Exeter

Travel Guide
Exeter Cathedral which includes interior views
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 center 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 Cathedral 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 Gallery. 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 center 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 traveling 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.

Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
4 out of 5
Woodbury Castle, Exeter, England
The price is €68 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€68
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (679 reviews)
Overnight Stay
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the hotel except for the restaurant. It was a very limited menu and two of the items on the menu were not available. Would not recommend the restaurant."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
Leonardo Hotel Exeter - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Exeter - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
Western Way, Exeter, England
The price is €84 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€84
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Overall the hotel was better than expected. Cooked breakfast items not kept warm and plates cold as well despite a warning they would be hot!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Leonardo Hotel Exeter - Formerly Jurys Inn
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
4 out of 5
Southernhay East, Exeter, England
The price is €95 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
€95
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
Perfect location
"Just a short walk to the Cathedral and city centre and also a short walk to the Quayside."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
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.
Bendene Townhouse
Bendene Townhouse
3 out of 5
15-16 Richmond Road, Exeter, England
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Exeter. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Royal Albert Museum and Art Gallery ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (169 reviews)
"Very nice and polite staff. Very helpful too"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Bendene Townhouse
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 WiFi, onsite parking, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions St Nicholas Priory and 21 The Mint are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (28 reviews)
Comfortable and quiet
"Great centrally located apartment. Quiet area. Comfortable and excellent amenities."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2023

Number 18 Apartments
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
Topsham
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Exeter. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (131 reviews)
Piece of heaven in Devon
"Visiting a new baby in our family this was the perfect place to return to at the end of the day, cosy, warm comfortable I can’t say enough good things. The location is fantastic we had breakfast everyday in a different cafe all walking distance and went for walks at night around the beautiful town, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Wisteria Cottage, Topsham
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Exeter

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
134
" "5 - Excellent 37.960339943342774%
4 - Good
191
" "4 - Good 54.107648725212464%
3 - Okay
26
" "3 - Okay 7.36543909348442%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.56657223796034%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Feb 2020

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
28 Jan 2020

Would highly recommend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Dec 2019

Lots going on, good shopping and eateries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Lovely city too. Really enjoyed being there for the weekend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Dec 2019

It’s an interesting city with lots to see and do. Manageable to walk around and enjoy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Dec 2019

Love to come back.