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 centers, 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.

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 4 May to 5 May
£76
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (789 reviews)
"Average breakfast, as not many options for vegetarians. Not a very warm welcome staff in the morning breakfast room. Cannot recall the name of the two ladies in the breakfast room but they were both unhelpful and when you asked them something they were ready to bite your head off and tell you that ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
Leonardo Hotel Exeter
Leonardo Hotel Exeter
4 out of 5
Western Way, Exeter, England
The price is £70 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£70
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"You could hear every door slam shut on your floor. Food very expensive, £18 for a cheese burger."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

Leonardo Hotel Exeter
Hotel Du Vin Exeter
Hotel Du Vin Exeter
4 out of 5
Magdalen Street, Exeter, England
The price is £80 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£80
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"A good place to stay with a reasonable price in Exeter The staff at the desk and staffs were supportive as well."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

Hotel Du Vin Exeter
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 Exeter Cathedral and St Nicholas ...
Brilliant stay, 5 stars
"We only stayed one night, it was very well located and the whole apartment was clean and comfortable. Extremely accommodating regarding checking in/out. We will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2024

Number 18 Apartments
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Topsham, England
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Exeter Cathedral and Topsham Pool ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (159 reviews)
Wisteria cottage
"We enjoyed staying at the cottage. It had everything we needed & we were very comfortable.I was very disappointed that someone let themselves in to empty the bins when collection wasnt due & did so unescorted & without asking..this should not have happened"

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2025

Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Smart barn conversion. Perfect touring  location, for beaches, moors & Cornwall
Smart barn conversion. Perfect touring location, for beaches, moors & Cornwall
Exeter, ENG
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and tennis courts. Popular attractions Exeter Cathedral and Exeter Northcott ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
Nice stay
"Ideal base for visiting our daughter at uni. Nice and quiet."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Smart barn conversion. Perfect touring location, for beaches, moors & Cornwall
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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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