44 Things to Do in Exeter

Exeter has a rich history believed to date back to Iron Age settlements. There is dramatic evidence of the period of Roman control, and the grandeur of its birth as a religious centre in the Middle Ages. As a fortified town it fended off attacks from both Vikings and Normans.

Unsurprisingly, this vibrant city has accumulated architectural, cultural, and gastronomic riches over the centuries. There is also a wealth of outdoor and other activities in the surrounding areas and along the world-renowned Jurassic Coast that offer something for everyone of all ages.

Marvel at the glorious Exeter Cathedral

This soaring edifice has stood since 1050 and Exeter Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful Medieval cathedrals in England. The Gothic decorations, including the carvings on the west front, and the astounding vaulting are testament to the skill and dedication of the stonemasons who built it. A visit would not be complete without looking at the 15th century Astronomical Clock and the tombs, going into the Minstrel’s Gallery, and admiring the contents of the library and collection of Misericords. There are Roof and Tower Tours which offer breath-taking panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is housed in an impressive Victorian building. The Museum appeals to adults and children alike with its world-class displays of historical, archaeological and cultural artefacts, spanning pre-history to present-day; exotic birds, butterflies, and insects from around the world; regional silverware; clocks; glassware; and fine art. There are special displays that change regularly; the museum also offers talks and tours. Entry is free, and there is a café for those who need a break or refreshments.  

Explore St Nicholas Priory

Dating back to 1087, St Nicholas Priory was founded by William the Conqueror, partly destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries under the rule of King Henry VIII, and then converted into a merchant’s home during the same period. Today the building and its extensive grounds are the site of concerts, plays, and a range of events. A tour of the building reveals a meticulously recreated Tudor parlour, a medieval kitchen, an undercroft, a Tudor bedchamber, and an exhibition by the Devon and Exeter Medical Society.

Wander through the Devon Sculpture Park

For those who prefer their art combined with fresh air and tranquillity, the Devon Sculpture Park is an outdoor space with a difference. Located a few miles outside the city, this park has a contemporary art program with an emphasis on a green agenda and supporting new, emerging artists. It is also a rewilding park where visitors will encounter alpaca, unusual breeds of sheep such as the Soay, deer, butterflies, smaller mammals, and an abundance of wildflowers and local birdlife. Add to this the sea views and a lake designed by the famous Capability Brown, and you have a day to remember.

Descend into Exeter’s Underground Passages

From the outdoor spaces to subterranean ones, more adventurous visitors can explore Exeter's Underground Passages, the only ones of their kind in the country open to visitors. They lie below the city’s High Street and date back to Medieval times. This extraordinary network of vaulted passages was originally excavated to carry spring water into the city. Guided tours have been conducted since the 1930s and, before the tunnels are explored, the visitor centre offers film, videos, interactive and full-size models, and a display of artefacts from the archaeological dig. Pre-booking is advised as the tours are popular, particularly during school holidays.

Experience all that the Custom House offers

Located at Exeter’s historic quayside, the Custom House is home to a range of displays, models, and illustrations that vividly show the early history of the city and the vital cloth and wool industries that helped to make Exeter the city it is now. The building hosts cultural and arts events and is also home to Quay Words, a literary hub. Unlike other places of historic interest in the city, the Custom House focuses on the River Exe and the historic Ship Canal and Quayside. It's also an excellent place to obtain information about other venues and activities throughout the city.   

Tour the University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is not only a reputable seat of learning but it is also of interest to visitors. It's home to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and, in the Streatham campus, you'll find 39 sculptures from both well-known and emerging artists, 300 acres of glorious gardens, and a range of rare plants. Walks through the sculpture garden are self-guided, but group tours lasting 1 – 1 ½ hours can be booked. The Great Hall, the city’s largest venue, hosts classical music concerts often performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Enjoy the history and adventure of Killerton Estate

Killerton has been owned by the National Trust since 1944 when it was gifted to the nation by the 15th Baronet. This handsome Georgian house, with its 2600 hectares of gardens, grounds, and farmlands, has been changed and added to over the centuries with the oldest sections dating back to Elizabethan times. In addition to the house itself, there is a chapel, glorious gardens, an Iron Age fort, and the still-working Clyston Mill. The estate arranges fun events for children during the summer and there's a picnic site and a café that serves up tasty food, too. 

