Exeter: The Complete Guide
The historic cathedral city of Exeter is unrivalled in the region for the choice of things to do. The county town of Devon, Exeter was established by the Romans some 2000 years ago as a gateway to the southwest, a role it was perfectly suited for given its location on the wide River Exe, which is navigable and flows southward from here to the English Channel. The city is segmented into distinct quarters to help you explore hidden gems and surprises along the way.
In Roman Britain, Exeter was established as the base of Legio II Augusta under the personal command of Vespasian, in the Middle Ages it became a religious centre. Exeter Cathedral, founded in the mid 11th century, became Anglican in the 16th-century English Reformation. Exeter became an affluent centre for the wool trade, although by the First World War the city was in decline. After the Second World War, much of the city centre was rebuilt and is now a centre for education, business and tourism in Devon and Cornwall. It is home to two of the constituent campuses of the University of Exeter: Streatham and St Luke’s.
Visiting Exeter for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Exeter on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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16 Best places to See in Exeter
This complete guide to Exeter not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Exeter and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Exeter's Underground Passages
Location: 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon | Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat, 10.30am-4pm Sun Jun-Sep, 10.30am-4.30pm Tue-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm Sat, 11.30am-4pm Sun Oct-May | Price: adult/child £6/4 | Website | Distance: 0.10km
Visiting Exeter's Underground Passages
Rougemont Castle
Location: Castle St, Exeter EX4 3PU | Distance: 0.10km
Visiting Rougemont Castle
Northernhay Gardens
Location: Northernhay Gate, Exeter EX4 3SA | Hours: Open 7.30am till dusk. | Price: Free | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Northernhay Gardens
Exeter Cathedral
| Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11.30am-5pm Sun | Price: adult/child £7.50/free | Website | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Exeter Cathedral
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM)
Location: RAM Museum Exeter, Royal Albert Memorial, Museum and Art Gallery, Queen St, Exeter, EX4 3RX | Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun | Website | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM)
Exeter Guildhall
Location: 203 High Street, Exeter, Devon | Hours: The historic Guildhall remains very much a working building and is in frequent use for Mayoral functions, Council Meetings, Private hire, Weddings, etc. See website for more details. | Website | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Exeter Guildhall
Exeter's City Walls
Visiting Exeter's City Walls
Wynard’s Almshouses
Visiting Wynard’s Almshouses
St Nicholas Priory
Location: St Nicholas Priory Mint Lane, Off Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3BL | Hours: Monday Opening 10am-4pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.70km
Visiting St Nicholas Priory
Exeter Customs House
Location: 46 The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AN | Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10.00am to 5.00pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.80km
Visiting Exeter Customs House
Tuckers Hall
Location: 140 Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3AN | Hours: Tuckers Hall will be open every Thursday and Saturday mornings every week. Opening hours will be from 10:30 until 13:00 on all days.| Distance: 0.80km
Visiting Tuckers Hall
Exeter Ship Canal
Visiting Exeter Ship Canal
Cricklepit Mill
| Hours: The garden is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (except bank holidays). | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.90km
Visiting Cricklepit Mill
Medieval Exe Bridge
Location: The Medieval Exe Bridge, Exeter, UK | Distance: 1.00km
Visiting Medieval Exe Bridge
Topsham Museum
Location: 25 The Strand, Topsham, DEVON, EX3 0AX | Hours: Wednesday-Sunday between 2pm-5pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 6.90km
Visiting Topsham Museum
Powderham Castle
| Hours: 11am-4.30pm Sun-Fri Apr-Jun, Sep & Oct, to 5.30pm Jul & Aug | Price: adult/child £12.95/10.95 | Website | Distance: 10.40km
Visiting Powderham Castle