Exeter, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

ExeterCathedral
ExeterCathedral
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Charles Miller

Exeter, located in the heart of Devon, offers a rewarding mix of city life and countryside charm. With its compact city centre, you can explore charming streets lined with independent shops, lively cafés, and a thriving arts scene. The city's impressive cathedral is a highlight, surrounded by green spaces perfect for relaxing, especially in warmer months. Visitors will find Exeter welcoming and walkable, making it easy to enjoy its character at a relaxed pace.

The city sits close to the River Exe, and the historic quayside is one of Exeter's most scenic spots. Here, you can hire a bike or kayak, browse antique shops, or simply enjoy the waterside pubs and restaurants. A short walk from the centre brings you to quiet paths along the Exeter Ship Canal, ideal for a peaceful afternoon. The quayside is also known for local markets and live events throughout the year.

Thanks to its location in the southwest, Exeter serves as a brilliant base for exploring Devon. The nearby countryside and coastlines, including Dartmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast, are all within easy reach. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural activities, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a well-kept English city, Exeter offers a little bit of everything in a picturesque setting.

History of Exeter

Exeter in Prehistoric and Roman Times

Exeter’s story begins in prehistoric times, with evidence of settlement in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. However, its more documented history starts during the Roman occupation, when it became known as Isca Dumnoniorum. Around AD 55, the Romans established a legionary fortress here, complete with baths, walls, and grid-patterned streets. This early layout would influence Exeter’s later development. As a regional administrative centre, Roman Exeter flourished, playing a key role in trade and military operations in the southwest.

Exeter in the Anglo-Saxon and Norman Eras

Following the Roman withdrawal, Exeter saw Saxon settlement and grew into a fortified burh by the 9th century. It gained prominence under King Alfred and was one of the few cities defended against Viking raids. The construction of churches and a mint signalled its importance. In 1068, William the Conqueror laid siege to Exeter after it resisted Norman control. Once subdued, the Normans built Rougemont Castle, part of which still stands, cementing their presence and altering the city’s skyline.

Exeter in the Medieval and Tudor Periods

The medieval period was one of prosperity for Exeter, driven largely by the wool trade. The city walls were strengthened, and many medieval churches were built. Exeter Cathedral, begun in the early 12th century and largely completed in the Gothic style by the 14th century, became a symbol of its wealth and religious stature. In Tudor times, Exeter faced political unrest, most notably during the 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion, when the city held out against rebels who opposed religious reform. This period also saw the rise of its merchant class and development of the city’s underground passages.

Exeter from the 17th to 19th Century

Exeter played a strategic role during the English Civil War, changing hands between Royalists and Parliamentarians. Post-war recovery brought new Georgian townhouses, and the city maintained its position as a commercial hub. The Industrial Revolution affected Exeter less than northern cities, but it saw growth in industries like banking, brewing, and printing. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century further connected Exeter to other major centres, aiding economic expansion and population growth.

Exeter in the 20th Century to the Present

The 20th century brought both devastation and transformation. During World War II, Exeter suffered significant bombing in the 1942 Baedeker Blitz, which destroyed much of the historic centre. Post-war rebuilding blended modern architecture with surviving medieval and Georgian structures. In recent decades, Exeter has emerged as a cultural and academic centre, with its university boosting the city’s profile. Major redevelopment projects, like Princesshay shopping centre and the revitalisation of the quayside, have reshaped Exeter into a vibrant, modern city rooted in deep historical layers.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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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. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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15 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!

