A thriving centre of history, art, and culture on the banks of the River Exe in Devon, the South Coast city of Exeter has a record of habitation dating back to 250 BCE, with the Romans, Normans, and several other civilisations contributing to its development over the centuries. Because of this, Exeter is home to a wealth of historical sites, from medieval cathedrals to Roman walls and the acclaimed Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which houses a renowned fine art collection alongside exhibits on local history and the city’s global links.

Today, Exeter is known for historic areas like the Quayside district — which is full of pretty riverside cafes — and a dedication to supporting the arts, resulting in UNESCO City of Literature status. People come here to visit the imposing Gothic cathedral, which sits among manicured lawns on streets festooned with bunting and ivy-covered period residences. Exeter provides easy access to nature, with its Green Circle walking path that takes visitors through the city’s outskirts, and its proximity to the famous Jurassic Coast and Dartmoor National Park.

Exeter Airport (EXT) serves several UK cities and is just 15 minutes from town by car. You can rent a car just outside the terminal, but you’ll find that buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services to the city centre and Exeter’s many self catering cottages are readily available. Navigating Exeter is easy, thanks to the city’s compact nature and local rail and bus routes. Walking around is the best way to get a feel for the city. Exeter is also a convenient base from which to explore the surrounding area and experience the famous Jurassic Coast’s rugged landscape, thanks to the broader region’s interconnected rail and bus systems.

Exeter’s generally temperate climate experiences moderate swings in temperature between the seasons. The summer months bring pleasantly warm, sunny days, while winters tend to be colder; it’s always wise to be prepared for rain. People visit in the shoulder seasons to cosy up with a cup of tea at a riverfront cafe surrounded by autumn colours, or share picnics on the cathedral lawns framed by fresh, vibrant blossoms in spring. Summer is the most popular time to visit Exeter, when families travel to Devon during the school holidays and a host of festivals and events take place around the region. Exmouth Festival is a free community event that celebrates music, art, crafts, food, and culture each May in the neighbouring coastal community of Exmouth.

Exeter Cathedral

A stunning display of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Exeter Cathedral is almost 1,000 years old. Just a 10-minute walk from the waterfront, it houses a storied history under its vaulted ceiling, as well as a medieval astronomical clock. Evening concerts are a regular fixture in the winter, providing a magical atmosphere with twinkling candlelight.

Underground passages

A series of stone passages were constructed in the 14th century to transport drinking water into Exeter before they were replaced by modern infrastructure. You can explore the dark winding corridors to get a unique look at the history and uses of these tunnels through the years.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Inside an imposing Gothic Revival structure with characteristic carved arches, this museum is home to more than a million artefacts spanning zoology, fine arts, archaeology, and world cultures. Visitors head here for a constant rotation of new exhibits and special events throughout the year.