Exeter is a beautiful cathedral city in Devon and offers a fantastic city to explore. It is full of history and heritage, with many attractions to visit.
1. Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral and is one of the greatest cathedrals of England and has some of the most interesting examples of Gothic architecture. It is also one of the most beautiful and oldest Cathedrals in Britain, in the heart of the city.
The towers of the cathedral date back from the early 12th century and from what remains of the Norman Cathedral, which was replaced from 1270-1340. Exeter Cathedral has so much history to offer, as well as attractive design, engineering, and craftsmanship.
The cathedral is popular with visitors from all over the world and it has been popular since medieval times and is one of the most popular places to visit in the West Country.
Opening times
Monday to Saturday 09.00-17.00
Sunday11.30-17.00
Prices
Adults £7.50
Seniors £5
Students £5
Children under 18 FREE (within a family group)
Address
Cathedral Close
Devon
Exeter
EX1 1HS
England
Contact details
01392 285983
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
2. Exeter Quay
Exeter Quay is a popular place to visit in the city, as it is one of the most beautiful areas full of interesting architecture, pubs, and restaurants. There are also many events which take place throughout the year, from live music to 10k running events.
The Quayside is a mix of contemporary and historic design and is known for its antique shops, restaurants, and places to walk and cycle. Why not go for a relaxing walk or enjoy a bike ride around the town – there’s so much to do and see in Exeter, whether you fancy a relaxing meal with friends or a boat or canoe hire.
Exeter’s Quayside is full of history and is one of the most popular attractions in the city, full of things to do and history to discover. Why not visit with friends or family and explore the shops and popular restaurants nearby?
Why not visit one weekend, or stay for longer? There are many popular hotels and restaurants to visit in Exeter.
Opening times
1 Jan 2017 - 31 Dec 2017
Prices
Free admission
Address
Haven Road
Exeter
England
Contact details
01392 271611
www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/exeter
3. Killerton
Killerton makes a wonderful day out and full of history, where you will discover the historical fashion collection, beautiful landscaped gardens and parklands. At Killerton, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
There are various trails to explore, which welcomes dogs too! Who wouldn’t want to go on a relaxing walk in the estate and park? Why not go sightseeing in Exeter and take a visit to Killerton one weekend? If you love history and exploring, you’ll love Killerton!Why not visit one weekend and learn about Killerton during the way, visit the music room and enjoy the arts and crafts – There’s so much to do at Killerton and don’t miss out on the popular walking trail!
Opening times
Visit website for seasonal opening times
Prices
Adult: £11.00
Child: £5.50
Family: £27.50
Visit website for more information
Address
Killerton House
Broadclyst
Exeter
EX5 3LE
England
Contact details
01392 881345
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
4. Powerderham Castle
Powderham Castle is a manor house in the heart of Exeter, in a beautiful deer park by the River Exe not far from the historic Exeter Cathedral. It first opened to the public in 1959 and many years later, there were millions of people visiting and it became a popular tourist attraction. With so much history and heritage to offer, why not visit one weekend with friends or family?
Don’t miss out on seeing the spectacular gardens, especially during the summer months. Take a trip to the Rose Garden or The American Woodland and Garden, where you will see a range of colourful and eye-catching flowers and plants.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to see what’s on, as there are many events which are on throughout the year. Whether you’re with friends or family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you love sightseeing and exploring a city’s history, why not visit Exeter with friends? There is so much architecture to see and learn about, as well as many independent shops and cafés. There’s nothing better than exploring a city and relaxing with a delicious meal in the evening!
Opening times
The Castle & Grounds are open to visitors from 1 April 2017 to 27th October 2017, Sunday to Friday 11am to 4:30pm (to 5:30pm 23 July to 1 September) and closed every Saturday.
