Top 10 Things to do in Exeter, United Kingdom (UK)

October 14, 2017 Kelli Reichel

Exeter (/ˈɛksɪtər/ ( listen)) is a cathedral city in Devon, England, with a population of 129,800 (mid-2016 est.). The city is on the River Exe about 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Plymouth and 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Bristol. It is the county town of Devon, and the home of Devon County Council.
Restaurants in Exeter

1. Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX, England +44 1392 265858
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Exeter's world-class museum has stunning new displays and galleries, fabulous Exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter's rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the world cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays and bank holidays. Free Admission. From time to time galleries may be closed for special events; please check before traveling.

Reviewed By Vexilllogist - Trowbridge, United Kingdom

Pouring with rain so decided to seek shelter in this museum, the deciding factor being the free entry. Fantastic number of exhibits from miniscule bugs pinned to a board, to full size elephant and giraffe. Art gallery interesting but some of the paintings strange.
Nice cafe and shop, helpful staff.

2. Exeter Cathedral

The Cloisters | Exeter, Devon, Exeter EX1 1HS, England +44 1392 285983
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. Located in the centre of the city, there has been a Cathedral on the present site for nearly one thousand years.

Reviewed By 1949etwall - Ashbourne, United Kingdom

Entered the Cathedral and asked receptionist on Thursday 7 March for directions to the Cathedral shop as it was not obvious. Then was interrogated by a lady who clearly did believe that was what I wanted to do: IS THAT ALL YOU INTEND TO DO?...MoreGood morning. Thanks for making the trip to the Cathedral to visit the shop. I'm disappointed that you didn't receive a warm welcome at the desk. Please get in touch by email with more details [email protected].

3. Powderham Castle

Kenton, Exeter EX6 8JQ, England +44 1626 890243
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 728 reviews

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle is the family home of the 18th Earl & Countess of Devon. It was originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and despite undergoing many transformations since surviving the ravages of the civil war in the 17th century, it has remained in the same family. Entertaining guided tours bring the fascinating history to life, you will find them engaging whatever your age. Discover secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing. We would advise you to allow at least 3 hours for your visit so you can take time to explore the many acres of Gardens and grounds. The Walled Garden is home to our friendly Powderham pets, including Tessa the tortoise and Harry the donkey, and is a safe haven for our little visitors. Relax in the peaceful surroundings, from the beautiful Rose Garden, overlooking the deer park and Exe estuary to the Woodland Garden, with its stunning collection of trees. For the keener walker the breathtaking views from the foot of the Belvedere tower are very rewarding - you can see for miles and feel on top of the world! Before you leave visit the Powderham Country Store. Here you will find Toby Buckland's wonderful plant shop, the Powderham General Trading Co with its range of gifts, clothes and home furnishings and a fantastic food hall, bakery and butcher.

Reviewed By louiseainsley - Wantage, United Kingdom

Visited Powderham en route back home after a walking holiday with my dog. I was amazed that she was allowed in the grounds AND in the house. You are given a tour of the house by a very well informed room guide which was fascinating. Tasty food also served in the cafe. Excellent value for your entry ticket. National Trust members get a discount.

4. Exeter Quay

Haven Road, Exeter, England +44 1392 271611
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Exeter Quay

Reviewed By Travel U - Exeter, United Kingdom

Took a stroll after the snow, what a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Plenty of cafes, pubs, shops. Interesting wildlife including Swans, Ducks and Geese, oh and loads of Pigeons! Hire a bike or a canoe, or just take a ferry boat ride.

5. Topsham Museum

25 The Strand, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0AX, England +44 1392 873244
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 128 reviews

Topsham Museum

Reviewed By ChrisMC54 - Nottingham

We found the museum by chance on a wander through the town. What a smashing little place. So interesting and beautifully set out. The volunteers were so knowledgeable and the Welsh lady in the room with the William of Orange cabinet was lovely. Really knew her stuff and was so enthusiastic. Even my husband enjoyed it, which is a recommendation in itself.

6. Crealy Adventure Park & Resort

Sidmouth Road | Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1DR, England +44 1395 233200
Excellent
58%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2 reviews

Crealy Adventure Park & Resort

Voted 'Family attraction of the year' Crealy Adventure Park is the Southwest's No.1 Family day out. Complete with wild rides, masses of indoor play areas, live shows, and the friendliest animals. And for those rainy days we have over 75,000 sq. Feet of indoor play to explore, including the Buddy Bear's Kingdom and the new exciting play frames. All in all, over 60 amazing attractions in more than 100 fun filled acres of Devon countryside. Crealy Adventure Park - The Southwest's No.1 Family day out!

