A guide to Exeter

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Exeter began as a Roman town and its name can be traced to when it was a known as Isca Dumnoniorum deriving from its proximity to the River Exe.
  • 2.
    70% of the Roman walls around Exeter still survive today along with the underground passages.
  • 3.
    Chris Martin of Coldplay was born and educated in Exeter.

Exeter Area

Historic Exeter is the county town of Devon. In its heart is St Peter’s Cathedral with its four Norman towers and the longest nave in Britain. The city centre is thriving and has a pretty quay with shops and cafes; this area was once an affluent wool trading centre. Exeter Chiefs are the highly successful local rugby team based at Sandy Park Stadium. The local area is a popular destination for tourists from all around the UK.

Surrounding Villages

  • Brampford Speke
    This pretty village is situated just three miles to the north of Exeter. There is a gastro pub serving food celebrating local produce, a primary school and an active village hall. The River Exe meanders around the village outskirts offering lovely walks.
  • Topsham
    Once a thriving port and shipbuilding centre, Topsham still retains a strong maritime flavour. The quaint historic town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants, plus wonderful sunsets above the estuary.
  • Ide
    Once a thriving port and shipbuilding centre, Topsham still retains a strong maritime flavour. The quaint historic town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants, plus wonderful sunsets above the estuary.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Exeter offers fantastic city centre shopping opportunities at the Princesshay centre with John Lewis adjacent.

    Gandy Street, Fore Street and the Castle quarter offer independent boutiques while larger chain stores are found on the outskirts of the city. For a more local experience try Magdalen Road with its award-winning deli, fishmongers, farm shop and independent wine store.

  • Eating

    The Oddfellows

    A fantastic gastropub with a separate cocktail lounge on the first floor. Renowned for friendly service and award-winning food using the best fresh ingredients.

    Coolings

    This independent city centre bar/pub manages to combine being a pub for locals as well as a destination for good food.

    The Hourglass

    Located just above Exeter Quay this traditional pub is bursting with character and serves excellent locally sourced food in an historical building.

    The Old Firehouse

    This rustic, dark wood pub is widely known as one of Exeter's best ale and cider pubs, popular with students and locals alike.

  • Drinking

    The Cork and Tile

    This independent café and restaurant serves authentic Portuguese cuisine, with bright décor and a relaxing atmosphere to complete the experience.

    Harry’s

    Locally owned, this vibrant independent restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere serves delicious sizzling steaks, pizzas and fajitas with a great wine list.

    The Conservatory

    This compact, busy restaurant in the city centre has fabulous dishes and a superb fixed price rapid lunch menu for business diners or shoppers in a hurry.

Travel

  • Trains

    Exeter St Davids train station provides a direct service to London in just over two hours.

  • Other transport

    Access to M5 at Exeter. Regular bus service around the city. Ferry from the quay to local canal pubs and independent canoe and paddle boat hire.