Exeter Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Exeter

Trending in Exeter

View more

About Exeter

9℃

Recommended stays in Exeter

Discover the most popular places to stay in Exeter, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

View more

Must-try food in Exeter

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Exeter dishes and foodie spots.

View more

Western cuisine

Bars/bistros

Coffee shop

Recent events and experiences in Exeter

View more

Traveller photos and experiences

View more
Last-minute group tour of Cornwall, England (8 people) for 3 days, June 11th. — traveler post in Exeter

Last-minute group tour of Cornwall, England (8 people) for 3 days, June 11th.

📢Everyone! 📢 Really found a bargain! ! 📢 Originally 20 people's boutique group, now on June 11 this issue directly upgraded to 8 people Chinese group for free! Equivalent to using the price of a small group, enjoy a nearly private group experience🔥 One sentence summary of the highlights of the itinerary: 🍀 Check-in at once: British countryside + British fishing village double soul experience! There are also Prehistoric Stonehenge + Jurassic Coast + Land's End + Minak Theater + St. Ives + Bath 3 days 2 nights, London getting on and off, super suitable for lazy people who don't want to do the raid! 📅 Departure date: June 11 only this phase free upgrade, others every Thursday out 🚍Group Type: Original 20-person boutique group → Free upgrade to 8-person Chinese business group 🎫Remaining: Only 4 left 🎨 St. Ives. Concorde: The artistic soul of an English-style fishing village 📝 Charming seaside fishing town in the UK, white sand beach + emerald water, more artists' preference. From Turner to contemporary painters, the rhythms of light and waves here are known as “pigments that flow”. The ubiquitous galleries and studios, the sound of the waves mixed with the aroma of coffee, are the gentlest aspect of fishing village life. 🪁 Bybury. Cirencester: The soul representative of the Cotswolds English countryside 📝 There is the Cotswolds, known as the "Heart of England", and Bybury is the most beautiful drop of blood in the heart. Arlington row houses are an English countryside postcard-level presence with honey-colored stone houses, meandering rivulets, swans and iris. It was different from the seaside fishing village of the day before – one with the waves and art, one with the fields and time. 🚗 One journey, encounter two kinds of Britain 🇬🇧. This is the reason why this trip to the Concorde Line is really worth it. Day❶: London – Stonehenge – Jurassic Coast – Dudelgate 🔹Mysterious Stonehenge, 30 tons of boulders is still an unsolved mystery 🔹Jurassic coastline hike, Dudelgate natural stone arch is super shocking Day❷: Exeter – St Ives – Ends of the Earth – Poscono Fishing Village – Minak Theater 🔹St Ives: One of the most beautiful waterfront towns in the UK, white beach + blue water💎 🔹Land's End: British version of "The End of the World", a must-see landmark🔖 🔹 Minak Theatre: The open-air theater on the cliff, the dream theater that has been carved out of a lifetime Day❸: Exeter – Bath – Cotswolds – London 🔹Bath: The only entire city in the UK World Heritage Site, Roman Baths + Royal Crescent 🔹 Cotswolds + Bybury: the most beautiful countryside in England, Arlington terraced houses in oil paintings ✅ 8 people Chinese small group: less people flexible, do not have to wait for large groups, driver and tour guide care attentive ✅ Good weather in June: Kang He County summer is super beautiful, long days, have fun ✅ London getting on and off: Save yourself, do not have to take the train to change the local bus ✅ Other more tour dates and detailed itinerary, please see the article below 🔗 [Product Recommendation] to purchase the same model ~ 📢Everyone! 📢 Really found a bargain! ! 📢 Originally 20 people's boutique group, now on June 11 this issue directly upgraded to 8 people Chinese group for free! Equivalent to using the price of a small group, enjoy a nearly private group experience🔥 One sentence summary of the highlights of the itinerary: 🍀 Check-in at once: British countryside + British fishing village double soul experience! There are also Prehistoric Stonehenge + Jurassic Coast + Land's End + Minak Theater + St. Ives + Bath 3 days 2 nights, London getting on and off, super suitable for lazy people who don't want to do the raid! 📅 Departure date: June 11 only this phase free upgrade, others every Thursday out 🚍Group Type: Original 20-person boutique group → Free upgrade to 8-person Chinese business group 🎫Remaining: Only 4 left 🎨 St. Ives. Concorde: The artistic soul of an English-style fishing village 📝 Charming seaside fishing town in the UK, white sand beach + emerald water, more artists' preference. From Turner to contemporary painters, the rhythms of light and waves here are known as “pigments that flow”. The ubiquitous galleries and studios, the sound of the waves mixed with the aroma of coffee, are the gentlest aspect of fishing village life. 🪁 Bybury. Cirencester: The soul representative of the Cotswolds English countryside 📝 There is the Cotswolds, known as the "Heart of England", and Bybury is the most beautiful drop of blood in the heart. Arlington row houses are an English countryside postcard-level presence with honey-colored stone houses, meandering rivulets, swans and iris. It was different from the seaside fishing village of the day before – one with the waves and art, one with the fields and time. 🚗 One journey, encounter two kinds of Britain 🇬🇧. This is the reason why this trip to the Concorde Line is really worth it. Day❶: London – Stonehenge – Jurassic Coast – Dudelgate 🔹Mysterious Stonehenge, 30 tons of boulders is still an unsolved mystery 🔹Jurassic coastline hike, Dudelgate natural stone arch is super shocking Day❷: Exeter – St Ives – Ends of the Earth – Poscono Fishing Village – Minak Theater 🔹St Ives: One of the most beautiful waterfront towns in the UK, white beach + blue water💎 🔹Land's End: British version of "The End of the World", a must-see landmark🔖 🔹 Minak Theatre: The open-air theater on the cliff, the dream theater that has been carved out of a lifetime Day❸: Exeter – Bath – Cotswolds – London 🔹Bath: The only entire city in the UK World Heritage Site, Roman Baths + Royal Crescent 🔹 Cotswolds + Bybury: the most beautiful countryside in England, Arlington terraced houses in oil paintings ✅ 8 people Chinese small group: less people flexible, do not have to wait for large groups, driver and tour guide care attentive ✅ Good weather in June: Kang He County summer is super beautiful, long days, have fun ✅ London getting on and off: Save yourself, do not have to take the train to change the local bus ✅ Other more tour dates and detailed itinerary, please see the article below 🔗 [Product Recommendation] to purchase the same model ~

