- Exeter remains the only city in the United Kingdom to have a dedicated underground network of medieval vaulted passages built to bring fresh water into the city.
- The city has been a base for military operations since the Roman occupation, when it was known as Isca Dumnoniorum.
- The Exeter Cathedral contains the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world.
- During the 1942 'Baedeker Blitz' of World War II, a significant portion of the city center was destroyed, leading to post-war architecture that contrasts sharply with the medieval sections.
- Exeter is the site of the UK's first ever local radio station, BBC Radio Exeter, launched in 1967.
About Exeter
Exeter is a historic cathedral city in Devon, England, situated on the River Exe. It serves as the county town and is renowned for its subterranean medieval passages and remarkably preserved city walls. Visitors often explore the architectural significance of the Exeter Cathedral or engage with regional heritage at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery. The city balances its Roman roots with expansive green spaces like Riverside Valley Park, which provides vital recreational corridors along the river.
Highlights of Exeter
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Examine the world's longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling.
Museums
Explore extensive collections of zoology, anthropology, and local Devon history.
Parks
Visit historic warehouse buildings that now house independent galleries and cafes along the canal.
Natural attractions
Experience expansive woodland trails and mountain biking routes located in the surrounding hills.
Parks
Walk or cycle along the river paths that connect the city center to the Exe Estuary.
Venues
Catch professional touring productions at this established theatre located on the university campus.
Venues
Visit the premier venue for professional rugby union matches in the region.
Parks
Traverse these ancient valley grasslands that provide elevated views over the city landscape.
Top things to do in Exeter
The 165 highest-rated places in Exeter, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Exeter Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, features the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ce...
2
Amusement parks
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the largest family theme park in Devon, located in the Clyst St Mary area near Exeter. The...
3
Places of interest
Knightshayes Court is a Victorian Gothic Revival country house designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family...
4
Natural attractions
Haldon Forest Park is a 3,500-acre managed woodland site located 15 minutes from Exeter. It features an extensive networ...
5
Places of interest
Killerton is an 18th-century National Trust estate featuring a Georgian house, extensive parkland, and a historic fashio...
6
Historical places
Castle Drogo is the last castle ever built in England, completed in 1930 and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for retail ma...
7
Places of interest
Canonteign Falls features the highest man-made waterfall in England, dropping 220 feet within a Victorian-designed estat...
8
Museums
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) is a multidisciplinary museum in Exeter housing over one million...
9
Venues
Sandy Park serves as the home stadium for the Exeter Chiefs, a professional Premiership Rugby club. The venue functions...
10
Places of interest
Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park is a privately owned 50-acre estate located within the Dartmoor National Park. The sit...
11
Venues
The Exeter Northcott Theatre is a mid-scale professional producing and receiving house situated on the University of Exe...
12
Places of interest
Tiverton Canal Co operates one of the few remaining horse-drawn barges in the United Kingdom, traveling along the Grand...
13
Parks
The Grand Western Canal Country Park is an 11-mile restored waterway running through mid-Devon, offering a tranquil envi...
14
Places of interest
Finch Foundry is the last remaining water-powered forge in England, situated on the River Taw in the village of Sticklep...
15
Places of interest
The Devon Railway Centre is a heritage railway site located at the former Bickleigh station on the Exe Valley Railway li...
16
Historical places
Okehampton Castle is the largest medieval castle ruin in Devon, originally constructed as a motte-and-bailey fortress by...
17
Places of interest
The Miniature Pony Centre is a specialized animal attraction located in Dartmoor National Park, focusing on the welfare...
18
Parks
Heavitree Pleasure Ground is a community park located in the eastern suburbs of Exeter, featuring extensive recreational...
19
Places of interest
The Bear Trail is an outdoor mud-based assault course located in the East Devon countryside near Cullompton. The facilit...
20
Parks
Belmont Park is a Victorian-era public green space located in the St James area of Exeter. It serves as a community hub...
21
Places of interest
Exeter’s Underground Passages are a unique network of medieval vaulted tunnels constructed during the 14th century to ho...
22
Museums
The Moretonhampstead Motor Museum is housed in a restored, mid-20th-century former bus depot located on the edge of Dart...
23
Venues
The Barnfield Theatre is a historic performance venue in Exeter known for its versatile stage layouts, including round a...
24
Parks
25
Amusement parks
26
Temples
27
Parks
28
Parks
29
Museums
30
Parks
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Exeter on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Exeter
Late spring to early autumn, specifically May through September, as the mild climate is optimal for exploring outdoor locations like Haldon Forest Park.
2-3 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the historic center, museums, and nearby natural parkland.
The city center is highly walkable, while local bus services and the Exe Estuary Trail support cyclists and commuters; the rail network connects the city to regional destinations.
The city center offers proximity to major heritage sites, while the Quayside area provides a scenic riverside atmosphere with converted warehouse accommodations.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are generally lower than in London but reflect the city's status as a popular regional hub.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 165 curated attractions in and around Exeter, ranked by traveller ratings.
Exeter Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Exeter right now.
The largest category is temples, with 57 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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