Looking for things to do in Exeter? From the historic Exeter Cathedral to the scenic Quayside, the city offers something for everyone to explore its history, relax among beautiful views, challenge yourself and experience something unique, shop in the best stores, or just have a local taste. Join us to find the 20 best things to do in Exeter!
Things to Do in Exeter
1. Exeter Cathedral
The first on the list of things to do in Exeter is always visiting the Exeter Cathedral. It was completed by about 1400 and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Exeter. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Decorated Gothic architecture and has the longest span of medieval vaulting in the world.
- 🎫Ticket: adult £10.00, students £8.00, free for child under 18 and residents
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11:30am-4pm- 📍Address: 1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS
2. Underground Passages
Secure one of the best things to do in Exeter with kids by experiencing a unique tour in Exeter Underground Passages. These medieval vaulted passages were built to transport water under the city centre, and now is the only publicly accessible one in England. The guides will lead you on a scramble trough the network, packed with tales of ghosts, escape routes and cholera. Remember to book in advance since it is very popular!
- 🎫Ticket: Adult £7.50, students & over 60’s £6.00, child £5.00, family (up to 2 adults and up to 3 children) £22.00
- Opening Times: Thursday – Sunday: 11:00am to 4:00pm (last tour starts at 3:00pm)
- 📍Address: 2 Paris St, Exeter EX1 1GA
3. Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Among so many Exeter places to visit, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a good place to know the history of Exeter and nature/world history. It is a world-class museum with stunning displays, galleries, and exhibitions. You can also buy hand-picked gifts, unique craft items, books, and souvenirs for children.
- 🎫Ticket: £2.50 per person (minimum £20 per group) for our 30 minute Roman or Egyptian Tour, all other tours £4.50 per person (minimum £36 per group).
- Opening Times:Tuesday 10.30am–5pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am–5pm
- 📍Address: Royal Albert memorial Museum Art & Gallery, Queen St, Exeter EX4 3RX
4. Exeter Quayside
Stroll along the Exeter Quayside is one of the most popular Exeter things to do. The Quayside has already been the heart of this city since the 17th century when Exeter became rich for woollen cloth industry. Nowadays, there are lots of restaurants and bars for you to sit down and enjoy the tranquil vibe of the water, as well as various events throughout the year from 10k runs to live music.
- 📍Address: Haven Banks – The Quay, Exeter EX2 8GY
5. St Nicholas Priory
St Nicholas Priory was founded by William the Conqueror in 1807 as a priory, later turned into a rch merchant’s town house, and then used as a museum and events venue. It is now furnished as an Elizabethan town house, which gives insight into Tudor life from Exeter’s collection of artefacts. As one of the best things to do in Exeter for free, it provides a good place to experience 900 years history of this city.
- 🎫Ticket: free
- Opening Times: Sundays 1-4pm and Mondays from 10 am until 4 pm
- 📍Address: The Mint, Exeter EX4 3BL
6. Custom House
Located just minutes from the city centre on the historic quayside, The Custom House houses living displays, illustrations, and artefacts , speaking vividly the history and development of Exeter’s Quayside. The admission is free, and you can probably run into a variety of arts and cultural events and activities that held throughout the year.
- 🎫Ticket: free
- Opening Times:summer hours 10am–5pm every day (April – October), winter hours 11-4, Thursday – Sunday (November – March)
- 📍Address: 46 The Quay, Exeter EX2 4 AN
7. Topsham Museum
Visiting the Topsham Museum is one of the things to do in Exeter if you want to know more about the city’s history. The museum is a group of late 17th century buildings along the beautiful Exe Estuary, telling the maritime history of Topsham as a trade port and ship building centre with exhibits from unique historic river craft to local trades and organisations and wildlife.
- 📍Address: 25 Strand, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0AX
8. Powderham Castle
Sitting on the west banke of the River Exe estuary, Powderham Castle is the family home of the Earl of Devon. It is a grand manor house with historic park and gardens, as well as a over six-century history waiting for you to explore. There are unique tours every day with knowledgeable guides, nature detective bags to explore the grounds, and Victorian Walled Garden with a lot of fun things to do.
