Out & About in Exeter

Exeter is Devon's main city, situated on the beautiful River Exe. The quality of life in and around the city is high. The city is not large but seems to cram a lot in. The University of Exeter is highly sought after by students due, in part, to its beautiful campus situated on a hill with stunning gardens and lakes in an elevated position above the city. In the centre of the city you can relax on Cathedral Green where all around are buildings from different ages, some dating as far back as the thirteenth century.

The Romans came to Exeter and parts of the old Roman city wall remain. Rougemont Gardens lie in the centre of the city - the name means Red Hill, for in this part of Devon the soil is red sandstone. A short walk from the city centre lies The Quay with the Exeter Ship Canal alongside. The canal is the oldest in England and the old warehouses on its quay are the original buildings and have not been spoilt by modern development. The area is full of interesting, individually owned retail outlets. You can browse shops selling antiques or modern crafts, hire a bike to cycle along the canal banks, have a drink in one of the pubs here or simply sit outside a café people-watching and taking in the atmosphere.

Topsham, about four miles to the South, is a part of Exeter and yet the contrast could not be greater. Topsham lies on the River Exe and is sleepy and picturesque with many buildings of Dutch influence on The Strand. Topsham is well worth a visit as nothing much has changed in hundreds of years. Topsham has many pubs and bars and some quirky shops too. In fact, within less than 15 minutes from the city centre, whatever direction you care to take, you will find yourself surrounded by lush Devon countryside.

Shopping

Exeter was heavily bombed in World War II in revenge for the RAF raid on Dresden, Germany. It is easy to see in the busy High Street where the bombing ended. Fifteenth century buildings sit alongside buildings from the post-war era. In recent years, a brand new shopping centre has been built, much of it under glass. Major High Street names are in the new centre and also in the older High Street. There is also an undercover shopping centre called the Guildhall Centre, situated adjacent to England's oldest Guildhall which is still in use today. Fortunately the bombers also missed Southernhay which lies behind the High Street and consists of terraces of beautiful Georgian buildings which are today mainly the domain of solicitors and other professionals.

Food and Drink

As you would expect of a major city, food and drink play a huge part in the culture here. The Ship Inn in Martin's Lane by the cathedral was a favourite watering place of Sir Francis Drake and you can sense the atmosphere the minute you walk in. South Street and North Street have excellent eateries - ranging from Indian food to British fayre. There are top hotels offering food to the general public too such as The Royal Clarence with its excellent lunchtime and evening menus.

Arts & Entertainment

Exeter has two theatres: the Northcott Theatre which is situated on the university campus. Major productions are held here and there is free parking adjacent to the theatre. There is also an excellent small restaurant at the theatre so you can combine an evening of eating and entertainment. The Barnfield Theatre is located in the centre of the city on Barnfield Road, Southernhay. It is run by the Barnfield Theatre Limited which is a charity. The venue is used for the Exeter Little Theatre Company as well as other professional and amateur companies.

The Exeter Festival is an exciting annual Summer event with so many things going on that one is spoilt for choice. Jazz, classical music and some great comedy are on offer as well as childrens' events. Other festivals take place during the Summer, often on Cathedral Green, which is a lovely venue as it is traffic free. In fact no cars are allowed in the centre of Exeter and the Council has introduced a one-way system which is very easy to follow. You will only find buses in the centre.

Exeter City Football Club has its home on the edge of the city. The club has an excellent fan base and a very loyal group of supporters who travel to away games. The team has recently been promoted for two seasons in a row. Rugby is popular too and a brand new stadium has been built a mile or so from the city centre.

Hotels and Travel

Getting to Exeter is easy. Exeter Airport lies a couple of miles outside the city and there is an excellent road link from the airport into the city. There are park and ride facilities around the city for those who do not wish to drive into the centre. However, the city has numerous car parks and parking is rarely difficult. Exeter has 2 main railway stations. Exeter Central is situated right in the centre of town. Exeter St Davids is the other major railway station, only half a mile away. From this station, trains depart to all parts of the UK. From Exeter to London Paddington takes about two and a half hours. The M5 goes to Exeter and London is about 3 hours drive away. The coast is about 10 miles to the South and the lovely seaside resorts of Dawlish and Exmouth are within easy drive. Exeter hotels cater for all budgets. There are modest guest houses and large purpose-built hotels. Conferences are held regularly in Exeter.