Exeter
Gateway to Devon’s South West and infamous cream teas
Devon’s capital is a cathedral and university city with a vibrant cultural life. The city’s sturdy 14th century St Peter’s Cathedral is the jewel in the crown of the historic buildings within the city’s old quarter. Dominating Exeter’s skyline, this medieval cathedral is a fine example of decorated Gothic architecture, with two great Norman towers flanking the nave. Other historic buildings within the city walls include the medieval Guildhall, and a network of Underground Passages built in the 13th century to bring water into the cathedral district, which you can now explore. The narrow streets around the Cathedral lead to the commercial heart of the city and the bustling High Street, one of the best shopping centres in the South West.
Exeter’s history is brought to life at the Quay House Visitor Centre in the smartly restored port area of The Quay to the south west of the city on the River Exe. The restored 19th century warehouses and surrounding pubs, cafes and shops, makes this a lively spot to visit.
To the east of the Exe where the estuary meets the sea, lies Exmouth and Sidmouth, areas with the finest golden sand in East Devon. The coastline is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Coastline - the geology spanning 185 million years of the earth’s history, leading this beautiful coastline to be known as the Jurassic Coast. To the west, along the English Riviera, lie the classical English seafront towns of Brixham, Torquay and Paignton, which have a distinct Mediterranean influence with their palm trees and promenades. Further west are the maritime towns of Dartmouth and Plymouth, the largest conurbation in Devon with its proud history as an important naval base.
Dominating Devon’s heartland between Exeter and Plymouth is Dartmoor National Park - the largest open space in southwest England; 365 square miles of park, with open moorland and steep wooded valleys with secluded villages. The long distance trails such as the Dartmoor Way, Tarka Trail, Templer Way and Two Moors Way are for fit ramblers, with other less strenuous guided walks available within the national park. Its harsh granite uplands give way to softer landscapes of streams, grazing ponies, quaint bridges and thatched cottages, all as quintessentially Devon as the Devon cream tea.
Exeter is the gateway to Devon and the South West, an area encompassing everything from genteel cosy villages to wild expanses of granite moorland to vast strands of golden sands. Rural peace and first-class beaches have made the area popular with tourists, as well as the natural landscape of Devon, which is its biggest draw.
Loganair flies to Exeter from Norwich.
Useful Links
Web : visitdevon.co.uk
Useful Information
Exeter Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01392 665700
Email: tic@exeter.gov.uk
Exeter Airport
For Exeter Airport Information click here