1. Exeter Castle (Rougemont Castle)

Isca Dumnoniorum   Rougemont Castle
Isca Dumnoniorum Rougemont Castle
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Krisztina Braun
Exeter Castle, also called Rougemont Castle, is a Norman stronghold set into Exeter’s old Roman walls on the city’s northern edge, its red-stone hill giving the site its name. Begun around 1068 after the city’s revolt against William the Conqueror, it later withstood a three-month siege in 1136 during the Anarchy, and its grounds became a centre of justice—most starkly remembered for the 1682 trial of the “Devon Witches.” What visitors notice now is the surviving Norman gatehouse: a heavy archway and thick masonry that still feels defensive. The interior is largely open courtyard, often closed for private events, while the surrounding Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens add shady paths, plaques, and a calmer frame to the ruins.
Location: Castle St, Exeter EX4 3PU | Distance: 0.1km

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Exeter. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

2. Underground Passages

Exeters underground tunnels
Exeters underground tunnels
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Malcolm Etherington
Exeter’s Underground Passages are a rare medieval tunnel network built to protect and access the lead pipes that once carried spring water in from outside the city walls. Entry begins with a short introductory film and a small exhibition of maps and tools, before you duck into dim, vaulted corridors beneath Paris Street. The tunnels are tight, low, and sometimes humid; hard hats are provided, and some sections are narrow enough to feel claustrophobic. Parts of the route even offer an optional crawl, which many visitors remember as equal parts challenging and fun. It’s a striking look at how essential infrastructure was engineered and maintained below ground centuries ago.
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: 0.1km

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3. Athelstan’s Tower

Athelstans Tower Exeter   Rougemont Castle
Athelstans Tower Exeter Rougemont Castle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pymouss
Athelstan’s Tower is a surviving fragment of the early castle King Athelstan raised on Exeter’s Red Mount, later absorbed into Rougemont (Norman) Castle. Up close, visitors notice the distinctive triangular window openings—an old Saxon-style detail likely executed in the early Norman period—and later crenellated battlements above. The masonry mixes different stones, including recycled pieces and dark volcanic rock once favoured by Roman builders, giving the ruin a patchwork texture. A 19th-century path leads to the city’s highest point, where the view opens over Northernhay Park and the Longbrook Valley. With only a handful of reviews, people still come mainly for the atmosphere and the sense of standing on Exeter’s defensive high ground.
| Hours: External Access only | Distance: 0.3km

Explore Exeter at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Exeter one of the best places to visit in England.

4. Northernhay Gardens

Exeter City War Memorial Northernhay Gardens in springtime
Exeter City War Memorial Northernhay Gardens in springtime
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Smalljim
A quiet, tree-lined crescent of lawns and paths tucked just behind the High Street, Northernhay Gardens feels like a pause button on the city centre. Laid out as a public pleasure walk in 1612, it’s often cited as England’s oldest public open space, and its calm Victorian-style planting still frames the stroll. What lingers most are the hard edges of history: a surviving stretch of Roman wall and a rare visible length of Saxon town wall, both woven into the greenery near the castle hill. Visitors tend to notice the statues and memorials, then linger with a book or lunch as blossom and clipped shrubs soften the old stone.
Location: Northernhay Gate, Exeter EX4 3SA | Hours: Open 7.30am till dusk. | Price: Free | Distance: 0.3km

5. Exeter Guildhall

Exeter Guildhall
Exeter Guildhall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Franzfoto
Exeter Guildhall is a working medieval civic hall on the High Street, often cited as the oldest municipal building in England still in use, with its main structure raised in the late 15th century. The most memorable first impression is the projecting Renaissance/Italianate frontage (1590s), carried on granite columns with carved Beer-stone corbels, leading to an elaborately carved oak door dated 1593. Inside, the council chamber’s arch-braced roof and grotesque animal corbels sit above Tudor panelling, stained glass, and a large 1789 chandelier. Below, the early 14th-century cellar once served as a prison, and the building later hosted events as grim as the 1685 Bloody Assizes.
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: 0.4km

6. Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM
Royal Albert Memorial Museum RAMM
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Irid Escent
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) is Exeter’s main museum, set in a restored Victorian building first opened in 1868 and reworked in a major refurbishment completed in 2011. Inside, 16 galleries move from Roman Exeter and Devon wildlife to world cultures, fossils, geology, archaeology, and fine art, with clear labels and interactive displays that keep the pace lively. The collection totals close to a million objects, so exhibits rotate and repeat visits feel different. Visitors often linger in the bright central atrium and note the welcoming volunteers, and free general admission makes it easy to drop in even for a short look.
Location: RAM Museum Exeter, Royal Albert Memorial, Museum and Art Gallery, Queen St, Exeter, EX4 3RX | Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun | Website | Distance: 0.4km

7. Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Antony McCallum
Exeter Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, is a vast Gothic church completed around 1400, shaped by Saxon beginnings, Norman rebuilding, and later restoration after wartime damage. Inside, the eye is drawn upward to the world’s longest continuous medieval stone vault, running unbroken down the nave. Look for the 14th-century astronomical clock tracking sun, moon, and hours, and the mischievous misericords carved with lively medieval scenes. The soaring Bishop’s Throne is a tour de force of medieval woodwork, and choral evensong can make the whole space feel hushed and resonant. Visitors often remark on the calm atmosphere and the on-site café and shop.
| Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11.30am-5pm Sun | Price: adult/child £7.50/free | Website | Distance: 0.4km

8. Wynard’s Almshouses

Wynards Almshouses Exeter
Wynards Almshouses Exeter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / David Smith
Founded in 1435 by civic official William Wynard, these medieval almshouses were built to shelter twelve elderly or infirm residents, a rare survival from a time when care depended on church and private charity. Tucked behind modern streets, the centuries-old stonework encloses a small, quiet courtyard that feels unexpectedly secluded. Look for the simple façades and traditional windows, and read the interpretation signage explaining the founder and the strict routines once expected of residents, including daily prayers. Interiors are generally closed, but the exterior view is free and rewarding for anyone drawn to intimate, human-scale heritage.

9. Exeter City Wall

Old Exeter City wall
Old Exeter City wall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sarah Charlesworth
Exeter City Wall is a surviving circuit of fortifications that still traces the old heart of Exeter, showing how the city defended itself from Roman times onward. Begun in the 1st century AD at Isca Dumnoniorum, it was repeatedly reinforced through the Saxon, medieval, and Tudor periods, and around 70% of the line remains—unusually complete for an English city wall. Walking beside it, you’ll notice the patchwork of mossy Roman stonework stitched into later masonry, plus sturdier medieval sections and gateways that once controlled entry. In places the wall frames views toward the Cathedral area and the calmer edges near Northernhay Gardens, where ancient ramparts meet modern green space.

10. St Nicholas Priory

St Nicholas Priory Exeter
St Nicholas Priory Exeter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Robert Cutts
St Nicholas Priory is Exeter’s oldest surviving building, founded in 1087 as a Benedictine house linked to Battle Abbey and later reshaped into an Elizabethan merchant’s home after the Dissolution. Tucked down the narrow laneway of The Mint, it feels like a secret doorway into nearly 900 years of city life. Visitors move through the preserved west range, where timber, stonework and surviving medieval fabric sit beside vividly painted Tudor rooms furnished with replica pieces. The Great Hall and domestic spaces recreate how the Hurst family lived in the early 1600s, with objects drawn from Exeter collections. Reviews often mention the immersive atmosphere and the steep, tricky stairs.
Location: St Nicholas Priory Mint Lane, Off Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3BL | Hours: Monday Opening 10am-4pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.7km

11. Tuckers Hall

Tuckers HallFore Street Exeter
Tuckers HallFore Street Exeter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Derek Harper
Tuckers Hall is a medieval guild hall still linked to the Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen, a reminder of the woollen trade that once underpinned local wealth and civic power. Inside, the Great Hall’s soaring 15th-century arch-braced timber roof is the first thing most visitors remember, followed by the dark, intricately carved Jacobean panelling added in the early 1600s. Small displays and surviving objects trace the crafts of weaving, fulling, and shearing and the overseas routes that carried Devon cloth across Europe. Tucked just off Fore Street, it feels like a hidden room behind the shopping streets—quiet, wood-scented, and surprisingly intimate.
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: 0.8km

