Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Exeter? Are you thinking of a trip to Europe and wondering what to explore in Exeter? We’ve got you covered. The city’s cathedral, which is a historical one, Exeter has a myriad of activities for those seeking the actual small-city experience in England.
The town that is the county seat of Devon, Exeter, was established by the Romans around 2500 years ago to be an entry point into the southwest, which was perfect due to its position in the vast River Exe, which is navigable and flows south from here towards southward to the English Channel.
Spend a few hours in this beautiful city today, and you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to see. There are numerous historical sites to visit and range, including Medieval bridges, to iconic landmarks built later when the city’s economic and industrial significance grew during Victorian times.
Some landmarks, like Exeter Quayside, have been restored and turned into significant entertainment and tourist attractions, further enhancing the city’s image as one of the tourist destinations in Britain. the UK.
For more information about the exciting city of universities in England, look at this list of top activities to enjoy within Exeter, Devon.
Exeter Quayside
Exeter Quayside is one of the best places to visit in Exeter. Many visitors are surprised to discover that Exeter is just a few miles away from the ocean. It has a long and rich time as an essential port. It’s located on the River Exe, and evidence exists that the Romans settled in the area around 2,000 years ago due to the convenience of its River access that led to the English Channel.
Although it was lost for a short period, the connection was restored in 1563, following the construction of a canal that connected ships towards Exe Estuary and, eventually, the open sea. Exeter Quayside has also been constructed at this time and includes many structures dating back to this time of rapid growth. The oldest structure is the Custom House, built in 1680 and served as a critical tourist information center and a gift store.
Renovated and refreshed, Exeter Quayside is an exciting district within walking distance from the cathedral and an absolute delight to visit. The highlights include a beautiful riverside park with many benches to sit and enjoy watching the world go through, along with many restaurants and shops.
To find other activities, You can rent bikes for a ride on the pleasant shoreline trails or take a rental kayak or canoe to paddle on the water.
Address: The Quay, Exeter, Devon
Official site: www.exeterquayside.co.uk
Exeter Cathedral
The cathedral is officially called The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter. Exeter Cathedral was built in 1133. However, it has changed over the years. The cathedral’s square, squat appearance is not like other English cathedrals. With Gothic decorations, its elaborate western-facing façade was added 300 years later, in the 14th century, when the building was completed.
The home of the bishop of Exeter The Cathedral’s inside is also fascinating and has many beautifully preserved flourishes of different eras. Its most famous interior highlights include:
- A rare 15th-century astronomical clock.
- An assortment of 50 misericords from the medieval era was used as a kind for a prayer stool.
- The intricately decorated minstrel gallery dates to the early 1300s.
Exeter Cathedral also boasts the most extended medieval-era stone-vaulted ceiling and one of the cathedral libraries that dates back to England. The library was founded in the 11th century and still houses one of the books that served as the basis of the library, which was established around 1050. The most recent addition to the cathedral is the Boer War memorial, added during the renovations of the 19th century.
One of the best ways to get maximum enjoyment from your trip to this famous cathedral is by taking guided tours. Many tours are offered, which include an ascent to the cathedral’s top. Nighttime tours that are fun and take you to the tower’s area are also offered. Audio tours are also available for those who want to do them independently. Cafe and gift shop are accessible for guests to use.
Address: 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, Devon
Official site: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM)
Locals refer to it affectionately as “the RAMM,” the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery is the city’s biggest and most popular cultural destination. It was established in 1868 and is situated in a relic of the 18th century, just within walking distance of Exeter Train Station. The museum was renovated in 2011 and is recommended for anyone of any age.
Highlights of a trip include visiting the museum’s vast collection of over 1 million pieces of artifacts in anthropology, zoology, archeology, geology and. Although only a tiny portion of this collection is available at any given time in the 16 galleries, exhibits and information are laid out in a clear and enthralling way using the latest technology.
It is also home to several museums. RAMM has also earned an excellent reputation due to its incredible collection of artwork. It’s also a favorite spot for exhibitions traveling from other galleries worldwide and temporary exhibits that often change, in addition to regular educational programming and classes for kids and adults. A café and a gift shop can be found within the building.
Address: Queen Street, Exeter, Devon
Official site: https://rammuseum.org.uk
Visit Norther hay Gardens, England’s Oldest Public Park
It is located just behind Exeter High Street. Lovely Northernhay Gardens has the distinction of being the oldest English public open space. It was established in 1612 to serve the city’s citizens. The park was believed to have been utilized by the Romans for quarrying, alongside a portion of the Roman wall and a park where you can find a part of England’s remaining Saxon town wall.
It also boasts the privilege of being among the city’s biggest parks. It comprises over 1,200 acres of lawns, gardens, and a large amount of space to explore. The park also houses several significant Exeter memorials and Victorian-era sculptures, such as The Athelstan’s Tower, the war memorial, and the bandstand.
