Exeter is a city brimming with colourful character, with an abundance to offer in live music, dance, comedy, drama, and street theatre. All this and much more in a setting steeped in rich ancient history makes Exeter an ideal city what ever your age, with plenty of attractions and places of interest to visit historical and leisure wise.
Whatever your taste this city can cater for your taste buds. There are copious places to eat offering a wide range of culinary delights, from speciality restaurants to coffee houses, were you can sample some delicious cakes.
If your taste is centred more in nature Exeter is an ideal central point for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Surrounded by Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, and just a short distance from the rugged and sandy beaches of Devon.
Bishopstock Blues Festival 27-29 May This years Blues Festival looks set to be big with top names such as Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, and Steven Earl and the Dukes. There will also be an exclusive first U.K. appearance in a decade of John Lee Hooker, supported by the Coast to Coast Blues Band Plus 20 other first-class acts. This 3-day event offers something for all the family and children under sixteen are free when accompanied by adult. Tickets start from 45 for one day to 115 for all three days.
Underground Passage Exeter is renowned for its narrow streets, well why not take a journey under the high street to the narrow 14th century passages that were constructed to supply the city with fresh drinking water. Opening times: Open all year
Free Guided tours. (Free Guided Tours) Exeter is one of England's oldest Cities and to celebrate 2000 year of history Exeter is offering free guided walking tours. There are a variety of tours to choose from, all starting from the Royal Clarence Hotel in Cathedral Yard. Watch out for the ghosts on the Ghosts & Legends tour, as you might find out why Exeter is reputed to be the most haunted city in England.
Summer Program 1st April to 31st October 2000 Monday (5 Tours) Starting point of tour. Medieval Exeter 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Exeter Through the Ages 11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New Old and New 2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Introducing Exeter 2.30pm 60 mins Royal Clarence Hotel City to River (May-Sept) 7.00pm 60 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Tuesday (5 Tours) Bishop's Palace Gardens 10.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Forgotten Exeter 11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New 2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Port of Exeter (May-Sept) 2.00pm 90 mins Quay House Visitor Centre Ghosts and Legends 7.O0pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Wednesday (5 Tours) Bishop's Palace Gardens 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Exeter Through the Ages 11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New 2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Catacomb Tour 2.30pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Thursday (4 Tours) Medieval Exeter 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Forgotten Exeter 11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New 2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Murder and Mayhem 7.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Friday (4 Tours) Bishop's Palace Gardens 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Forgotten Exeter11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Catacomb Tour2.30pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Saturday (4 Tours) Medieval Exeter 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Exeter Through the Ages 11.00am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Old and New 2.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Exploring Cathedral Close 2.30pm 60 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Sunday (5 Tours) Medieval Exeter 10.30am 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel City to River (May-Sept) 11.00am 60 mins Royal Clarence Hotel Port of Exeter (May-Sept) 2.00pm 90 mins Quay House Visitor Center The Roman City Wall 2.00pm 120 mins Royal Clarence Hotel City on Sunday 2.30pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel
Tuesday 31 Oct Halloween Tour (Spooks & Broomsticks) 7.00pm 90 mins Royal Clarence Hotel
The City of Exeter was founded by the Romans almost 2000 years ago, making it one of England's oldest cities. The central area of the city offers many examples to represent the major periods of English history. By the year 200AD a wall had been constructed to defend the city from invaders, with much of the original wall standing and in parts repaired this is a must to visit to experience original workmanship. Also a must see is the magnificent 850 year old Cathedral.
Exeter offers a wide variety of sporting activities from Martial Arts to Snowboarding, Swimming to Ten Pin Bowling.Cycling - Ride the Net - 17th 26th June 2000 To celebrate the opening of the first 5000 miles of the National Cycle Network, there are various Cyclethons, The 'Longest Ride' takes place on 21st June. For details on Longest Ride call 01392 265178.Aerobics Sweat & Stretch, Paris Street. Tel: 01392 433656.Canoeing Saddles and Paddles, The quay. Tel: 01392 424241.Go-Karting Race World, Woodbury. Tel: 01395 233397.John Hore Health Club (Fitness Center) 10a Guildhall Shopping Center. Tel: 01392 438307 Snowboarding Clifton Hill Sports Center. Tel: 01392 811702.Swimming Pyramids Swimming and Leisure Center, Heavitee Road. Tel: 01392 253553.Ten Pin Bowling Megabowl, Units 3 & 4 Haven banks Retail Park, Water Lane. Tel: 01392 439090.
Shopping in Exeter offers you a wide choice of 600 retailing outlets, ranging from big high street names, to street markets, and unique boutiques. Most of the major high street names are also open on Sundays.
Markets: Sidwell Street Market. Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm. St. Georges Indoor Market. Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm. Farmers Market. Last Wednesday in every Month. (This Market is situated outside St. George's Market, and sells a wide range of organic and fresh produce from Devon Farms.)
Exeter offers a fast and Frequent Park and Ride into the heart of the City. This is the best way to arrive at the city center if you have journeyed to it by car. This facilities allows you to park your car for free, then take the short journey right into the heart of the city at a small cost. This is a hassle free way to travel to the center, without the stress of finding places to park, the prices of which vary from 40 pence an hour to 1 pound an hour. (There is free parking for Disabled yellow badge holders in these City Council car parks, and on-street pay and display areas). The buses run every 7 minutes in peak and every 10 minutes off-peak, Monday - Saturday. For extra convenience there are three separate park and ride facilities in three alternative directions just outside the city. Location: From Plymouth on the A38 take the A379 as you near Exeter, the Matford Park & Ride is sign posted from there. From Sidmouth, Exmouth, and the A376, take the A3052, as you near Exeter the Sowton Park & Ride is sign posted. From Bristol, turn of at Junction 29 of the M5, Honiton Road Park & Ride is sign posted from hear. Telephone: 01392 427711
Rail
Exeter has 4 Stations, Exeter Central Station, St Thomas Station, St David's Station, and St James Station. The most convenient of these by far is Exeter Central Station, from here it is a short three minute walk to the high street. Secondly Exeter's St David's from here it is a 5 minute bus journey to the City Center. Telephone: National Rail Enquiry Line; 0345 484950