12. Exeter Customs House

Old Custom House Exeter
Old Custom House Exeter
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Herbythyme
Exeter Customs House is a late-17th-century port building on the historic quayside, built in 1680 when regulated trade and the woollen-cloth business brought real wealth through the river. Its grand exterior leads to an elegant staircase and ornate plaster ceilings that still feel like a statement of commercial confidence. Inside, the visitor centre uses artefacts, maps, models and multimedia to explain maritime trade and the engineering leap of the Exeter Canal (1564–1566), created to bypass merchant weirs that once blocked ships. Look out for cloth-industry objects such as tenter hooks and tillet blocks, plus a short film that sketches 2,000 years of local history. Staff are often noted as friendly and helpful.
Location: 46 The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AN | Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10.00am to 5.00pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.8km

13. Cricklepit Mill

Exeter Cricklepit Mill
Exeter Cricklepit Mill
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Martin Bodman
Cricklepit Mill in Exeter, England is a Grade II listed riverside watermill that keeps the city’s working industrial past tangible. Built from centuries-old stonework and restored after a serious 1990s fire, it combines 17th–18th century fabric with 19th-century milling machinery. On selected days, volunteer millers set the undershot waterwheel turning and you can watch the gears drive grain into flour, with the sound of water rushing beneath the wheel. Outside, a small wildlife garden and pond—now cared for by the Devon Wildlife Trust—adds bird boxes, bug habitats, and a calm patch of nature beside the River Exe.
| Hours: The garden is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm (except bank holidays). | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.9km

14. Exeter Ship Canal

The canal basin at Exeter
The canal basin at Exeter
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bill Boaden
Exeter Ship Canal is a 16th-century waterway running from Exeter Quay toward the Exe estuary, built in the early 1560s so cargo vessels could bypass the silting River Exe and avoid unloading at Topsham. It still reads as a piece of working engineering: look for the locks, bridges, and old quayside structures that hint at how boats once inched inland to the city’s warehouses. Today the towpath is the main draw, with level stretches near the Quay and long, quiet reaches bordered by meadows and open fields. Walk or cycle beside calm water, watch for winter birds, and catch clean reflections in the softer light of morning or evening.

15. Medieval Exe Bridge

Mediaeval Exe Bridge
Mediaeval Exe Bridge
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Harry Mitchell
Medieval Exe Bridge is the exposed remnant of a vast 12th–13th-century crossing over the River Exe’s former marshy floodplain, begun in 1190 and finished by 1214. Once nearly 600 feet long with 17 or 18 arches, it functioned as a busy corridor where timber-framed shops and homes stood alongside the bridge itself. Today you can walk among about eight and a half restored arches and foundations in an open-air setting, with interpretation boards explaining how the river shifted and silted up. The most memorable feature is the ruined St Edmund’s Church, built into the bridge and regarded as Britain’s oldest surviving bridge chapel. Some visitors note it can feel a bit rough around the arches.
Location: The Medieval Exe Bridge, Exeter, UK | Distance: 1km

Best Day Trips from Exeter

A day trip from Exeter offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Exeter provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

1. Topsham Museum

Topsham Museum
Topsham Museum
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Simon Cobb
Topsham Museum in Exeter is a local museum set in a late 17th-century house on the River Exe. It tells the story of Topsham as a port and shipbuilding town, using displays, objects and furnished rooms to show both working and domestic life.The museum is best for visitors who enjoy maritime history, period interiors and a quieter pace. People usually…
Location: 25 The Strand, Topsham, DEVON, EX3 0AX | Hours: Wednesday-Sunday between 2pm-5pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 6.9km
Visiting Topsham Museum

2. Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / raymond cocks
Powderham Castle in Exeter, England, is a historic estate on the west bank of the Exe estuary. It is a fortified manor house rather than a military castle, and it has been linked to the Courtenay family for centuries. Set in open parkland a short drive south of the city, it combines house rooms, gardens and wide views over the…
| Hours: 11am-4.30pm Sun-Fri Apr-Jun, Sep & Oct, to 5.30pm Jul & Aug | Price: adult/child £12.95/10.95 | Website | Distance: 10.4km
Visiting Powderham Castle