Visit website for more information
Prices
Adult
Castle and gardens: £11.50
Gardens only: £8.50
Senior
Castle and gardens: £10.50
Gardens only: £7.50
Child (4-16 years)
Castle and gardens: £9.50
Gardens only: £6.50
Family 2+3
Castle and gardens: £32.50
Gardens only: £23.50
Address
Kenton
Exeter
EX6 8JQ
Contact details
01626 890243
www.powderham.co.uk
5. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is full of nearly 300 years of horticultural history. The gardens are set in Devon’s beautiful Otter Valley, between the city of Exeter and England’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
There is something for everyone at the gardens, with many events all year round for all ages. Why not visit the glasshouses, country museum or the Woodland Railway train ride? There is something for everyone, whether you prefer something relaxing or fancy something more active. There is also a restaurant and shop on site, which is popular for people who want to make a day of it. In Devon, there is something for everyone!
The Botanical Gardens is full of beautiful coloured flowers and plants and is home to many rare plants – so make sure to visit during the summer months and enjoy the surroundings! There are 63 acres of land and gardens to explore, so make sure to visit when in Exeter!
Opening times
7 Days a week
Summer: 10am
Winter: 10am
Prices
Family (2 adults 2 children): £34.95
Adults: £10.95
Children 2-16 years: £8.95
Under 2 years: Free
Dogs: £1
(Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times, they are not allowed in the Restaurant area, Orangeries and Children’s Play Areas. However, there is outside undercover seating).
Address
Bicton Park
Budleigh Salterton
Exeter
EX9 7BJ
England
Contact details
01395 568465
www.bictongardens.co.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
There are many family attractions in Exeter. Why not spend the day at Crealy Great Adventure, or explore Exeter's Sculpture Walk? There is so much to do and see, whether you enjoy sightseeing around the city or a relaxing day visiting Exeter's Botanical Gardens.
1. Crealy Great Adventure
Crealy Great Adventure is the perfect place to take the kids and also won Family Attraction of the Year, five years running! Kids will love all the activities and attractions such as Tidal Wave, The Twister and much more!
Whether your kids love thriller rides or soft play areas, Crealy Great Adventure has something for everyone. Why not visit the bugs at Bugz Unlimited, the Jurassic Jungle or Dino Jeeps and Meerkat Manor? – Everyone loves Meerkats!
Make sure to check what’s on before visiting, as there are many fun events which take place throughout the year.
Opening hours
Not all the rides are open every day. Please call before travelling.
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday, Sunday 10:00 0 17:00
Pricing
100cm and over: £19.95
92cm to 100cm: £14.95
Senior (65+): £13.95
Under 92cm: Free
Family: from £56.85
Address
Sidmouth Road
Exeter
Devon
EX5 1DR
England
Contact details
01395 233200
www.crealy.co.uk
2. Exeter Sculpture Walk
Exeter Sculpture Walk is in the heart of Exeter, in the Streatham Campus at the University of Exeter. The University of Exeter is one of the most beautiful campuses in England, which is built around a country estate and also registered to the Botanical Gardens. On the walk, you will be able to explore the outdoors and discover 36 sculptures. The walks usually take around 2 hours, but there are shorter walks if you prefer.
It’s a beautiful walk, no matter what time of year you go. Why not sit in the sun and have a picnic by the lake? Exeter Sculpture walk makes the perfect day out with family and friends.The sculptures display a range of collections from artists, such as Barbara Hepworth, Geoffrey Clark, Peter Randall and more. It is a great walk for people interested in art and design and kids will love spotting the hidden sculptures!
Opening hours
Internal sculptures
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:00
External sculptures
Monday to Sunday
It is advisable to call the Estate Patrol on 01392 263999
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Streatham Campus
University of Exeter
Exeter
Devon
EX4 4QJ
England
Contact details
01392 263584
www.exeter.ac.uk/visit/campuses/gardens/visitingus/sculpturewalk
3. Saddles and Paddles
Saddles and Paddles is situated by the canal at Exeter Quay, making it a great place to bike and paddle from to start your active day out! Saddles and Paddles makes a wonderful family day out, where you can cycle or paddle together. Whatever activity you fancy, Saddles and Paddles has a lot to offer.