- 🎫Ticket: adult £14.95, child (3-17yrs) £8.95, free for under 3yrs, care, and Powderham member
- Opening Times: Sunday – Friday 10:00 – 16:00, Saturday Closed
- 📍Address: Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, Devon, EX6 8JQ
9. Red Coat Guided Tour
Join one of the free red coat guided tours is the best way to explore things to do in Exeter. Booking in advance or online is not required, and you just need to choose a tour, meet your guide, and take 90 minutes to walk and explore the city. There are many different tours available including:
- Medieval Exeter: Monday 2pm & Saturday 2pm
- Forgotten Exeter: Monday 11am & Thursday 11am
- Cathedral to Quay: Tuesday 11am & Friday 2pm
- Tudor Exeter: Tuesday 2pm
- Ghosts & Legends: Tuesday 7pm
10. Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Among the things to do in Exeter for families, the first is having some fun at the multi-award-winning Crealy Theme Park & Resort. This family park enjoys over 60 rides and attractions, including spectacular entertainment, lives shows and performances, and all kinds of animals kids like. You can choose from five star hot tub lodges, themed glamping tents, and camping & touring with state-of-the-art facilities.
- 🎫Ticket: from £12 for a day ticket
- Opening Times: 11am – 7pm, last entry 6pm
- 📍Address: Sidmouth Rd, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR
11. Go Ape
If you’re looking for things to do in Exeter for young adults, Go Ape will bring the an unique and thrilling experience. You will walk on hilltop to hilltop zip wires and daring high level crossings, find yourself deep in the forest with a spectacular view from your treetop. The ticket is £21 for treetop adventure and £36 for treetop challenge, and the minimum age is 10.
- 🎫Ticket: £21 for treetop adventure, £36 for treetop challenge
- Opening Times: 7:00am to 9:00pm
- 📍Address: Go Ape Haldon Forest, Bullers Hill, Exeter EX6 7XR
12. Saddles and Paddles
There are more things to do in Exeter near the quayside for all ages. The Saddles & Paddles offers a great outdoor experience with easy and relaxation. Choose from their bikes, canoes, kayaks, or Stand Up Paddleboards to have a little adventure and better dive into the local life from the city centre to the seaside or to the buzzing pubs and restaurants.
- Opening Times: 9am to 6pm, Bike Hire: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Boat Hire: 10am to 5pm, closed: Wednesdays in winter (Nov-Apr)
- 📍Address: kings wharf, 4, The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AN
13. Exeter Northcott Theatre
For students attending University of Exeter Streatham Campus, one of the things to do in Exeter near you is to explore the Northcott Theatre. You will not only find drama, opera, dance and ballet, but also music, comedy and family shows, and dining events. Also, it provides certain productions, workshops, and Saturday classes get young people involved and create a better community.
- Opening Times: every Friday between 10am – 4pm and around performance times, except on bank holidays
- 📍Address: Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QB
14. Guildhall
Constructed in the 15th century, the Guildhall has witnessed the city’s history at least all over the past 600 years. At present, it is not only an outstanding architecture and ancient monument, but also the oldest municipal building in England that is still in use. Visiting the Guildhall is also a good Exeter stuff to do. Private tours are available and can be tailored to your specific interests, which will last about one hour.
- 🎫Ticket: Private Tour including tea coffee & biscuits £7.50 per person (inc VAT), Private Tour including Cream Tea £10.00 per person (inc VAT)
- Opening Times: Monday and Friday 10:30am-16pm, Tuesday 10:30am-12am, Saturday 10:30am-14pm
- 📍Address: 203 High St, Exeter EX4 3EB
15. Pebbledbed Vineyard
Visiting the Pebbledbed Vineyard is also one of the popular things to do in Exeter where you can stay away from the city and immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside. You will discover the secrets of crafting English sparkling and still wine, taste in the traditional winery, and choose from various delicious Darts Farm farmhouse cheese and artisan charcuterie.
- 🎫Ticket: £30 per person
- 📍Address: Marianne Pool Farm, Clyst St George, Exeter EX3 0NZ
16. Sandy Park Stadium
For sports funs, watch a match at Sandy Park Stadium will definitely on your list of things to do in Exeter. This stadium is home to Devon’s Aviva Premiership rugby team, the Exeter Chiefs, but also serves as a centre for conference, banqueting, and big events. Visitors can tale the free shuttle bus service to the stadium at park and change Exeter since park, designed to offer convenience since there is no on-site car parking on match days.
- Opening Times: Monday to Friday (09:00 to 17:30)
- 📍Address: Sandy Park Way, Exeter EX2 7NN
17. Clip'n Climb Exeter
Looking for indoor things to do in Exeter? Why not come to Clip’n Climb to challenge yourself, your family, and your friends at the ultimate vertical playground. There are over 25 different climbs to suit everyone and lots of skills to learn. You can also got to the Workshop Cafe to relax and have some hot and cold drinks, fabulous homemade meals, paninis and cakes after climbing.
