Introduction
Exeter is the capital of Devon and a small and ancient university city. It is so historic that it is one of England’s oldest settlements. Of course, this means that there are plenty of fun and exciting activities available for people of all ages and budgets. Here’s your one-stop shop for the best things to do in Exeter.
Exeter is ideal for a weekend getaway, with plenty of history to discover, an excellent food scene inspired by all of the local produce made in the South West, and a great gateway to the rest of Devon. Whether you want to spend a week or just a weekend in Exeter, there’s always something going on all year. You can get to your destination by taking an Exeter Taxi.
What makes Exeter famous?
Exeter is the county capital of Devon and is best known for its Norman Cathedral, which was built in the Gothic style, and its beautiful canal, which leads out to sea. Exeter is also well-known for its long history, which predates the Romans. Today, remnants of the past can be found throughout the city, including numerous historic Roman ruins and medieval structures.
Exeter’s Top Attractions
Go to RAMM.
If you’re looking for one of the best cultural things to do in Exeter, look no further than RAMM (The Royal Albert Memorial Museum).
The museum, which is free to visit and fun for all ages (making it the ideal Exeter activity for kids), underwent extensive renovations a few years ago to become the great cultural hub that it is today. Exhibits about Exeter’s history and rotating photography exhibits are among the highlights.
Find Harry Potter inspiration.
JK Rowling actually studied at Exeter University as an undergraduate, so there are traces of the Harry Potter inspiration she used to create her novels throughout the city.
Gandy Street, for example, is not only worth a stroll down because it’s full of quirky and unique shops, but it’s also thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the books.
A door on Cathedral Green is thought to have inspired the Room of Requirement Door, while the Firehouse at the other end of town may have inspired the ‘Leaky Cauldron’ in the books. If you go to the Firehouse, you can expect to find some of the best (and largest) pizzas in Devon!
Visit Exeter Picture House to see a movie.
The Exeter Picture House is Exeter’s best independent cinema, showcasing new, fun, and innovative films. The most recent schedule can be found here.
Discover the Coffee Culture
Exeter’s coffee culture has really taken off in the last decade or so. There are numerous independent cafés and coffee houses throughout the city, each with its own ambiance and vibe. When visiting Exeter, some of my personal favorites in the city include the Glorious Arthouse (120 Fore Street), Camper Coffee Co. (McCoys Arcade), and The Exploding Bakery (Central Station Buildings).
Shop at Princesshay Shopping Centre.
If you want to make some purchases while in Devon’s capital, Exeter is the place to go because it has some of the best shopping in the South West. Princesshay is one of Exeter’s largest Wholesale UK Clothing. In the winter, the entire area is illuminated with Christmas lights and trees.
Relax at Exeter Quay’s historic waterfront.
Exeter Quay, which was first used as a port in prehistoric times, is also known as ‘Exeter quayside’. Commercial shipping had largely subsided along the River Exe, the waterway from which Exeter gets its name, by the nineteenth century in favor of rail.
Learn How to Travel in Exeter
Visiting these locations is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, you would need transportation to get to these locations. In Exeter, you can book a Navigo Taxis, one of the top UK-based ride-hailing services. Visit these locations to have fun while traveling and arriving on time.