Exeter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Exeter Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Exeter Cathedral which includes interior views
Exeter
Exeter Cathedral featuring a castle, interior views and heritage architecture
Exeter which includes a small town or village and heritage architecture
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 centre 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 CathedralOpens in a new window 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 GalleryOpens in a new window. 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 centre 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 travelling 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.

Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
4 out of 5
Sandy Park Way, Exeter, England
The price is ₹7,108 per night from 5 May to 6 May
₹7,108
₹8,529 total
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Exeter. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (785 reviews)
"Average breakfast, as not many options for vegetarians. Not a very warm welcome staff in the morning breakfast room. Cannot recall the name of the two ladies in the breakfast room but they were both unhelpful and when you asked them something they were ready to bite your head off and tell you that ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Exeter Sandy Park
Leonardo Hotel Exeter
Leonardo Hotel Exeter
4 out of 5
Western Way, Exeter, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,729 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
₹6,729
₹8,074 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Perfect Cornwall stop off
"This was a perfect stop off on the way to Cornwall, staff were lovely, friendly and helpful. The site is opposite a car park £10 for 24hrs and the hotel is clean tidy and well presented."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Leonardo Hotel Exeter
Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
4 out of 5
Woodbury Castle, Exeter, England
The price is ₹6,582 per night from 8 May to 9 May
₹6,582
₹7,898 total
includes taxes & fees
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (938 reviews)
Good value for money
"We were happy with our stay. Shame we didn't have more time to make use of all the facilities."

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club
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.
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Exeter Cathedral and St Nicholas ...
8/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
Brilliant stay, 5 stars
"We only stayed one night, it was very well located and the whole apartment was clean and comfortable. Extremely accommodating regarding checking in/out. We will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2024

Number 18 Apartments
Route 2 Topsham
Route 2 Topsham
3.5 out of 5
1-2 Monmouth Hill, Exeter, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Exeter. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Exeter Cathedral and Topsham Pool are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Lovely apartment with plenty of room. Nice and comfortable, cleaned really well. Having the lovely cafe downstairs was just perfect."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2024

Route 2 Topsham
Astor House
Astor House
4 out of 5
Warren Road, Torquay, England
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Princess Theatre and Inner Harbour ...
9/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
Astor House
"All brilliant the place was ace and the lady I spoke to at plum locations was fantastic, hotels.com were brill"

Reviewed on 26 Nov 2024

Astor House
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

Reviews of Exeter

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
134
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
191
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

Would highly recommend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots going on, good shopping and eateries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love to come back.

Cities near Exeter