Things to Do in Exeter
Exeter is a compact cathedral city on a river, with the Devon coast and moorland both within reach. Here is a simple outline for a spare day or evening.
The quay and the river
The Exe runs along the edge of the city, and the old quay on its bank has become a relaxed place to spend an hour. There is a path beside the water, space to sit, and a mix of boats and cyclists passing by. It is flat, public and easy to find from the centre on foot. Take a coat in the evening, as the air by the water cools quickly.
The Exe runs along the edge of the city, and the old quay on its bank has become a relaxed place to spend an hour.
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Around the old centre
The middle of Exeter blends modern shopping streets with older lanes and some surviving stretches of the ancient walls. An afternoon on foot is enough to see most of it. Cobbles and slopes appear without warning, so comfortable shoes are a good idea, and a bag that sits close to the body is easier than one that swings.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Exeter itself.
Real events in Exeter, from onthedoor.uk.
Green space and a walk with a view
There are parks near the centre, and the river valley gives longer routes for anyone wanting a proper stroll. The land rises in places, so a viewpoint over the rooftops is never far away. Dartmoor lies further off and needs a bus or car, which makes it a plan for another day. Ask yourself how much time you really have, and pick one outdoor stop rather than three, so the afternoon stays comfortable.
There are parks near the centre, and the river valley gives longer routes for anyone wanting a proper stroll.
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Indoor ideas when it rains
Devon weather can be changeable, and Exeter copes well with it. The centre has museums, galleries and covered shopping, and the streets around the university have cafes where a long conversation over a drink is unremarkable. You can fill a wet afternoon without crossing the city.
Devon weather can be changeable, and Exeter copes well with it.
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Down the estuary by train
Two stations matter here. Exeter St Davids is the main one, and Exeter Central sits closer to the shops. From St Davids, trains run along the Exe estuary towards Topsham and Exmouth, and the line to the south has a stretch beside the sea at Dawlish. A trip to the coast makes a fine half day, provided you note the last train back.
Two stations matter here.
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Practical notes and the adult only rule
Hills make some short walks tiring, so allow extra time between St Davids and the centre if you are carrying luggage. Arriving by rail, look at which of the two stations your ticket names, as they are a walk apart. Everything on TheDirectory is for people aged eighteen or older, and that applies to the guides as well.
Hills make some short walks tiring, so allow extra time between St Davids and the centre if you are carrying luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Mostly. The centre is compact, though there are slopes between the main station and the heart of town.
A train along the estuary reaches small riverside and seaside towns quickly, which suits a relaxed half day.
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