Alone on the Salt Path: England's South West Coast, the Beer Cliffs and the Long Drop to the Sea — traveler post in Exeter

Alone on the Salt Path: England's South West Coast, the Beer Cliffs and the Long Drop to the Sea

#grouptourvssolotrip Solo on the Salt Path: When the Only Schedule Is the Tide There's a particular kind of silence you only find on the English coast in late autumn. I learned this somewhere between Beer and Branscombe, where the South West Coast Path peels away from the village and climbs straight into the undercliff — that dense, half-wild tangle of oak and ash that squats between the road and the sea. No one warned me how vertical Devon actually is. Getting there & staying I based myself in Beer, a ridiculously pretty fishing village with a shingle beach and a single working ropewalk. I stayed at a small B&B on the hill (book direct — many here don't list on the big platforms, and the landlady made me a packed lunch unprompted). The X52 bus runs along the coast between Exeter and Seaton, which is the solo walker's secret weapon: you can bus out, walk back, and skip the steep climbs twice. The walk itself The path from Beer to the cliffs is short but not easy — expect mud, stiles, and a lot of short, sharp climbs. The Beer Cliffs are the showpiece: a long, slow curve of chalk falling straight into the Channel, with seabirds so close you can hear the air through their wings. I sat on a bench near the top for nearly an hour and didn't see another person. Local tips Go early. The light on the cliffs before 9 a.m. is unreal, and you'll have the whole ridge. Pack a windproof. The coast path is exposed, and the weather turns fast. The "long drop to the sea" isn't a trail — it's a fisherman's term for the cliff edge. Stay on the marked path. Refill water at the pub in Branscombe; it's the only stop for miles. Solo travel here isn't lonely — it's the opposite. The path demands your full attention, and the coastline gives it right back.

Exeter UK high street is so beautiful ❤️#citydaytours 

This — traveler post in Exeter

Exeter UK high street is so beautiful ❤️#citydaytours This city is walkable.Exeter is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in South West England, and a centre for education, business, and domestic tourism. Exeter is well worth visiting for its 2,000 years of history, vibrant independent arts scene, and close proximity to both the Devon countryside and the coast. Autumn in Exeter is even a brilliant time to explore the city, with a packed programme of events, exhibitions, heritage experiences and seasonal activities. As the leaves begin to turn and the city takes on its beautiful autumn colours, there’s plenty to discover – from fascinating historic buildings and world-class exhibitions to walking festivals, markets and lively cultural events.

