Exeter is a great place to be if you like shopping. Don’t miss the award-winning Princesshay Quarter, in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find top High Street brands. For some of the city’s most interesting independent shops and a nice selection of cafes, head to Gandy Street. The elegant Cathedral Quarter is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, boutiques and pavement cafes. Don’t miss the excellent Christmas Market, on Cathedral Green during the winter months.
Exeter Cathedral One of the city’s most striking historical landmarks is the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, which is undoubtedly one of the UK’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. This towering structure is believed to have been completed in around 1400, and has the longest vaulted ceiling in England, a remarkable early set of misericords and an astronomical clock, all of which visitors can explore.
Whether you’re looking for an award-winning fine dining restaurant or the city’s best takeaway, you won’t be disappointed by what Exeter has got to offer. A long-standing favourite among locals is Harry’s Restaurant, which serves good, reasonably priced food in a lively, informal setting. One of Exeter’s most respected eateries is Michael Caines’ Restaurant, where the celebrity chef cooks sophisticated dishes using some of the finest ingredients the Westcountry has to offer.
The Well House Tavern is a good bet if you want to sample some of the best ciders and ales in the southwest. Alternatively, check out Pebblebed Vineyard’s Tasting Cellar, where pride is taken in promoting the country’s increasing appetite for high-quality Devonshire wine. There are some great, old pubs in Exeter, including Chaucer’s Inn, The Ship Inn and The Duke of York.
“In the ancient city of Exeter, a towering, Gothic cathedral looks over a maze of cobbled streets, where world-class restaurants, galleries and music venues can be found.”
Exeter is a fun place for a night out, with world-class theatres and music venues, and a selection of lively nightclubs to choose from. The Exeter Phoenix is an outstanding venue, with a cinema, performance space, bar and galleries. The city’s most famous music venue is The Cavern Club, which has been at the forefront of live music in the UK since it opened in the 1950s.
Some of the Devon's most spectacular scenery is on Exeter’s doorstep. A great place for hiking and wildlife-watching is the Jurassic Coast, a 96-mile stretch of towering cliffs, sandy beaches and pretty fishing villages.