Exeter is the regional capital of the South West and gateway to the region’s fabulous coast and country assuring its place as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. A confident and vibrant city, Exeter welcomes visitors all year round to share in its fascinating 2000 year history and enjoy its huge range of attractions and activities. Overall, as a place to work, live and visit, Exeter has a reputation for an outstanding quality of life and as such is regularly voted first in national surveys. It is a city set within a landscape and built environment, which holds many interests for people of different ages and lifestyles.
Heritage
Exeter’s heritage begins prior to the arrival of the Romans and can be seen in its stunning architecture and many museums. Two thirds of the city’s original fortifications, built by the Romans remain standing today. Exeter’s Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a 7th century Abbey and completed in 1394 houses the world famous Exeter Book of Anglo Saxon Poetry. Discover more of Exeter’s fascinating history in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, or descend beneath the city’s High Street in the unique labyrinth of medieval Underground Passages. Neraby, see 900-year old St. Nicholas Priory – the guest wing of the Benedictine Priory in the heart of the city. The city’s Guildhall dates from 1160 and is the oldest municipal building in the country.
Shopping
Enjoy pedestrian friendly precincts, covered malls, open-air markets and individual independent shops. Explore cobbled alley emporia for that special souvenir or browse for arts, crafts and collectibles in speciality shops, all within easy walking distance. You’ll find a superb range of goods answering most needs.
Many of the big retail names can be found in Exeter’s high street and the indoor malls of the Guildhall and Harlequins shopping centres will satisfy your search for the designer élan. Savour the atmopshere of the fortnightly farmers market for locally produced food and gifts and don’t miss the antique fairs held regularly throughout the year at the Matford Centre and Westpoint. Pedestrian friendly walkways, convenient parking and handy park and ride services to take the hassle from the hustle.
Culture and Entertainment
Year-round events and festivals place Exeter’s passion for music, dance, comedy, art and drama centre-stage in a wide range of venues throughout the city. See the regular events section for information on the what's on pages at www.exeter.gov.uk/visiting.
Eating Out
Dine in style in a wide range of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, pubs and country inns, for sumptuous meals you’ll never forget. You’ll find fine food prepared with flair, imagination and the best of local produce delivering a dining experience to rival the best in Europe. Whether you choose a traditional cream tea served in tea rooms of real character, lunch at a friendly pub in the country, a light meal in one of the many lively bistros and wine bars or a romantic dinner in an award-winning restaurant, it’s sure to be a meal to remember.
Activities
Choose cycling, canoeing and sailing, or slow the pace with bowls, bird watching or fishing. Beyond the city, ride a horse, ride the waves or go green for golfing at more than 30 golf courses set in beautiful scenery.
Touring
From Exeter, travel through an unspoilt landscape of sleepy coves, spectacular coastlines and dramatic seascapes. Discover Dartmoor’s high wild moorland, Exmoor’s deep woody valleys, and the stunning patchwork of rolling hills of Devon’s heartland. Pause along the way to relax in one of the many superb country inns and pubs to sample the best of local produce.
The abbey is the home of Benedictine monks. The first monastery was founded in 1018, but was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539, and refounded in 1882. Buckfast now welcomes almost 1/2 million visitors each year.
For centuries Exeter has been dominated by its Cathedral with the two massive Norman towers and its West Front decorated with sculptures of kings, saints and angels.The cathedral was built on the camp of the Roman Army's II Augustan Legion. There is archaeological evidence to suggest that the site has been used for Christian worship since the 5th century.
India tea baron Julius Drewe's dream house. This granite castle, built between 1910 and 1930, is one of the most remarkable works of Sir Edwin Lutyens and combines the grandeur of a medieval castle with the comfort of the 20th century.
There's more in Exeter's museum than you might imagine. Its 16 galleries of displays take visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day and from Exeter all around the world.
The Thistle Hotel Exeter offers a friendly, old-fashioned service in newly refurbished surroundings. The Thistle Hotel is one of Exeters most charming city hotels. Book online now Price: From £81 No of rooms: 90 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings:
A modern hotel with good business facilities near the centre of the city of Exeter. Here in beautiful Devon is a very comfortable efficient hotel with modern accommodation. Book online now Price: From £72 No of rooms: 122 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: Yes Ratings:
The Red House is a small family run hotel. Book online now Price: From £45 No of rooms: 12 Cards: Diners Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings: AA 2 RAC 2
The Red House is a small family run hotel. Book online now Price: From £45 No of rooms: 12 Cards: Diners Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings: AA 2 RAC 2
Buckerell Lodge hotel is one of Exeter's most stylish hotels, situated on the outskirts of the historic city. With five acres of tall pines and broad lawns, the serene gardens are full of interesting plants and shrubs. Book online now Price: From £38 No of rooms: 54 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings: AA 3
Built in 1989 in a Georgian Style, The Southgate occupies a commanding position in the heart of the city. Situated next to the city walls and close to the cathedral, the hotel benefits from ample free car parking. Book online now Price: From £115 No of rooms: 110 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings: AA 4 RAC 4
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The Thistle Hotel Exeter offers a friendly, old-fashioned service in newly refurbished surroundings. The Thistle Hotel is one of Exeters most charming city hotels.
A modern hotel with good business facilities near the centre of the city of Exeter. Here in beautiful Devon is a very comfortable efficient hotel with modern accommodation.
The Red House is a small family run hotel.
RAC 2
Buckerell Lodge hotel is one of Exeter's most stylish hotels, situated on the outskirts of the historic city. With five acres of tall pines and broad lawns, the serene gardens are full of interesting plants and shrubs.
Built in 1989 in a Georgian Style, The Southgate occupies a commanding position in the heart of the city. Situated next to the city walls and close to the cathedral, the hotel benefits from ample free car parking.