Attractions and Places To See around Exeter - Top 9

Exeter is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture and longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling. Explore the unique Exeter's Underground Passages, or discover the city's maritime past at the Historic Quayside and Custom House. Other notable sites include remnants of the Roman City Wall, Rougemont Castle and Gardens, and the ancient Exeter Guildhall. Just outside the city, Powderham Castle offers a glimpse into a 14th-century fortress.

Yes, Exeter is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. You can relax in Northernhay Gardens, England's oldest public open space, or explore the various Valley Parks managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust, such as Ludwell Valley Park. The River Exe and its estuary offer opportunities for walks and boat trips. For more expansive natural beauty, Dartmoor National Park and the renowned Jurassic Coast are easily accessible nearby.

Exeter has a vibrant cultural scene. The award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) houses diverse collections spanning natural history, world cultures, and local archaeology. Beyond its architectural beauty, Exeter Cathedral also hosts cultural events. For performing arts, venues like Exeter Phoenix, The Barnfield Theatre, and Northcott Theatre offer a varied program of shows.

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities. Crealy Theme Park & Resort offers numerous rides and attractions. The Historic Quayside is great for watersports, cycling, and boat trips. For indoor adventure, the Quay Climbing Centre provides climbing facilities. Just outside Exeter, Go Ape Haldon offers treetop adventures. Many of Exeter's parks and trails, like those in Stratham Hill Park, are also suitable for families.

Absolutely. The Exeter Green Circle is a 12-mile circular walking route within the city. For more extensive options, the nearby Dartmoor National Park offers dramatic landscapes and ancient sites for hiking. The River Exe and its estuary also provide pleasant walking paths. For specific running trails, you can explore options like the Exeter loop or Shaws Hill trails, which are detailed in the Running Trails around Exeter guide.

Yes, Exeter is known for its cycle ways. The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway is a long, well-maintained bike path, formerly an old railway line, featuring repair stations. The Historic Quayside area also offers cycling opportunities with bike hire available. For road cycling, routes like the Exeter to Linn Ponds loop or the Ocean Boulevard / Route 1A loops are popular, as highlighted in the Road Cycling Routes around Exeter guide.

Mountain biking enthusiasts have several options. Stratham Hill Park features well-maintained trails and a pump track, making it suitable for riders of all levels, including families. The Henderson-Swasey Town Forest also offers extensive trails for mountain biking. You can find more detailed routes, such as the Stratham Hill Park loop or Henderson-Swasey Town Forest loop, in the MTB Trails around Exeter guide.

Consider taking a free Red Coat Guided Tour to learn about the city's history from local experts. The Exeter Green Circle offers a unique way to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and natural areas. For a charming day trip, the ancient Roman port town of Topsham, with its independent shops and historic pubs, is easily accessible.

Many areas offer captivating views. You can ascend the towers of Exeter Cathedral for panoramic city views. The trails within Stratham Hill Park and The Driftway in the Tucker and French Family Forest provide scenic forest views. The River Exe and its estuary also offer picturesque vistas, especially from the Historic Quayside.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from historical sites to natural landscapes. The New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway is praised for being a very long, beautiful, and well-maintained bike path with convenient repair stations. The city of Exeter itself is enjoyed for its riverside views and historical significance as a shipbuilding and trading port.

For those seeking a challenge, The Driftway trail within the Tucker and French Family Forest is known for being rocky and offering challenging sections. While many mountain biking trails in areas like Stratham Hill Park and Henderson-Swasey Town Forest are generally easy to intermediate, the varied terrain can offer more challenging sections for experienced riders. For running, the Shaws Hill – Exeter loop is rated as difficult.

For local events and happenings, especially cultural performances and workshops, you can check the schedules of venues like Exeter Phoenix, The Barnfield Theatre, and Northcott Theatre. The Historic Quayside and Powderham Castle also frequently host events. For broader information, the official tourism website for Exeter, Visit Exeter, is a good resource.