A slow-paced British retro getaway: Stay in a boutique hotel steeped in century-old stories — traveler post in Exeter

A slow-paced British retro getaway: Stay in a boutique hotel steeped in century-old stories

During my trip to a small British town, I encountered the stunning Hotel Indigo. Unlike standardized business hotels, this boutique residence feels like a high-end B&B, with a rich retro heritage and artistic flair, perfectly capturing the essence of a refined, niche British stay. The hotel is housed in a restored century-old building. It retains the classic British architectural fabric and continues the retro tone of the original department store. Without the commercialized traces of over-renovation, every architectural contour and structural line carries the gentle texture of time, creating a unique, sophisticated retro atmosphere. The overall design deeply integrates the local urban heritage. The designers cleverly incorporated classic architectural elements and local cultural stories into the spatial details. Eschewing ostentatious decor, they used sophisticated, low-saturation color palettes paired with exquisite art installations, giving every corner its own unique urban memory and a distinct, profound atmosphere. The aesthetic quality of the public areas is love at first sight. The layout is elegant and orderly, with a retro-modern design style throughout. Finely textured art walls and sophisticated decorative forms echo each other, while warm retro tones accented with delicate metal details perfectly capture that British light luxury vibe. Each guest room features a unique design theme. Avoiding standardized layouts, the rooms are crafted with differentiated styles based on local culture and architectural features. The minimalist, sophisticated layout, paired with soft, timeless furnishings, sheds the coldness of typical business hotels and adds a sense of warmth and character. The hotel's signature bar area has an incredible atmosphere. Continuing the overall retro British design core, the unique textured facades paired with warm, rich color palettes create a lazy yet elegant vibe, full of European retro romance. It's the perfect place to relax in your leisure time and immerse yourself in a slow-paced British getaway. The exclusive wellness and relaxation space is gentle and healing. Designed with natural tranquility at its core, it uses plenty of warm, natural materials. Soft, soothing geometric shapes paired with a simple, elegant layout create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for relieving travel fatigue and enjoying a moment of immersive solitude. The entire stay experience was exceptionally pleasant. The staff were gentle and humble, providing meticulous service with just the right amount of attentiveness. They intuitively anticipated needs without being intrusive, offering thoughtful care that made staying in an unfamiliar place feel warm and secure. This boutique hotel really elevated my entire trip. It's more than just a place to stay; it's an aesthetic space that blends century-old architectural heritage, local art, and modern sophistication. Those who prefer niche, high-quality travel experiences will surely fall in love with its British retro charm.

Exeter: Stay in a unique hotel in a historic city. — traveler post in Exeter

Exeter: Stay in a unique hotel in a historic city.

Traveling to Exeter, UK, I was totally won over by Hotel Indigo, an IHG hotel! The hotel is located in the heart of the city center, making sightseeing effortless. With restaurants, cafes, and bars all around, dining and entertainment are right at your fingertips. Exeter Cathedral and the bustling high street are within walking distance, so you can explore the historic city without any long treks. The hotel's design is ingenious, weaving Exeter's local history and culture into the space. From lobby murals to decorative details, every corner tells a story of the city's past. The blend of vintage and modern is perfectly balanced, creating a wonderful atmosphere. The guest rooms are cozy and comfortable with soft bedding, ensuring a good night's sleep. They are well-equipped with smart amenities, and the thoughtful touch of local snacks adds a heartwarming detail. The dining experience is equally impressive. Breakfast offers a rich selection, including a full English breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, and beverages. Dinner dishes are exquisite and fresh, reflecting the chef's dedication. The entire staff is warm and attentive. From check-in to restaurant service, the experience is comfortable and effortless, making you feel as relaxed as if you were at home. Use this hotel as your base to stroll through the medieval city, visit the cathedral, and explore the local streets. It's the perfect choice for a couple's getaway or a short city break.

