Exeter’s Hidden Treasures: My Offbeat And Unique Experiences In Exeter!

Dec 1, 2023

Last Updated on: Feb 13, 2025

Travel Guides

Exeter is Devon’s capital and a small, historic university town. It is one of the oldest settlements in all of England because of its rich history. Therefore this also means that there are lots of enjoyable and thrilling activities available for all age groups and price ranges. This is your comprehensive guide to Exeter’s top attractions. If you want to know about the things to do in Exeter, we have a guide.

Exeter is an ideal weekend getaway because it offers a wealth of history to discover, a fantastic food scene that is inspired by the local produce made in the South West, and a convenient gateway to the rest of Devon. There’s always something going on in Exeter throughout the year, whether you want to stay for a week or just a weekend.

Thing To Do In Exeter

Exeter Thing To Do
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Exeter is a great city to explore because there are a ton of interesting hidden spots to discover. These are a few of our favorites that will entice you to travel to Exeter by coach and find some hidden treasures of your own.

The most well-known features of Exeter, the county seat of Devon, are its stunning canal that leads to the sea and its Gothic-styled Norman Cathedral. Exeter is renowned for its extensive history, which predates the Romans. The city is still filled with historical artifacts from the past, such as numerous Roman and medieval structures.

Food And Cuisine

Food And Cuisine
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Naturally, the first thing that everyone needs to know is where to get the best food and drink. Thus, why not address both at one location?

The Fat Pig is a classic, welcoming pub with a rotating menu of seasonal specialties and gastropub favorites. And if that wasn’t enough, you can pair your meal with an enormous selection of beers, spirits, and anything else that piques your interest! Foodies will love it together.

On the other hand, Rendezvous Wine Bar provides a delectable assortment of wines from around the world, all unified by a rustic yet elegant look and feel, if you’re searching for a quiet place to end your evening. A perfect place to spend time with loved ones, friends, or for a late-night drink.

You’ll need to rest your legs after all that walking, and where better to do so than at one of Exeter’s best-kept secrets?

Bright and airy, Caffe Espresso offers a wide selection of mouthwatering pastries, mouthwatering lunch options, and of course, excellent coffee. But what makes it unique is a specific table upstairs by the window with a view of Exeter Castle. It’s a great place to talk over a plate of something delicious and a steaming mug.

Witness The Inspiration Behind Harry Potter

Witness The Inspiration Behind Harry Potter
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Since J.K. Rowling attended Exeter University as an undergraduate, her novels have been influenced by the city, which is evident in many parts of the city. This is quite possibly the best thing to do in Exeter for a Harry Potter fan.

For instance, Gandy Street is definitely worth exploring because it’s home to many interesting and quirky stores and is rumored to have served as the model for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels.

Somewhere in the city, a door on Cathedral Green is believed to have served as the model for the Room of Requirement Door, and the Firehouse across town might have served as the model for the fictional “Leakey Cauldron.” In any case, you can count on the greatest (and biggest) pizzas in Devon when you visit the Firehouse!

Shopping

Shopping
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Ultimately, you must do a little souvenir shopping before leaving Exeter, right? The city is full of fantastic independent stores that offer a wide variety of one-of-a-kind goods for you to purchase. Shopping is undoubtedly the best thing to do in Exeter.

Pretty gift and home decor shop Georgie & Flo has a great selection of jewelry, candles, ceramics, and other items. Till your next visit, Roly’s Fudge, a wonderful family-run fudge company, and Exeter Gin, the city’s premium gin manufacturer, should satisfy your taste buds.

Go For A Walk

Go For A Walk
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Spend a tranquil afternoon strolling along the River Exe and discovering your own little treasures. Belle Isle Park and other more serene spots are located downstream from the bustling Exeter Quay area, which serves as a starting point.

Not in the mood to go it alone? Exeter actually offers 16 free walking tours, which few people are aware of. Red Coat Guided Tours are an excellent way to discover the culture of the city, including stops at odd locations, historical sites, maritime areas, and more.

Visit The Exeter Quay

Visit The Exeter Quay
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Known as “Exeter quayside,” Exeter Quay was originally utilized as a port in prehistoric times. Located next to the River Exe, the waterway that gives Exeter its name, rail had largely replaced commercial shipping here by the 19th century.

One of the last of its kind to remain in service in the UK to this day is the hand-operated “Butts Ferry.” The historic quayside is now only ten minutes’ walk downhill from the city center. If you are into ferrying, add this to your list of things to do in Exeter.

Once you arrive, you’ll think you’ve completely left the city behind and are in a serene haven full of quirky cafés and antique stores. When night falls, the area is bustling with nightclubs and bars, making it the ideal spot to have dinner by the water with friends.

There are also canoe and dragon boat races held here on occasion throughout the year. Strolling alongside the lovely river, which eventually meanders out to sea, is one of the most tranquil activities Exeter has to offer.

Wrapping Up

Naturally, the first thing that everyone needs to know is where to get the best food and drink. Thus, why not address both at one location?

The Fat Pig is a classic, cozy pub with a rotating menu of seasonal specialties and gastro-pub favorites. And if that wasn’t enough, you can pair your meal with an enormous selection of beers, spirits, and anything else that piques your interest in flavor! Foodies will love it together.

On the other hand, Rendezvous Wine Bar provides a delectable assortment of wines from around the world, all unified by a rustic yet elegant look and feel, if you’re searching for a quiet place to end your evening. A perfect place to spend time with loved ones, friends, or for a late-night drink.

If you have thoughts to share or question to ask about things to do in Exeter, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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BY  sagnika Aug 5, 2023

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BY  Joy Majhi Jul 23, 2022

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BY  Ankita Dec 15, 2023

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