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Historic Southwest City of Exeter in Devon

"With a touch of buzzy, big city atmosphere and a thriving arts scene, Exeter is one of the liveliest cities in the southwest. The city's long heritage means there are plenty of monuments and historical attractions to occupy at least a day's sightseeing, and the excellent selection of bars, cafes and restaurants make Exeter a vibrant place to be after dark" - Lonely Planet.

With Exeter, it's simplest to start at St Peter's Cathedral in the heart of the city. There you can take in the splendour of a cathedral, which still features two massive Norman towers that were part of the original building when it was consecrated in 1133. The building is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Britain.

The Historic Quayside is a ten-minute walk from the cathedral and is the ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea. Whilst there visit the Quay House Visitor Centre - it covers 2,000 years of Exeter's history in just 15 minutes! Whatever floats your boat - rafting, hiring a pedalo, canoeing, cycling or walking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of England's oldest pound lock canal. The River Exe and its valley parks are rich in flora and fauna.

What next? Well, you could cast your eyes around 21 The Mint, one of Devon's oldest dwellings that was once a Benedictine priory, or pay a visit to the University's Streatham campus, home to rare plants, sculptures and the Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture. For culture vultures, there are new plays to catch at the Northcott and Barnfield Theatres or the latest in contemporary art at Exeter Phoenix and Spacex.

RAMM's wonderful Victorian building on Queen Street is closed until 2010 for a £15million programme of modernisation and transformation. Activities can still be enjoyed out and about in the City and further afield even while the Queen Street building is closed for refurbishment and modernisation. A new gallery in Exeter's Central Library will display a range of objects, have hands on gallery activities and will be a base for family fun from February 2008. Exeter's premier tourist attraction will reopen in spring 2010.

Located just outside Exeter, is the historic port of Topsham. Good food is a speciality with many historic pubs, and award-winning restaurants serving regional and seasonal produce. Shopping within Topsham offers a vibrant mix of boutiques, interior design, galleries, gifts, cookware, fine wines and foods, and antiques including several floors to browse at the former Customs House on the quay.

Free Red Coat Guided Tours of the city operate daily. Tours take in everything from Ghosts and Legends to exploring Exeter's catacomb by torchlight! All periods of Exeter's history are explored. Alternatively there are self-guided heritage trails of the city - leaflets available from Exeter's Tourist Information Centre. Don't forget to take a pencil and some paper with you, so the children can answer the quiz.

There is always something happening in Exeter. A year-round programme of events and festivals cater for all interests, ages and budgets. From animation, music, dance, food and comedy festivals, to Heritage Open Days, dragon boat racing, Shakespeare in the gardens and colourful markets, no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to see and do.

Exeter's thriving arts scene is reflected in its many galleries. The city also proudly displays a unique collection of public art including murals, painted tiles, statues, mosaics, ornate windows and contemporary seating.

If shopping is your passion, there are over 700 shops to choose from, of which 350 are independent stores. Browse for antiques and crafts on Exeter's Historic Quayside, stock up on local delicacies at the weekly farmers market or pick up some local art at one of the city's many galleries. The Princesshay development, opening autumn 2007 is set to transform Exeter's shopping experience further, with the arrival of over 60 shops, restaurants and new landscaped open spaces.

A stroll around the city will reveal dozens of restaurants, many award winning, serving something to suit all tastes and budgets. Exeter provides a dining experience to rival the best in Europe, with fresh, locally produced food prepared with flair and imagination. Enjoy delicious expertly prepared local food, sample regional ales or treat yourself to a traditional Devon cream tea - the choice is yours.

For a wide rane of places to stay in Exeter visit the Places to Stay area of this website.

For more information please contact the local Tourist Information Centre:

Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets
Dixs Field
Exeter
EX1 1GF

Tel: 01392 665700
Email tic@exeter.gov.uk
www.exeter.gov.uk/visiting