Besides enjoying stunning views of The cityscape, guests can take pleasure in setting up an outdoor picnic or taking in any of the festivals or concerts regularly staged in this area.
Address: Norther hay Gate, Exeter, Devon
Visit Exeter’s Underground Passages
Visit Exeter’s Underground Passages is one of the best places to visit in Exeter. Exeter’s distinctive Underground Passages offer a fascinating insight into the city’s earliest infrastructure. In the middle ages, the city’s unique system of tunnels and passageways was initially constructed to supply safe drinking water. It was sourced from several springs situated just outside the city’s walls.
The only water system of this kind in Britain at the time was initially comprised of a set of lead pipes. Later, the tunnels that we have today permitted repairs and improvements to be carried out underground without disrupting people who were walking around in the streets that were above.
The Underground Passages can be accessed today with The Underground Passages of Exeter are accessible today via a 30-minute guided tour that includes entry to a visitor’s center that has interesting interactive displays that show what the underground system looked like when it was constructed and maintained.
Additional highlights include video and film presentations, archaeological finds from excavations, and the gift shop.
Address: 2 Paris Street, Exeter, Devon
Official site: https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/underground-passages/
Rougemont Gardens
The area next to the tiny traces from Rougemont Castle is a park within the stronghold’s 950-year-old ditch defenses. The castle was constructed within the northern walls of the Roman city in 1068, during the Norman Conquest.
The building was later referenced in Shakespeare’s Richard III, and the last people from England to be punished for witchcraft were convicted at the building in 1682. The most significant part of the structure is the gatehouse, built in the early Norman period.
The park is separated towards the Northwest by a section of the city’s wall, and then you’ll be able to walk towards Northern Gardens. It was first designed in 1612 as an enjoyable walk for city residents. Northern Gardens is the oldest open space for public use in England.
See Exeter’s Oldest Building: St. Nicholas Priory
In a secluded area of magnificent old houses situated on a narrow laneway referred to as The Mint is St. Nicholas Priory’s oldest structure. The Priory was established with the help of William the Conqueror in 1087. More than nine hundred years of age, the impressively well-preserved timber-framed structure was transformed into a home for merchants under Henry VIII’s rule. It also provides an exciting insight into life in that Tudor period.
It is located on The Exeter Woollen Trail and is well-known for its significant contribution to the city’s most well-known trade. The structure was later leased to the city and was transformed into an intriguing living museum. The highlights of a visit include a functional medieval kitchen, Tudor-era furnishings in the bed and parlor chamber, and the stunning Great Hall.
The attraction is currently only open during the week for guided tour tours. It’s also an exclusive function place and stage. Visit the attraction website for more information, including announcements of performances and plays scheduled for the coming months.
Address: The Mint, Exeter, Devon
Official site: www.nicholaspriory.com
Medieval Exe Bridge
Medieval Exe Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Exeter. Just a few steps across the river to Exeter Quayside, the medieval Exe Bridge is another reminder of the city’s past importance as a hub of commerce and trade.
The bridge was constructed in 1214. and containing nearly half of the bridge’s 590 feet is still in existence and is the longest and oldest of its kind that has survived. Along with having as many as 18 archways (8.5 are still standing), The chapel on the bridge also has been preserved.
The name is the chapel of St. Edmund’s Church. It’s a reminder that all bridges of this type were constructed with chapels attached to them to offer gratitude for the safety of the crossing. At its peak, it would support a variety of other structures. It was once a marsh, but the area around it is now a park.
Iron Bridge
Another engineering feat worth a visit includes The Iron Bridge. It was built in the Longbrook Valley in the 1830s. The elegant structure allowed commerce and traffic to pass through the city from the old North Gate without having to traverse the steep climb up the valley.
The bridge was constructed from cast iron pieces brought into Exeter to be welded. The final product is an 800-foot long bridge with 40 arches that look like artwork.
When you cross the bridge, make sure to walk the steps that lead to the base of the bridge to appreciate its size.
Location: St. David’s Hill Exeter, Devon
Exeter Castle
Exeter Castle is one of the best places to visit in Exeter. Also called Rougemont Castle, Exeter Castle was constructed in the area of former Roman walls in 1068. Although it is now little more than a collection of beautiful ruins, The castle was an integral component in defense of Exeter. It even appeared in Shakespeare’s epic play, Richard III.
The castle’s name was inspired by the Redstone used for its construction, which can still be seen in the Norman gatehouse. It is possible to access the old castle by going through Northernhay as well as Rougemont Gardens.
Address: Castle Street, Exeter, Devon
Official site: www.exetercastle.uk/history/
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Exeter Quayside is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Exeter.
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