Exeter Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Exeter is compact and easy to explore, with two thousand years of history and beautiful countryside on its doorstep.

• Exeter Cathedral — Admire the longest unbroken medieval Gothic vault in the world and the richly carved west front.
• Underground Passages — Take a guided tour of the medieval tunnels built to carry fresh water beneath the city.
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum — Known as RAMM, with collections of local history, natural history and world cultures.
• Exeter Quayside — Stroll the historic riverside, with cafés, antique shops and paths along the Exe.
• City walls — Follow the remains of the Roman and medieval walls that still encircle much of the old city.
• Dartmoor National Park — Granite tors, wild moorland and pretty villages a short drive west.
• Jurassic Coast and Topsham — Visit the riverside town of Topsham and the beaches around Exmouth, where the UNESCO-listed coast begins.

Exeter enjoys a mild maritime climate, among the gentlest in England. Summers are pleasantly warm, winters are cool and damp but seldom very cold, and rain can fall in any season.

May to September is the best time to visit, with long days for coastal walks, Dartmoor and outdoor dining on the Quayside. Spring brings blooming gardens and fewer crowds, while the run-up to Christmas features festive markets near the cathedral.

Exeter Airport is located east of the city, near the village of Clyst Honiton. It is a small, easy-to-navigate regional airport.

Bus services connect the airport with Exeter city centre, and taxis are available outside the terminal or can be pre-booked. Car hire is a convenient option for exploring Devon, Dartmoor and the coast, where public transport can be infrequent.

Exeter’s centre is small, so most accommodation is within walking distance of the main sights.

• City centre and Cathedral Green — Close to the cathedral, shops and restaurants; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Quayside — A relaxed riverside setting with walking and cycling paths.
• St Leonard’s — An elegant residential area with Georgian and Victorian houses, suited to quieter stays.
• Topsham — A charming estuary town with pubs and galleries, a short train ride away.

• Money: Contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; keep a little cash for rural cafés.
• Getting around: Walk in the city, and use local trains and buses for Exmouth, Topsham and the coast.
• Etiquette: Respect the countryside code on Dartmoor: close gates and keep dogs under control near livestock.
• Weather: Moorland weather changes fast, so take waterproofs and warm layers when walking.
• Connectivity: Mobile coverage is good in the city but can be weak on Dartmoor.