Great Family Stay at HYB Eurocalas Majorca — traveler post in Exeter

Great Family Stay at HYB Eurocalas Majorca

This review covers our family holiday week at HYB Eurocalas Majorca. Flying from Exeter to Palma, we faced about an hour's transfer from Palma Airport. Upon arrival, we had a warm welcome, with check-in being smooth and staff approachable. The hotel tax for the week was €46. Our room was in the Ibiza block on the 8th floor, a spacious one-bedroom apartment equipped with a fridge and cooking facilities. The beds were comfortable, but as we were on the top floor with children, I felt the balcony was not ideal for unsupervised kids. It would be safer if the windows had restrictors, as they fully opened and posed potential safety risks. The pool area was spacious and offered plenty of sun loungers and parasols, although in the summer, they may be more limited, so an early start is necessary 😜. The all-inclusive food was repetitive, typical of such packages, but the themed evening meals like Indian, Mexican, American, and Greek offered some variety. They accommodated gluten-free options and special dietary requirements. However, the seating for meals felt cramped and quite noisy. There was an outdoor eating option, but wasps proved to be a nuisance. The snack bar provided quick options like burgers, chicken nuggets (exceptionally good), and chips, while the main restaurant offered a broader selection for lunch. Local beer, soft drinks from dispensers, and filtered water were readily available, with premium spirits and cocktails served at the main bar for an extra charge. The entertainment was exceptional for both kids and adults. Special mentions go to Big Dave, Pedro, and Mario, who brought energy and interaction to activities like water carpet games, water polo, and aqua Zumba. Evening entertainment included a kids' mini disco at 8:30 PM with LoLo the turtle making appearances, followed by adult-focused shows like karaoke and magic acts. The two water parks onsite were well-maintained and lifeguarded, catering both to younger kids and older children/adults. Though the onsite shop was convenient, it was pricey, so we opted for a nearby supermarket, just a five-minute walk from the complex, offering better prices and more choices. The hotel location features a lovely walk to the beach and a path to cliff edges, perfect for capturing stunning sunrise moments (see photos attached). Overall, we enjoyed our stay at this hotel, finding it a great gem that could benefit from a few minor improvements. 4⭐️

In the interplay of light and shadow in the ancient city of Exeter, one can hear the whispers of time. — traveler post in Exeter

In the interplay of light and shadow in the ancient city of Exeter, one can hear the whispers of time.

Exeter is one of the most storied cities in southwest England. Ancient churches, red-brick streets, and verdant gardens—every step feels like entering a historical poem, quietly sensing the warmth of time. Afternoon sunlight falls on the stone walls of Exeter Cathedral, the golden rays seeming to tell a story. The corner towers gaze silently at the sky, the red brick walls bearing the marks of time. Walking through the old town's alleyways, the wind carries the scent of flowers, and the shadows of trees sway on the ground. Every corner holds the gentle charm of England—a cup of coffee, a melody, a smile. Exeter is more than just history; it's a rhythm, a slower way of life. When you look up at the cathedral spire, you'll discover that tranquility can be magnificent. 📍 Travel Information Location: Exeter, Devon, England · Must-see attractions: Exeter Cathedral, Rougemont Gardens, Exeter Quay · Suggested activities: · Stroll through the old town streets · Visit a medieval church · Relax at a riverside café #ExeterCathedral #VisitExeter #BritishHeritage #EnglandTravel #HistoricTown #NaturePoetry #LovelyMoments

Haldon Forest: Devon’s Dreamy Summer Escape 🌲✨ — traveler post in Exeter

Haldon Forest: Devon’s Dreamy Summer Escape 🌲✨

Just spent the best day at Haldon Forest, nestled right on the edge of Dartmoor in gorgeous Devon, South West England—and y’all, this place is a whole VIBE in the summer! 🌞 If you’re craving fresh air and epic scenery, Haldon Forest delivers big time. Endless trails wind through lush woodland, making it perfect for hiking, cycling, or even just chill family walks (dog-friendly too, obvs 🐕). The sunlight filters through the tall green trees and it’s honestly cinematic. Location basics: Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XR, UK Opening hours: Daily, 8am–6pm (but check before you go, especially in winter!) Don’t miss the Go Ape treetop adventure if you’re feeling brave (or wanna impress your Insta followers 😏). There are picnic spots EVERYWHERE, plus a cute on-site café—grab a coffee or ice cream and just vibe. Bonus tip: You can hire a bike on-site if you don’t have your own, so no excuses! The forest is super easy to reach by car from Exeter, and parking is a breeze. If you’re in Devon in summer, do yourself a favour and spend a day here. Haldon Forest is sooo good for relaxing, reconnecting with nature, and snapping those main character pics. Happy adventuring! 🌳💚