3. Torquay

torquay
torquay
Visiting Torquay is a delightful way to experience the beauty of South Devon’s English Riviera. This coastal town is renowned for its palm-lined promenades, striking cliff views, and elegant Victorian architecture. The seafront stretches along the scenic Tor Bay, making it ideal for leisurely walks, boat trips, and watching yachts bobbing in the marina. Whether you’re after traditional seaside fun…
Visiting Torquay

4. Plymouth

lighthouse plymouth
lighthouse plymouth
Plymouth, located on the scenic south coast of Devon, is a city that effortlessly blends maritime heritage with a dynamic waterfront lifestyle. One of its great strengths is the setting: visitors can enjoy long walks along the Hoe with panoramic views over Plymouth Sound, or explore the historic Barbican where cobbled streets lead to quirky shops, galleries, and harbourfront eateries.…
Visiting Plymouth
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5. Cardiff

cardiff castle
cardiff castle
Visiting Cardiff offers a vibrant blend of cultural attractions, modern entertainment, and beautiful waterfront scenery in the South Wales region. The city is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters to explore, making it an excellent destination for arts and culture lovers. Strolling around the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area provides a scenic experience with numerous…
Visiting Cardiff
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6. Newport

Newport Transporter Bridge
Newport Transporter Bridge
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tiia Monto
Visiting Newport offers a chance to explore a vibrant city nestled in the South Wales region. Known for its mix of modern developments and green spaces, Newport provides visitors with a range of attractions and activities to enjoy. The city’s waterfront along the River Usk is a popular spot for leisurely walks, offering views of historic bridges and lively cafes.…
Visiting Newport

7. Swansea

lighthouse mumbles swansea
lighthouse mumbles swansea
Visiting Swansea, located in the South Wales region, offers a wonderful mix of coastal beauty and vibrant city life. The city is well known for its stunning waterfront, including the beautiful Swansea Bay where visitors can enjoy long sandy beaches and scenic walks along the promenade. Swansea provides an ideal base for exploring nearby natural attractions like the Gower Peninsula,…
Visiting Swansea
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8. Bristol

bristol
bristol
Visiting Bristol offers a dynamic experience in the South West of England, combining vibrant city life with rich cultural attractions. The city is well known for its lively harbourside, where visitors can enjoy a mix of restaurants, bars, and galleries along the waterfront. Bristol’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, with a blend of historic architecture…
Visiting Bristol
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9. Poole

dorset Jurassic Coast
dorset Jurassic Coast
Visiting Poole offers a charming coastal experience in the South West of England, set along the beautiful Dorset coastline. The town is renowned for its expansive natural harbour, one of the largest in Europe, which provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the area’s maritime activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, boat trips to nearby islands, and peaceful…
Visiting Poole
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10. Bath

Puente Pulteney, Bath
Puente Pulteney, Bath
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso
Visiting Bath is a rewarding experience, set in the scenic South West of England. The city is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture and compact layout, making it easy to explore on foot. Bath offers a rich cultural scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and festivals taking place throughout the year. Visitors often enjoy leisurely walks along the River Avon and…
Visiting Bath
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11. Chepstow

Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Steve Slater
Chepstow, located in Monmouthshire, is a charming town that serves as the gateway to Wales. Nestled along the banks of the River Wye, it offers breathtaking scenery and a mix of historic and modern attractions. Visitors can explore its bustling high street, filled with independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. The town’s award-winning redevelopment has enhanced its pedestrian areas, making…
Visiting Chepstow

12. Tenby

tenby
tenby
Tenby, located in Pembrokeshire, is one of Wales’ most picturesque seaside towns, offering a mix of stunning beaches, historic charm, and vibrant local culture. The town is famous for its golden sandy beaches, including Castle Beach, North Beach, and South Beach, each providing breathtaking coastal views and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront add…
Visiting Tenby

Where to Stay in Exeter

Exeter city centre is the prime location for visitors who want to be close to the historic cathedral, the bustling Quay, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Here you can find a mix of charming boutique hotels and well-known chains. A popular choice in the heart of the city is The Rougemont Hotel, offering classic comfort and a convenient location just a short walk from Exeter Cathedral. For those seeking a modern stay, Jurys Inn Exeter provides contemporary rooms and easy access to the train station and city centre attractions.

