Visit Exeter | Things to do Exeter | Best Things To Do In Devon 2024

Exeter is a vibrant mix of old and new, history and culture and an individual charm that is sure to impress!

Find the best places to visit in Exeter.

Exeter, is a city with over a 2000 years of history and plenty to show off! Architecture and heritage, a vast array of food and drink possibilities, a host of wonderful retail shops, boutiques, and even river cruises, you will find it all here. At the heart of the city lies the awe inspiring Exeter Cathedral; one of the finest examples of decorated gothic architecture in the country.  Descend beneath the city’s streets in a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passage, constructed in medieval times.

A visit to Exeter wouldn’t be complete without entering the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum which showcases diverse and world-class collections and is home to more than a million objects! The city is surrounded by a Roman Wall and there are beautifully kept Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens that are perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

For a full Devon day out once you’ve explored the city why not head down to the River Exe, where a selection of watersports is available or hop on your bike and follow the cycle path along the canal all the way to Dawlish and beyond? Stop off at a pretty riverside pub or head to Powderham Castle in the lovely village of Kenton. The picturesque and bustling Exeter quayside offers plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy a coffee or ice-cream with a view!

For the more active who don’t fancy water sports there is the popular Quay Climbing Centre. Exeter is well known for having lots of green open spaces and there are 6 Valley Parks framing the city which are now looked after for people and nature by Devon Wildlife Trust. Enjoy a walk in Riverside Valley Park just along from Exeter quayside or take a visit to Mincinglake Valley Park to see some wildlife and soak up the tranquility of this special place.

Just outside Exeter a trip to the quaint town of Topsham is well worth a visit. Located further along the River Exe it has many old and elegant buildings, historic pubs and high quality restaurants. The Goat Walk takes you right next to the estuary and a walk round to the RSPB nature reserve at Bowling Green Marsh where you can view many wading birds on the mudflats from the bird hide.

Find things to in Exeter

Exeter has some great things to see and do but check out two of the best attractions to visit in Exeter and not to be missed. Visit Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)

RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum)

See what life in Exeter and Devon was like in the past from prehistoric times to the present in this award-winning museum. The galleries showcase a stunning array of world-class collections and a busy programme of exhibitions, activities and events make it the most visited attraction in Exeter and one of the most popular museums in the south west.

Exeter Cathedral  

Exeter Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of Exeter, one of the great cathedrals of England and one of the finest example of Gothic architecture anywhere. There has been a cathedral on the present site for nearly one thousand years! The imposing towers of todays cathedral date from the early 12th century and form the majority of what remains of the Norman cathedral which was replaced from 127-1340 by the gothic building you will see today. Remarkable feat of engineering, design and craftsmanship! Have a coffee (maybe with some cake) to enjoy the stunning views.

Powderham Castle 

Powderham Castle is a remarkable place with centuries of stories set in a beautiful deer park on the banks of the River Exe. It first opened to visitors in 1959 and since then has welcomed over a million people who have learned all about the castle’s 600 years of history and heritage. Take a tour around its magnificent rooms, strolls around the gardens and grounds, young children will love meeting the animals in the Secret Garden and stop for refreshments or a delicious cream tea in the Courtyard Cafe.

Crealy Theme Park and Resort 

The ultimate family day out, over 60 rides and attractions with the option to camp/glamp or stay in a hot tub luxury lodge! Not just rides and attractions, animals (lots of!), an enormous undercover play area and outdoor adventure areas to explore! Do checkout Sooty Land, a recent addition to the park and well worth a look. Crealy offers the perfect family fun day out whatever the weather. If you don’t want to leave and go home; extend your stay and check into Crealy Meadows and enjoy the theme park again the day after! Don’t forget the spectacular entertainment and live shows.

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