Reviewed By kit40soon - Devon

We all had a great day at Crealy, with a small party of children in the middle of winter. Although the outdoor water rides were shut and the roller-coaster due to high winds, we still managed to amuse them all for the day on the indoor rides, indoor play, the outdoor rides that were open and all the outdoor entertainment very easily.
Special mention has to go to Chris who ran the win a giant cuddly toy stall, despite missing on several attempts he very generously helped out the birthday girl & she went home a very happy girl with a giant pink unicorn, since named Candyfloss and now occupying half her bed!
Thank you Crealy for making her birthday very special. We will return!!

7. Haldon Forest Park

Follow signs from the A38 and A380, Exeter, England +44 300 067 5826
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 443 reviews

Haldon Forest Park

Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park. 3,500 acres of woodland just fifteen minutes from Exeter.We have a network of walking and cycling trails that suit people of all abilities. There is also a cycle skills area and pump loop for people to practice and develop their off road cycling skills. The Ridge Cafe is open every day on site serving a range of delicious food and drinks. Forest Cycle Hire is also based at Haldon for those who want to hire a bike when they arrive and Haldon is also home to Go Ape, the high wire adventure course. There is a permanent orienteering course and a range of other activities happening on site including archery sessions, nordic walking and Segway tours. Our friendly ranger team are on site every day to assist visitors and can be contacted on.The site is free to explore but parking charges do apply. The income from car parking goes back in to the site to maintain all the facilities, including the cycling and walking trials.This year the Forestry Commission is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Gruffalo - more information about the celebrations can be found on the website.

Reviewed By Marion L

Hiring the cycle from the very customer-focussed young lady was straightforward and we were quickly on the 2.3 mike Spicers Trail. The views were stunning. The 12 year old child I was with loved it and enthusiastically set of on the 4 mile Middens Trail....MoreHi Marion, It sounds like you enjoyed your visit but only left us three out of five stars, is there something we can do to increase your satisfaction? Haldon Rangers

8. Exeter Guildhall

High St., Exeter, England +44 1392 265500
Excellent
45%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Exeter Guildhall

Reviewed By AnotherEngineer - Alcester, United Kingdom

We went to the exhibition of 307th Regiment RAF connected to the raising of the Polish flag in the presence of the Ambassador and Lord Mayor of Exeter.

9. Killerton

Killerton House | Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE, England +44 1392 881345
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 856 reviews

Killerton

One of Devon’s great estates, Killerton was given to the National Trust by Sir Richard Acland because of his political beliefs. And now it's yours to explore. At Killerton, you can discover the history of Aclands in the relaxed atmosphere of the friendly Georgian mansion. Upstairs, you'll find an annually changing fashion exhibition. The Gardens at Killerton are renowned, with blooming herbaceous borders and patches of wild meadow. Winding paths lead you to hidden treasures, from the ice house and bear's hut to chapel. The Killerton estate is vast. Off the beaten track, you can discover Deodar Glen, an ancient iron hill fort, Danes wood and Ashclyst forest, a top butterfly site. There's also three hidden gems on the Killerton estate to discover; a postcard perfect old post office, a working mill and medieval hall-house. A visit to Killerton isn't complete without a stop off at Killerton's award-winning restaurant, where you can sample tasty treats made from local homemade produce. The shop, plant centre and book shop are perfect for picking up gifts.

Reviewed By k r - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom

Our visit was on Sunday at school half term so Killerton was busy, we found a table in the cafe for coffee ok. We then visited the exhibition in the house which featured costumes from the time of the Suffragette movement. Two members of the Acland family had taken side, pro-suffrage and anti-suffrage, it was interesting to see the points of view. In the afternoon we spent an hour wandering around the grounds up the hill behind the house. Many of the paths were muddy in places, but not impassable. There were plenty of snowdrops to see, and also crocuses beside the chapel.

10. Underground Passages

2 Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1GA, England +44 1392 665887
Excellent
39%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 487 reviews

Underground Passages

Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. The Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Their purpose was simple: to bring clean drinking water from natural Springs in fields lying outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes sprang leaks and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.The Passages are dark and narrow with a fascinating history. Visitors can experience interactive and educational exhibits in the Underground Passages Heritage Centre and watch a short video presentation before their guided tour.

Reviewed By Mags L - Exeter, United Kingdom

These Medieval tunnels are an incredible and unique experience. Find the entrance in the street near Topshop and near John Lewis with a lovely presentation and museum / information section before a guided tour of the tunnels .[ If wary of claustrophobic areas just visit the free information centre to read all about the history and try the interactive displays .] The tour itself is superb ..tho you need to watch your head as Medieval man was significantly shorter than the majority of us ! Hard hats are provided. The guides are friendly and informative often sharing their experiences of 'creepy goings on ' in the tunnels ! It is amazing to be walking beneath the main streets of Exeter and re living this historical period . Children ...possibly from six and over and adults alike will be fascinated .

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