Whether you're here for a few days or a few months, Exeter offers history, culture and easy access to the outdoors — with plenty of chances to try something a little different.
You might spend one afternoon wandering cobbled streets and cathedral cloisters, and the next cycling beside the river towards the sea. Exeter is small enough to feel manageable, but varied enough that you can fill your time however you like — from relaxed evenings out to spontaneous day trips further afield.
History and heritage
Exeter’s history isn’t tucked away in a museum — it’s woven into the streets you walk every day. The Cathedral dominates the skyline, surrounded by cobbled lanes and medieval buildings that have stood for centuries.
You can trace sections of the original Roman city walls, explore the medieval Underground Passages beneath the streets, or step inside the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), where local and global stories sit side by side.
Even a casual wander can turn into a history lesson — whether you planned it or not.
Rougemont Castle. Photo by SouthWestExplorer. CC BY-SA 4.0 license. Cropped from original.
Arts and culture
Exeter’s creative side is easy to dip into. Exeter Phoenix — the city’s independent cinema and arts venue — hosts films, live music, talks and exhibitions throughout the year. It’s the sort of place you might pop into “just for a film” and end up discovering something completely unexpected.
The Northcott Theatre brings touring productions and comedy to the city, while smaller venues regularly host live music and community events. Even if you don’t normally plan cultural outings, it’s easy to try something new while you’re here.
City life and shopping
Exeter is the main shopping and commercial centre for Devon, so you’ll find far more here than you might expect from a city of its size. Princesshay brings together well-known brands in an open-air setting, while the surrounding streets are home to independent shops, bookshops, delis and cafés.
The Cathedral Quarter feels distinctly historic, with cobbled lanes and smaller boutiques, while the High Street offers everything from everyday essentials to department stores. It’s easy to combine practical errands with an afternoon of browsing.
Whether you need to pick up something specific or simply enjoy wandering, the city centre is compact enough to explore without a plan.
Outdoors and active
One of Exeter’s biggest advantages is how quickly you can get outdoors. Within minutes you can be walking or cycling along the River Exe, or following the Exe Estuary Trail towards Topsham and Exmouth.
Venture a little further and you could be walking across open moorland on Dartmoor, swimming in the sea at Exmouth, or watching the tide roll in along the estuary. It’s the kind of place where a simple afternoon can easily turn into something memorable.
Evenings in Exeter
Evenings can be as lively or as low-key as you choose. You might find yourself in a centuries-old pub with low beams and local ales, catching live music at a small venue, or lingering over dinner somewhere you hadn’t planned to discover.
And because everything is within easy reach, it’s simple to head out on impulse — no taxis to book, no complicated plans — just step outside and see where the evening takes you.
Explore more
Getting around
Trains, buses, walking routes and day trips — including simple ways to reach the coast and countryside without needing a car.
Getting around ExeterPlaces to eat and drink
From cafés and brunch spots to relaxed dinners and local pubs — a handy guide to eating and drinking in Exeter.
Where to eat and drink