Visitor attractions

Exeter is a city brimming with history and heritage, with many visitor attractions to keep you entertained for hours on end. From the magnificent Cathedral to the Historic Quayside, there's so much to see and do in this fascinating city.

See the links below for a selection of what the city has to offer, or get some inspiration from our guide to Exeter's Top 5s:

• Heritage attractions
• Museums & galleries
• Theatre, music & entertainment
• Green spaces 
• Sport & leisure

Heritage attractions

Exeter's 2,000 year history is reflected in its heritage attractions, such as the Gothic St Peter's Cathedral and the Roman City Wall. Explore beneath the city's streets at Exeter's Underground Passages, medieval passages originally built to bring fresh water into the city in medieval times. Find out more about Exeter's fascinating history on one of the free Red Coat Guided Tours, or take one of three Self-Guided Heritage Trails around the city. 

Other historic buildings include the Exeter Guildhall and Tuckers Hall, or head down to Exeter's Historic Quayside, a hub of leisure and activity, where you can explore the River Exe and Exeter ship canal by boat, bicycle or on foot, and discover the historic Exe Island. Visit the Quay House Visitor Centre to discover Exeter's maritime history and watch a free short film - Exeter: 2,000 Years of History.

Museums & galleries

Stunning displays at the City's Royal Albert Memorial Museum  take visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day and from Exeter all around the world.  It's busy programme of exhibitions and events means there's always something new.  Free entry means you can call time and again.

Experience Tudor life at St Nicholas Priory, the 900 year old guest wing of a former Benedictine Priory.

A short distance from the city centre, on the University of Exeter's Streatham Campus, is the The Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture, or visit the nearby town of Topsham for the Topsham Museum, housed in a 17th century building overlooking the Exe Estuary. 

Exeter is regarded as the cultural capital of the south west, and attracts national and international touring art exhibitions at its Galleries, which include the Spacex  and Exeter Phoenix.

Theatre, music & entertainment

Exeter hosts a varied programme of performances at its Theatres, from local amateur dramatics to international touring theatre companies. The Exeter Corn Exchange  and Exeter Phoenix both hold regular performances of theatre, dance and comedy, plus live music from internationally renowned acts. There is also live music in Exeter's bars and Nightclubs, and the city has three Cinemas showing the latest blockbuster films and world cinema.  

Visit the What's On pages to find upcoming events in Exeter.

Green spaces

Exeter has plenty of green space in and around its city centre. Within the city, Northernhay Gardens and Rougemont Gardens are wonderful places to walk or sit in peace, bordered by colourful displays of plants and flowers and surrounded by the historic City Wall. For more information on Exeter's parks and gardens, visit Parks and open spaces - parks and gardens. 

Surrounding the city are five Valley parks, offering a wide choice of leisurely walks, places to relax, fine views and plenty of wildlife. Exeter is located close to two National Parks, the closest being Dartmoor just seven miles away. There are also several places nearby to watch native Wildlife in natural habitats, and Birdwatching in Exeter is a popular activity, particularly along the Exe Estuary.

For more information, visit Parks and open spaces.

Sport & leisure 

Exeter's Sports facilities - Council owned leisure facilities include two swimming pools, a golf driving range and dry ski slope! You can participate in outdoor activities at the city's Playing fields, or watch Premier League rugby at the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club or football at Exeter City FC. Exeter's location near the coast means there are several Beaches nearby.

Walking in Exeter is a popular activity, as it is a compact city, easily explored on foot. Flat, accessible routes alongside the river are ideal for exploring with a wheelchair or pushchair. Exeter is a Cycling Demonstration Town, so Cycling is also an excellent way to explore. The city is particularly cycle-friendly with an extensive network of cycle paths and convenient places to park your bicycle.

Visit Sports, clubs and centres for more information on sporting activities in Exeter.

For more information on what to see and do, and eating out in Exeter visit the Heart of Devon Website.