Find your inner thespian at the Cygnet Theatre

The Cygnet Theatre is not like most theatres. Yes, they offer a range of theatrical and musical plays – including new works – that you can attend, but the Cygnet is also a drama school. Students attend a one-year and / or a three-year course for professional actors. However, if you wish to discover your inner Ian McKellen or Judi Dench, why not sign up for their one-day course?

Cruise the waters with Stuart Line

Stuart Line Cruises are a restful, safe way to explore the waters around Exeter. This family-run company offers guided winter bird watching cruises, circular cruises of the magnificent Jurassic Coast, a limited number of canal cruises into the heart of the city, and year-round river cruises on the Exe. Tickets should be pre-booked.

Enjoy the sun, fun, and sights at Exmouth Beach

Exmouth Beach offers rock pools to explore and two miles of golden sand. Not only can you try a range of water sports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, but the cliffs around the beach provide wonderful walks and views. The beach is also the gateway to the famous Jurassic coast. There is a promenade for more leisurely strolls, and family fun to be had in the form of crazy golf.

Travel back in time in St Martin’s and Mol’s Coffee House

The tiny red and white church of St Martin's, with its simple and bright interior, is one of the oldest buildings in Exeter. It was first consecrated in 1065 and served a tiny parish. It miraculously survived the bombing during WWII and houses several striking monuments. Despite its age, it props up up Mols Coffee House, a black-and-white building whose original sections date back to the early 16th century.

Admire the Guildhall

The Guildhall was constructed in the second half of the 15th century and is thought to be the oldest municipal building in England that is still in use. It has been at the heart of the city’s civic life for centuries and can now be viewed by visitors – civic event schedule permitting – or even hired for civil ceremonies and weddings. 

Learn about Tuckers Hall & the Wool Trade

Without the wool and cloth trade, Exeter would not be the city it is today and Tuckers Hall has been a crucial part of the story. The building was originally constructed in AD 1471 but underwent renovations, alterations, additions, and repurposing over the centuries. Fortunately for visitors today, the Jacobean panelling and 15th century roof timbers still survive. The building was originally a chapel before it also became home to the Guild of Weavers, Fullers and Shearman. This Guild has operated continuously for almost six centuries. Tours can be arranged in advance. These include videos, a walk around the building, and viewing the exhibits.

Stop in for a cider-making workshop

Take your love of cider to a new level at Courtneys Orchards. The day consists of a stroll through the century-old orchards and learning about the history of pressing and cider making and the best apple varieties to use. After this easy start you will roll up your sleeves and pick, wash, mill, and press apples to make your own juice. After an (included) lunch, you can take home the knowledge you need to make cider at home. 

Take a Red Coat Tour

If you'd rather explore the riches of Exeter with someone knowledgeable, an ideal way to do so is by taking a Red Coat Guided Tour. These tours take in several sites and experiences:

• The Custom House
• The City Wall
• The Guildhall
• Tuckers Hall / Topsham Museum
• Powderham Castle

There is also a Historic Quayside Tour. These tours run all year and are free but should be pre-booked.

More things to do in Exeter

The city offers a great deal to do regardless of your areas of interest, age, or fitness levels. Here are a few of our favourites.

Public gardens in Exeter

• Enjoy Northerhay Gardens which are the oldest open public space in England and was opened in 1612.
• Explore Princes Gardens which dates to 1720 and is on the site of William Lucombe’s famous nursery. The centrepiece is a 45-yard-long Wisteria arch, and the rose garden is very popular.