- 🎫Ticket: Adult £13.99, Student £11.50, Children £13.99, Family Ticket for 3 People £36.00, Family Ticket for 4 People £48.00.
- 📅Opening Times: Monday 10am-10pm, Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays Peak times from 4pm on weekdays and all day during weekends and Bank Holiday
- 📍Address: The Quay Climbing Centre, Exeter EX2 8AX
18. RSPB Bowling Green Marsh
For outdoor activities with family or kids, the Bowling Gree Marsh offers some good things to see in Exeter. It is a nature reserve of coastal grazing marsh, where large numbers of waders and wildfowl will appear during floods or high tide, and thousands of waterbirds can be seen in spring. It offers a ideal educational and family friendly centre with footpaths, view platform, light refreshments, and ice creams.
- 🎫Ticket: free
- 📅Opening Times: Thursday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm
- 📍Address: Bowling Green Rd, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0BG
19. The VRVE
Come to the UK’s first and No.1 virtual reality experience centre and explore some special things to do in Exeter! With cutting edge VR technology and numerous games for all ages from 5yrs to 100yrs, you will get an unforgettable experience here with fun and surprise.
- 🎫Ticket: £60 for 1 hour up to 6 people
- 📍Address: Pound House, Matford Barton, 12 Dawlish Rd, Exeter EX2 8XW
20. Exeter Phoenix
Built in 1909 as once part of the University of Exeter, this is now a world-class multi-artform venue where you can find a lot of things to do in Exeter. From gigs to galleries, cinema to performance, comedy to live music, workshops, creative courses, DJ events, Exeter Phoenix offers you everything in the city centre.
- 📅Opening Times: 1 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024 Monday – Sunday Open
- 📍Address: Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3LS
Where to Eat in Exeter
After exploring so many things to do in Eexter, you must be hungry now. As one of the top places to eat out in the UK by Which Good Food Guide, it is easy to find places to eat and drink. Check out our list of best restaurants in Exeter and find your place to eat:
| Restaurant | Price Rrange | Highlights | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry’s Restaurant | £5.00 – £23.00 | British, vegetarian friendly | 86 Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AP |
| Bill’s Exeter Restaurant | £10.00 – £20.00 | British, sunny outdoor seating area | 32-33 Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS |
| The Fat Pig Exeter | £6.00 – £29.00 | British, pub | 2 John Street, Exeter EX1 1BL |
| The Galley Restaurant | £21.00 – £37.00 | MICHELIN, seafood, local cuisine | 41 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HU |
| AI Farid Restaurant | £13.00 – £40.00 | Moroccan, Mediterranean | 3 Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HJ |
| Crave Restaurant | £3.00 – £20.00 | Seafood, British | 38 Commercial Road, Exeter EX2 4AE |
| The Botanis Exeter Bar & Restaurant | £7.00 – £40.00 | Bar, British, Grill, Pub | Unit 32, Queen Street Dining Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter EX4 3HG |
| The Restaurant At the Salutation Hotel | £3.50 – £55.00 | MICHELIN, European, British | 68 Fore Street The Salutation Inn, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HL |
| Red Panda | £5.00 – £10.00 | Fast food, Asian, street food | 29 Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS |
Where to Shop in Exeter
Want to go shopping before leaving Exeter? Do not miss the following places with some best shops in Exeter:
- Princesshay: 60 fantastic restaurants & retailers in the heart of Exeter.
- Guildhall: Exeter City Centre’s largest concentration of shops, eating destinations.
- High Street: eatures all the popular store names.
- Cathedral Quarter: classic independent shops set around the spacious Green.
- Gandy Street: trendy clothes and gift shops.
Where to Stay in Exeter
There are a lot of quality places to stay in Exeter. For a short trip for a couple of days, you can choose from some of the best hotels in Exeter. But remember to choose in and around the city centre so you can get to various places to go in Exeter with ease and convenience.
For long-term stay or incoming students, we have listed some of our best options for student accommodation in Exeter:
- The Depot: 6 minutes by bike to the University of Exeter, up to £675 cashback, free double occupancy.
- Vita Student Portland House: 20 minutes on foot to the University of Exeter, up to £310 cashback, complimentary buffet breakfast, tea and coffee.
- Downing The Kingfisher: 8 minutes by bike to the University of Exeter, up to £560 cashback, 5 minutes on foot to city centre.
- Clifton Place: 16 minutes on foot to the University of Exeter, up to £300 cashback, 1-minute walk to Exeter St Davids station.
- Renslade House: 15-20 minute walk to St. Luke’s Campus, 3-minute walk to St. Thomas train station, 24-hour security.
