5 best places to visit in Exeter

Exeter | An amazing tourist destination

Founded by the Romans around 2000 years ago as a gateway to the southwest, Exeter, a county town in Devon, played an important role in trade perfectly suited for its location on the navigable River Exe. This river flows southward from here to the English Channel and offers picturesque sights. Spend a day or two in this charming city! There are numerous interesting places to visit. Historic sites abound, from Medieval bridges to landmarks built later as the city’s industrial and economic importance grew in the Victorian era. Some of these were revitalized and repurposed as major tourist and entertainment attractions. Some famous tourist sites include Exeter Quayside, St. Mary’s Steps church and so on. These locations enhance the city’s reputation as a must-see travel destination in the United Kingdom. Let’s further discuss the Best places to visit in Exeter.

Here are some interesting places you can visit in Exeter

Take a tour of Exeter Cathedral with a guide

Founded in 1133, Exeter Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, has undergone significant changes over the years. Exeter Cathedral also has the world’s longest medieval-era stone-vaulted ceiling and one of England’s oldest cathedral libraries. Founded in the 11th century, it still houses one of the original books that formed the library’s foundation around 1050. A Boer War memorial, added during 19th-century renovations, is a more recent addition to the cathedral.

A guided tour is a great way to make the most of your visit to this must-see cathedral. There are several tour options available, including one that has a climb to the cathedral’s roof. There are also fun nighttime tours up to the tower area. Audio tours are available for those who prefer to explore on their own. A gift shop and a café are also available to guests.

At Exeter Quayside, you can shop, dine, and be entertained

Visitors get frequently surprised to learn that Exeter, despite its distance from the sea, has a long history as an important port. Located on the River Exe, there is evidence that it had a Roman settlement nearly 2,000 years ago for its easy river access to the English Channel.

Exeter Quayside got redeveloped and revitalized, and it is now a vibrant district that is a short walk from the cathedral and a joy to explore. A lovely riverside park with plenty of benches to gaze at the water, where you can watch the world go by. It’s numerous eateries, and shopping outlets are the highlights.

Other enjoyable activities include renting bicycles to explore the pleasant quayside trails, renting a kayak or canoe, and hitting the water.

RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery)

Affectionately known by locals as “the RAMM,” the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is Exeter’s largest and most important cultural attraction. Founded in 1868, the museum lies in a historic 18th-century building just a few minutes walk from Exeter Train Station. It underwent a major renovation in 2011 and is well worth a visit for people of all ages.

Exploring the museum’s large collection of nearly a million artifacts related to zoology, anthropology, geology, and archaeology is one of the highlights of a visit. While only a portion of this massive collection is on display at any given time in the museum’s 16 galleries, exhibits and information are presented in an easy-to-follow and compelling manner using cutting-edge technology.

Explore Exeter’s underground passages.

Exeter’s unique underground passages provide an intriguing glimpse into the city’s early infrastructure. The city’s unique network of underground passageways and tunnels, which dates back to medieval times, came into existence to provide clean drinking water from a series of springs outside the city walls.

Exeter’s underground passages are now accessible via a 30-minute guided tour, including admission to a visitor center with fascinating interactive displays demonstrating the construction and operation of the system. Other highlights include film and video presentations, archaeological dig artifacts, and a gift shop.

Experience a private tour and afternoon tea at Exeter’s historic Guildhall

Exeter’s historic Guildhall, which dates back to the 1100s, is a testament to the city’s importance as a trading and governance center. It’s close to the cathedral on High Street. While the façade of the building is a more recent addition (added around 1590), much of the rest of the structure remains relatively unchanged.

The public can visit this remarkably well-preserved historic building as part of a private guided one-hour tour that can cater to your specific interests. It is still frequently used for city functions and banquets. A cream tea can be a part of your tour for a real treat.

Key takeaways

• Exeter, a historic cathedral city offers many amazing tourist sites for visitors looking for an authentic small-town vacation in England.
• Founded by the Romans around 2000 years ago as a gateway to the southwest, Exeter, a county town in Devon, played a role that perfectly suited its location on the navigable River Exe.
• Exeter Cathedral, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Guildhall, and the underground passages are some of the most popular tourist sites in Exeter.

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FAQs

Q1. Is Exeter more expensive to stay in than London?

Ans- You’d need around 3,462.6£ in Exeter to maintain the same standard of living as having 5,500.0£ in London.

Q2. Is London close to Exeter?

Ans- Exeter is 175 miles (282 kilometers) west of London.

Q3. Does Exeter have an airport?

Ans- Yes, Exeter International Airport is in the east of Devon.