at pubs. Electric bikes and family-friendly child seats are on offer, too. Choose to follow the Exe Estuary Trail which is largely flat and traffic free.
Hire bikes, canoes and kayaks
Delve below with the Underground Passages
Head beneath the surface to uncover an underground labyrinth of passageways which once transported clean water to buildings in Medieval Exeter.
Discover an underground world
Rock it at Quay Climbing Centre
Reach for the heights in Exeter’s Quayside at this indoor climbing wall. Whether you’re an avid climber or complete novice, have a go at scaling the walls.
Get a hold for Quay Climbing CentrePlaces to stay in Exeter
City Centre
With well-known hotel brands, townhouses, and self-serviced apartments, it’s all about culture in Exeter’s city centre.
Exeter Quayside
Set next to the water, stay in the bustling quayside for easy access to watersports, waterside bars and restaurants and coffee shops.
Topsham
Head south of the city to the coastline for holiday cottages, farm stays and quaint inns amongst stunning countryside and coastal scenery.
Explore nearby
Getting to Exeter
Located in the South West of England, Exeter is well connected to Devon, Cornwall, London, and other destinations. Direct train journeys from London Paddington or London Waterloo take on average 3 hours 15 minutes and are operated by Great Western Railway and South Western Railway. By coach, you can travel from London Victoria to Exeter in 4 hours 10 minutes on average. Exeter Airport is located 5 miles (8 kilometres) from the city, connecting the area to locations such as Aberdeen, Newcastle, the Channel Islands and more. You can travel to and from the airport to Exeter City Centre with stagecoach buses.
Getting around Exeter
By foot
A compact city with plenty of walks, Exeter is made to be explored on foot. Find countryside routes, sculpture trails and more.
By bike
For an eco-friendly way to travel the city, opt for a bike. Exeter is a cycle-friendly city and has numerous routes for cyclists to follow. Check out route maps and cycle trails.
By bus
Hop on a bus from Exeter Bus Station to travel around the city and beyond. Use the Devon Day Ticket for a cost-efficient option for travel around the county.
Want to know more?
Head to Visit Exeter for insider tips on Exeter from those in the know.