Topsham: Exe Estuary’s Hidden Gem 🌅🍽️ — traveler post in Exeter

Topsham: Exe Estuary’s Hidden Gem 🌅🍽️

Topsham is straight-up a vibe—a cozy little gem tucked into the Exe estuary, just ten minutes out of Exeter city centre (postcode EX3). It’s perfect for a chill day trip and trust me, the food scene is sooo good! 😋 Stroll along the dreamy waterfront and soak up those cottagecore views 🤩. Pop over to the Topsham Museum (25 Strand, EX3 0AW; open Wed-Sun, 2pm–5pm) for quirky local history moments, then hit up The Passage Inn (The Quay, EX3 0AG) for legendary pub grub beside the river. Looking for sweet treats? Check out Café Bridget (36 Fore Street, EX3 0HW)—their bakes are chef’s kiss. Or go fancy at The Salutation Inn (68 Fore Street, EX3 0HL), an award-winning spot with massive flavor. With cute shops, epic scenery, and foodie heaven vibes, Topsham is the ultimate escape—do NOT sleep on this place! ✨

Inga BInga B
University of Exeter: A Dreamy Campus with Stunning Views — traveler post in Exeter

University of Exeter: A Dreamy Campus with Stunning Views

🇬🇧 University of Exeter, England — A renowned university in the south of England, surrounded by lush greenery that feels like a giant garden. The view of Exeter city from the hill is absolutely breathtaking. 🌳 A campus full of greenery — Expansive lawns and rows of large trees, especially during autumn when the leaves change color, creating a romantic atmosphere. 📚 A mix of old and new architecture — From classic-style buildings to modern structures, walking to class gives you the authentic British university vibe. ☕ Plenty of study spots — The library and on-campus cafes are cozy and perfect for both relaxed and serious study sessions. 🌤️ Open and serene views — Many spots offer wide-open skies, providing a sense of calm and helping you focus. 📸 Picture-perfect in every season — Whether it's summer or winter, the campus has its own unique charm. 📌 If you dream of studying at a beautiful and welcoming university in England, the University of Exeter is a place that will make you fall in love from the very first visit 🤍✨

ThunaeimThunaeim

What people are saying about Exeter

Write a review

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is a stunning gem in the heart of the city, offering both architectural grandeur and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of shopping. The intricate gothic design, with its soaring arches and impressive vaulted ceiling, is a true masterpiece. The intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows are captivating, and the atmosphere inside feels serene and contemplative. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy some quiet time. Whether you’re admiring the detailed craftsmanship of the stone carvings or just soaking in the tranquil ambiance, the cathedral offers a refreshing contrast to the busy streets outside. After a day of shopping, it's an ideal place to rest, reflect, or simply enjoy the beauty of one of Exeter’s most iconic landmarks. A peaceful, inspiring place that adds a touch of history and calm to any visit.Tips: Free Entry 🆓 ✅Tips: Pay a £5-10 Donation for your visit 💵 Tips: Peace 🤫 Tips: Take Disceet Photos 📷 Tips: Photo the Ceiling using the mirror 🪞

Mark GBRMark GBR

National Trust - Killerton

Killerton Hall is a lovely Georgian Home and in winter is a peaceful escape, with its gardens and countryside walks taking on a serene, quiet beauty. While the vibrant flowers of summer may be absent, the winter home and gardens still have plenty to offer, with subtle textures from frosty mornings and evergreen plants providing structure and interest. The wooded areas surrounding the estate look particularly great, making for a peaceful winter walk through crisp, quiet paths.The countryside trails are perfect for a brisk stroll, allowing you to take in the beauty of the rolling hills and sweeping views across the estate, all while feeling a sense of calm away from the busy world. After your walk, the café is a cosy haven, offering hot drinks and snacks that are perfect for warming up. It’s an ideal spot to relax and recharge before heading out into the chilly air again. Killerton in winter is truly a peaceful retreat.Tips: There was no exhibitions on when we visited. Tips: Gluten Free Cafe ☕️ in the old stables

Mark GBRMark GBR

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

This museum is a good-sized art center in the Devon area. The architectural style is a bit unique, and it displays different works of art. The most important thing is that it is free, and it is also a good attraction.

小骨仔HKET小骨仔HKET

Destinations near Exeter

Southampton travel destination

Southampton

2 hrs 36 mins

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

Brighton travel destination

Brighton

4 hrs

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

London travel destination

London

3 hrs 42 mins

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

Oxford travel destination

Oxford

2 hrs 48 mins

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)

Bath travel destination

Bath

2 hrs

Recommended trip: 1–2 day(s)

Birmingham travel destination

Birmingham

2 hrs 54 mins

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)

Bristol travel destination

Bristol

1 hr 36 mins

Recommended trip: 1–3 day(s)