Places to Visit Near Exeter
Looking for an experience stepping out the city? Of course, there is a lot of places to visit near Exeter.
- Dartmoor: Located close to Dartmoor National Park. Wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, with a rich history and rare wildlife.
- Killerton House: Beautiful Days music festival, farmer’s markets, classic car displays and various nature-themed courses.
- Jurassic Coast: World Heritage Site, fifth-greatest natural wonder in Britain.
- Castle Drogo: A castle built in 1930, combining medieval to Tudor features and modern approaches.
- National Marine Aquarium: Aquarium in Plymouth and the largest in the UK.
- Bicton Park Botanical Gardens: A beautifully sculpted park features extensive outdoor walks among the grounds.
When to Visit Exeter
Exeter is filled with fun things to do throughout the year, and you will experience a different side of this historic and colorful city if visit in different time of the year. Most people will choose to visit Exeter between July to August with good weather and best time to enjoy the coastal view. Foodies flock can choose April for Exeter’s festival, and May or Sepetember is a good choice to avoid the crowds.
How to Get to Exeter
Exeter is a well-connected city with excellent road, rail, and air link. No matter where you come from, you can easily get to the breathtaking views and explore many things to do in Exeter.
- Air: Exeter has its own airport located in the east of the city. It only takes you 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus to get to Exeter city centre.
- Train: Exter Central and Exeter St. Davids are the two major stations. The first located only 4-minute bus from city centre and connects London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other major cities. The latter runs from Scotland right down to Exeter.
- Bus: The central bus station provides routes to and from London and its airport, as well as to Cornwall and throughout the southwest.
How to Get Around Exeter
Getting in and around Exeter couldn’t be easier with since the city is well served by many public transport options such as buses, bicycles, taxis, and trains.
Buses will get you covered most of the time and you can buy a Devon Day Ticket or a Stagecoach Dayrider ticket. Bike and walk is also recommended since many Exeter places to visit are closely connected and you can also better immersed into the beautiful scenery.
Conclusion on Things to do in Exeter
With our detailed list of things to do in Exeter and comprehensive guide, we hope you will find it easier to plan your trip in this vibrant city. Always remember to book your ticket in advance and check detailed information before you go since many places to visit in Exeter have different opening times. Wish you a wonderful trip and experience the best of Exter!
FAQ
What is Exeter famous for?
Exeter is famous for its stunning Gothic Cathedral, Roman history, and proximity to Dartmoor National Park. The city is home to Exeter University, boasts a historic Quayside, and features medieval Guildhall. It also has significant literary heritage, including the Exeter Book and connections to the English Civil War.
Is Exeter UK worth visiting?
Yes, it is worth visiting with a lot of things to do in Exeter, such as the stunning Exeter Cathedral, Roman heritage, and charming Quayside and attractions like Exeter University and the Exeter Book, making it a delightful blend of history and modernity.
What does Exeter have to offer?
Exeter offers a variety of attractions, including the historic Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the picturesque Northernhay Gardens, and the medieval Exeter Castle. Visitors can explore the Underground Passages, stroll along the City Walls, and enjoy shopping at the Princesshay Centre, all while experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
What to do around Exeter for adults?
Around Exeter, adults can explore Dartmoor National Park for scenic walks and wildlife, visit Powderham Castle for history and gardens, or enjoy wine tasting at Pebblebed Vineyard. The coastal town of Sidmouth offers stunning beaches, while Castle Drogo provides beautiful grounds and a historic castle to tour.
Which is the nicest part of Exeter?
The nicest part of Exeter is Exeter Quayside, offering scenic views, historic buildings, independent shops, and vibrant cafes. Southernhay is also lovely, with its Georgian architecture and green spaces. For a peaceful atmosphere, St. Leonard’s is a charming, residential area with beautiful gardens and close proximity to the city center.
What is the main shopping street in Exeter?
The main shopping street in Exeter is High Street, lined with a mix of well-known chain stores, independent boutiques, and historic buildings. Nearby Princesshay offers modern shopping with stylish retailers, while Gandy Street is known for its quirky independent shops and unique atmosphere, perfect for casual browsing.
Is Exeter a walkable city?
Yes, Exeter is a very walkable city. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, with pedestrian-friendly areas like the High Street, Quayside, and Roman City Walls. The city also offers scenic walking routes, including along the River Exe and through nearby parks and gardens.
Why is Exeter so popular?
With so many things to do in Exeter, as well as the rich history, beautiful scenery, and the prestigious University of Exeter, the city has always been popular for students and visitors. Exeter also enjoy convenient public network, with trains to major cities in the UK and its own airport with a 20-minute car drive to the city centre.
