Exeter factfile

How to get to Exeter
Exeter, the county town of Devon, is easily accessible from the M5 motorway. The city has its own international airport and enjoys high-speed rail links to London.

Exeter in history
Exeter is a historic cathedral and university city. The town itself dates back to Roman times and has been continuously inhabited ever since, becoming particularly prosperous in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries as an important port.

Although the city was seriously damaged by bombing in World War II, many of its historic buildings have been preserved and can be enjoyed by visitors to Exeter today.

Shopping in Exeter
The award-winning Princesshay Development, which opened in September 2007, brought 60 new stores, new restaurants, piazzas and new homes to Exeter.

The city also has a wide variety of mainstream stores to choose from, notably in the Guildhall shopping centre on Queen Street—the only shopping centre anywhere in the world to have a 12th century church in its midst. You'll also find many independent retailers and boutiques in the Castle quarter and by the quayside.

Traders from all over Europe attend the twice-yearly Continental Market, and there is a weekly farmers' market on Thursdays at the junction of South Street and Fore Street.

Entertainment in Exeter
Exeter enjoys a wide selection of mainstream and art-house cinemas, theatres, clubs, pubs and live music venues, as well as a lively stand-up comedy circuit and clubbing scene. The Exeter Phoenix in the city centre offers a contemporary programme of dance, theatre, live art, music, film and visual art.

Eating and drinking in Exeter
Exeter is home to many award-winning restaurants and cafés, offering a wide range of eateries from budget fare through to stylish fine dining.

The annual Exeter Festival of South West England Food and Drink takes place in Northernhay Gardens in March and April. It celebrates the best of the region's food and drink, with over 80 producers offering tastings and cooking demonstrations from celebrity cooks.

Things to see and do around Exeter
Exeter is a city steeped in heritage. The 850-year-old Cathedral is one of Britain's best examples of the decorated Gothic style, with some particularly fine examples of stained-glass windows.

Visitors can go back in time and learn about Exeter's maritime history at the Quay House visitor centre, discover the Norman ruins of Rougemont castle, or simply explore the city on foot with Exeter's Red Coat guided walking tours.