Religious buildings

• Admire the elaborate clock housed at the Medieval church St Mary Steps.
• Visit the Exeter Synagogue, the third oldest in Britain, opened in 1763.
• Enjoy St Thomas’ Church, originally constructed in the 13th century.

Landmarks and views

• Cross the River Exe on Butts Ferry, a hand-operated pedestrian ferry.
• Walk Parliament Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world.
• View the ruins of the Norman Rougemont Castle where Alice Molland, the last woman in England found guilty of witchcraft, was executed.
• Marvel at “The House that Moved”, a Tudor home that was strapped together and moved to a new location in the city in 1961.
• Visit the War Memorials. The Devon War Memorial – a simple stone cross – is located on the Cathedral Green and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The memorial for Exeter’s war dead – the Exeter City War Memorial – is situated in Northernhay Gardens.
• Explore the Exeter Phoenix, and exciting and leading contemporary art venue that has a dynamic range of established and new artists’ work on display.

Tours

• Follow the Roman Wall that is almost 2000 years old. There are information panels along the route but bring paper and pencils with you so you and your children can do the puzzles and quizzes.
• Explore Medieval Exeter from Castle Street and the Exe Bridge to several other significant sites from this period in the city’s growth. Again, there are puzzles and quizzes, so paper and pen are recommended.

Things to do outdoors

• Cycling the city with Co Bikes. Electric bikes make coping with the city’s numerous hills much easier. Bikes can be rented at various locations or via the Nextbike app.
• Learn to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on what is one of England’s oldest ship canals. If you don’t need a lesson, simply hire your equipment and enjoy the water and surrounding area.
• Brave Crealy Great Adventure Park where more than 60 rides and other attractions are spread across 100 acres of grounds.
• Explore a tree top adventure at Go Ape if you have a head for heights and enjoy adrenaline.

• Climb the south west’s largest indoor climbing wall at the Quay Climbing Centre. There are 200 climbing routes to explore of varying degrees of difficulty. Instructors are on hand to assist new climbers and walls suitable for ages 4 and up.
• Take aim with a fun day of paintballing for four people that combines adventure, fun, and physical activity.
• Land a fish at one of the lakes or ponds or in the canal or river. Tickets and permits must be purchased, and online bookings made.
• Tee-off at the Exeter Golf and Country Club which offers are wide range of sports and relaxation options for members and guests or enjoy a prebooked 60-minute golf lesson with a PGA professional.

Best places to eat

Exeter's not short on great spots to grab a bite. We've done the hard work for you and picked out some of our favourites.

• Eat-on-the-go at the Exeter Farmers Market that is open every Thursday, the Guildhall Street Food Market every weekend, the Exeter Street Food Night Markets on the quayside, and the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink every April.
• Indulge in a traditional Devon Cream Tea at a range of venues – from luxurious to casual – including the Hotel du Vin, Mercure Southgate, Rougemont Hotel, Eat on the Green, The Daisy Café, the Wear Park Restaurant, The Jolly Roger's Tearoom, or the Riverside Café at the Exeter Quay Antiques Centre.

• Sample the celebrated local seafood at venues like the Rockfish and On the Waterfront.
• Experience food at the Michelin starred Lympstone Manor, now a country house hotel with an outstanding cellar.
• Go casual with a pie from the award-winning Pieminister or at one of many pubs in the city such as The Old Firehouse, The Fat Pig, Oddfellows, or the Rendezvous Wine Bar.
• Chain restaurants such as Nando’s, Wagamama, Yo Sushi, Pizza Express, etc can all be found at the Princesshay Shopping Centre.

Shopping in Exeter

Indulge in retail therapy at the Princesshay, host to some 60 shops from High Street favourites and top brands to novelty stores. Gandy Street is home to trendy gift and clothes shops, whilst arts, crafts, and antiques can be found in Fore Street and the West Quarter.