Exeter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Exeter Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Exeter Cathedral which includes interior views
Exeter
Exeter Cathedral featuring a castle, interior views and heritage architecture
Exeter which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture

Medieval architecture, galleries, cultural centres, picturesque parks and a lively waterfront make this one of the most attractive cities in southwest England.

The city of Exeter effortlessly combines history with culture and recreation. Visit centuries-old landmarks and enjoy local and international art. Relax in pristine gardens or at the lively riverside district. Exeter sits in the heart of Devon, a southwestern English county blessed with rolling countryside and sweeping coastlines.

Exeter’s city centre sits on the east banks of the River Exe. Explore the area’s twisting, cobblestone streets on foot to appreciate the city’s 2,000 years of history. Stroll around remains of the old City Wall, which has withstood bombings, crusades and invasions.

Admire the 14th-century architecture of Exeter CathedralOpens in a new window and half-timbered houses lining the streets surrounding the cathedral’s lawns. Visit the 800-year-old Guildhall. Spot Elizabethan artifacts and experience a Tudor-era lifestyle at St. Nicholas Priory. Explore the Underground Passages, a system of medieval routes beneath the city streets.

Exeter’s museums and cultural centers celebrate everything from modern art to the city’s industrial heritage. Learn about the city’s long history at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art GalleryOpens in a new window. See exhibitions by local and international artists at Spacex. Find collections of movie memorabilia at the Bill Douglas Centre. Admire art expositions, attend concerts or take part in dance workshops at the multipurpose venue, Exeter Phoenix.

On a sunny day go to the Quayside, a riverside entertainment and commercial district. Find boutique stores and galleries inside refurbished warehouses. Visit historic buildings, including the Customs House and Wharfinger’s House. Enjoy the welcoming Devonshire hospitality at waterside bars, cafés and pubs.

Visit Exeter’s glorious collection of public parks. A short walk from the city centre is the pristine Belmont Park and Northernhay Gardens, the latter home to the 11th-century Exeter Castle.

Reach Exeter by flying to Exeter International Airport from major European destinations or travelling via train from central London. Exeter is also a gateway to Devon’s many outdoor attractions. Hike in Dartmoor National Park, visit coastal towns along the English Riviera or discover the rugged natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast.

Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday
Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday
3.5 out of 5
Queen Street, Exeter, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £70 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£70
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (918 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park by IHG
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park by IHG
4 out of 5
Exeter Science Park, Babbage Way, Exeter, England
Fully refundable
The price is £72 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£72
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Adrenalin Games Paintball ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
Overnight stay for Powderham Castle Gig.
"Overnight stay for a gig at Powderham Castle. Great hotel just off the motorway spotlessly clean, modern with super friendly staff. Rooms are lovely, functional and quiet. Spacious bathroom and wonderfully comfortable beds. Light and airy communal areas and a large outdoor seating area with table ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

voco Zeal Exeter Science Park by IHG
Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
4 out of 5
Sandy Park Way, Exeter, England
The price is £76 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£76
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Exeter. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (833 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Number 18 Apartments
Number 18 Apartments
4 out of 5
Mary Arches Street, Exeter, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions St Nicholas Priory and 21 The Mint ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"The apartment was great, close to shops, and food. However when l went out for coffee early in the morning the neighbourhood was very dirty and seemed a little sketchy."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Number 18 Apartments
Courtbrook Farm Apartments
Courtbrook Farm Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Apartments at Courtbrook Farm, Clyst St George, Exeter, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Exeter. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and a computer station. Popular attractions Crealy Great Adventure Park and Topsham ...
"Amazing apartment beautifully kept and so very clean Ideal for some one that has an elderly person as there is a double room and en-suite downstairs with a twin and bathroom upstairs was perfect for our stay and would recommend highly"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2023

Courtbrook Farm Apartments
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Topsham, England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Topsham Pool and Topsham Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
Lovely little cottage
"Lovely cottage just a few minutes walk from the beautiful estuary. The whole place was spotlessly clean. The beds were comfortable with lovely bed linen. It has a nice little courtyard at the back and a parking spot five minutes walk up the road, which is a real bonus! We really enjoyed our stay ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Exeter

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
134
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
191
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Exeter is a nice place - there are lots of shops and nice places to eat. The university is nice and it is a great place for a short stop.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Would highly recommend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots going on, good shopping and eateries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely city too. Really enjoyed being there for the weekend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It’s an interesting city with lots to see and do. Manageable to walk around and enjoy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love to come back.

Cities near Exeter