For travellers who prefer a quieter environment with green spaces nearby, the area around Pennsylvania and Heavitree offers a relaxed suburban feel while still being close to the city centre. In this district, The Imperial Hotel is a historic hotel with elegant interiors and peaceful gardens. This area is also well connected by local bus routes, making it easy to explore Exeter without staying directly in the busy centre.

If you want to stay near the coast or enjoy scenic countryside, the outskirts of Exeter, such as the villages of Topsham and Exminster, provide charming accommodation options. The Globe Inn is a cozy pub hotel in a picturesque setting close to the Exe Estuary, popular for walkers and bird watchers. Meanwhile, Exeter Court Hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to the city and the surrounding Devon countryside. These locations are ideal for visitors looking to combine a city visit with opportunities for outdoor activities.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Exeter. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Exeter Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Exeter

Visiting Exeter in Spring

Spring in Exeter brings blooming gardens and mild temperatures, making it an ideal time for walking the city walls, exploring the historic quayside, or enjoying the vibrant colours in Northernhay Gardens. Events such as the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, typically held in April, draw large crowds with local produce, street food, and chef demonstrations. This season also marks the start of open-air performances and markets, making the city centre lively without the full crowds of summer.

Visiting Exeter in Summer (Best)

Summer is the best time to visit Exeter. The city comes alive with festivals, riverside activity, and extended daylight hours perfect for sightseeing. The Exeter Respect Festival, held in June, celebrates diversity with music, food and performance, while July and August see Exeter’s Phoenix Arts Centre and Rougemont Gardens host open-air cinema nights and theatre. Warm weather allows for punting on the River Exe, and nearby beaches at Exmouth and Dawlish are within easy reach for a day trip.

Visiting Exeter in Autumn

Autumn in Exeter offers a quieter, more reflective experience as the student population returns and the leaves begin to turn. The city’s parks become richly coloured, and local pubs and cafés embrace the cosy atmosphere with seasonal menus. October hosts the Two Moors Festival nearby, which brings classical music to the region, and the Exeter Literary Festival often features talks and workshops in November. It’s also a great time to visit the cathedral before the winter rush.

Visiting Exeter in Winter

Winter in Exeter is festive and charming. The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, running from mid-November to December, transforms the cathedral green into a magical maze of chalets selling crafts, gifts, and mulled wine. The city’s historic core is lit beautifully, and shoppers enjoy late-night openings and seasonal cheer. While colder and darker, the city’s cultural offerings—indoor exhibitions, theatre at the Northcott, and warm cafés—make Exeter an appealing destination in the off-season.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 8°C
  • February 9°C
  • March 10°C
  • April 13°C
  • May 15°C
  • June 19°C
  • July 21°C
  • August 23°C
  • September 18°C
  • October 15°C
  • November 11°C
  • December 10°C

How to get to Exeter

Traveling to Exeter by Train

Exeter is well-connected by train, with direct services from major cities like London, Bristol, and Birmingham. Exeter St David's and Exeter Central are the main stations.

Traveling to Exeter by Car

Exeter is accessible by car via the M5 motorway, which connects the city to the national road network. The A30 and A38 also provide routes into the city.

Traveling to Exeter by Bus

Several bus services operate to and from Exeter, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel. National Express and Megabus have routes connecting Exeter to other UK cities.

Traveling to Exeter by Plane

Exeter International Airport, located just outside the city, offers flights to and from various UK and European destinations. From the airport, you can reach the city by taxi or bus.

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