Best Exeter Attractions, C. Pincesshay & High Street, Exeter

Princesshay & High Street shopping

Exeter Princesshay & Exeter High Street are arguably the best places to shop in the Westcountry.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in which to refuel. Try Queen Street Dining just off the High Street with all its restaurants and bars in a single, convenient location. You'll also find plenty of places to eat and drink at either end of Princesshay.

Exeter Underground Passages

Take a tour along the medieval passages that run under Exeter city centre.

Exeter's Underground Passages were used as part of a system to bring fresh water to the city. Great fun but one to avoid if you suffer from claustrophobia. There's a visitor centre and short film to watch if you've don't fancy a tour of the passages.

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is an extraordinary building and essential UK visiting.

Outside, explore Exeter Cathedral Close and discover the remarkable west face with its three rows of sculptures.

Inside, see the longest uninterrupted gothic vaulting in the world. If possible, take the Exeter Cathedral Roof Tour & Tower Tour.

We'd also recommend discovering more about The Exeter Book. Whilst little known, The Exeter Book 'can claim to be the foundation volume of English literature and one of the world's principal cultural artefacts'. (Exeter Cathedral information board)

Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM)

Superb place. We can't recommend this museum highly enough.

In addition to telling the story of Exeter and Devon, Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) has 'internationally important world cultures and natural history collections'. (Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery official guidebook)

Exeter Quayside & Customs House Visitor Centre

The River Exe and Exeter Canal lead to the Exe Estuary and then the East Devon and South Devon coastlines. Historic quays line the river and canal basin.

Exeter Quayside is a hub for leisure activities. Cycle, walk, climb and canoe.

The quayside is also packed with restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops.

If you're interested in history and culture, visit Exeter Customs House Visitor Centre.

Exeter Canal

Exeter Canal (also called Exeter Ship Canal) was one of the first canals to be built in the UK and runs alongside the River Exe until it meets the Exe Estuary. The Turf pub is situated in this sublime spot.

Quay Climbing Centre, Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre and AS Watersports are located around the canal basin.

River Exe and Exe Estuary

The River Exe flows through Exeter to the beautiful Exe Estuary. Estuary meets sea at Exmouth on the East Devon coastline and Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve on the South Devon coast.

Topsham, on the east side of the River Exe and Exe Estuary, is Exeter's historic port. It's one of the best coastal towns in the Westcountry.

Explore on the Exe Estuary Trail.

Exe Estuary Trail

The Exe Estuary Trail runs around the Exe Estuary.

Walk or cycle a section or all of the Exe Estuary Trail. Hire bikes on Exeter Quayside.

Exeter Boat Trips

Try the River Exe Cruise. The trip takes between 1-2 hours and is supplied by Stuart Line Cruises.

A ferry runs between Starcross and Exmouth. Other ferries cross the water further up the estuary at Topsham. For example, a ferry runs from Ferry Road in Topsham across to Topsham Lock. Another runs from Topsham across to The Turf pub.

Exeter Woollen Trail, Exeter City Wall Trail, Exeter Medieval Trail and Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour

Wander around Exeter city centre and you'll come across many information boards. These are part of three self-guided walking trails and are a great way to explore the city. Walk the Exeter Woollen Trail, Exeter City Wall Trail and Exeter Medieval Trail.

Alternatively, join a Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour to discover Exeter's past and present.

St Nicholas Priory

[Currently shut. St Nicholas Priory is one of Exeter's best historical visitor attractions. There's a public information board on site that's part of Exeter Woollen Trail.]

Exeter Chiefs

Watch Exeter Chiefs play at Sandy Park Stadium.

Exeter theatres

Enjoy a performance at Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter Barnfield Theatre and the Exeter Phoenix.

Exeter Racecourse

Spend a day at the races. Located south of Exeter just off the A38.