There are single and double kayaks available to hire, as well as buoyancy aids included in the price. Saddles and Paddles specialise in family cycling and have various equipment such as child seats, trailers and much more. Whatever you fancy doing for the day, the staff will be able to recommend places to go and things to see on your trip out.
Opening hours
Daily 9.00am - 6.00pm Closed on Wednesdays between November and Easter in term time. Bike hire is available between 9.30am and 5.30pm and boat hire between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Booking advised!
Pricing
All prices listed are for one hour. Bike hire: Adults: £6.00 Children: £5.00 Tandem bike: £15.00 Child trailer: £6.00 Tag-a-long: £5.00 Child seat: £4.00 Canoe and Kayak hire (buoyancy aids included)
Single kayak: £10.00
Double kayak: £15.00
Address
No 4 Kings Wharf
The Quay
Exeter
Devon
EX2 4AN
England
Contact details
01392 424241
www.sadpad.com
4. Haven Banks Outdoor and Education Centre
Haven Banks Outdoor and Education Centre is perfect for people who love the outdoors and fancy an active day out! Whether you fancy renting a canoe or boat on the river, climbing or bungee jumping, Haven Banks Outdoor Centre has so much to offer!
Why not try windsurfing or sailing? There are so many fun filled activities to do at the centre. Whether it’s raining or sunny, you’re bound to have a fun day out in the outdoor centre!
Opening hours
With the exception of 2 weeks at Christmas Open all year round. School Holidays 8:00 - 18:00 Weekends 9:30 - 16:30 Private bookings at times to suit.
Pricing
From £7.50 per person 2 hour instructed activity session.
Hire from £10 for 2 hours.
Up to 6 people Kayaking from £67
Up to 6 people Windsurfing from £72
Up to 6 people Caving from £5
Wide range of activities, training, & events available with full list of these accessible on their website! Childcare payments accepted.
Address
Haven Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 8DP
England
Contact details
01392 400150
www.haven-banks.co.uk
5. Curious About Exeter
Curious About Exeter is perfect for people who want to learn all about Exeter’s history. It gives you an entertaining sight into what makes Devon the wonderful city it is! You will learn and discover so much, whether you are a local or visitor, there is always something to find out.
There are great walks to explore with the family, from the gardens to the cathedral – so make sure to take lots of pictures! It’s a great day out with the family, especially if the sun is shining!
There is also a walk to the Quayside, where you will pass Exether Cathedral before getting to the beautiful quayside. Exeter Quayside is a popular tourist destination, as it is full of shops, restaurants and pubs – so why not explore Exeter and relax with some delicious food and drink?
You’re bound to enjoy the various self-guided walks, so make sure to visit when you plan to go to Exeter!
Opening hours
Our walks are self-guided, so can be done whenever you like and in your own time!
Pricing
£5.99 for an instant download (print at home or view on device)
£6.50 plus P&P for a pre-printed booklet (sent to you).
One printed booklet/instant download is recommended for up to four people.
Address
Starts at Northernhay Gardens
Exeter
Devon
EX4 3RY
England
Contact details
0115 9502151
www.curiousabout.co.uk/exeter
Top 5 restaurants in Exeter
On your visit to Exeter, don't miss out on a meal at one of these popular restaurants.
1. The Restaurant at Salutation Inn
www.salutationtopsham.co.uk
01392 873060
68 Fore Street
The Salutation Inn
Topsham
Exeter
EX3 0HL
England
2. Southern Hay House Restaurant
www.southernhayhouse.com
01392 439000
36 Southernhay East
Exeter
EX1 1NX
England
3. The Galley Restaurant
www.galleyrestaurant.co.uk
01392 876078
41 Fore Street
Topsham
Exeter
EX3 0HU
England
4. The Conservatory Restaurant
www.theconservatoryrestaurant.co.uk
01392 273858
18 North Street
Exeter
EX4 3QS
England
5. Hubbox Exeter
www.hub-stives.co.uk
01392 258737
183 Sidwell Street
Exeter
EX4 6RD
England