Travel to Exeter

Travel to Exeter

As the county town of Devon, Exeter is an important economic and cultural centre of southwestern England. In the past 2,000 years, the city has developed in the presence of changing empires and has been influenced by the Saxons, Romans and Normans. Today, Exeter is a vibrant, well-formed town with an interesting night scene, and is surrounded by miles of natural beauty.

Transportation to Exeter

Exeter International Airport is located five miles east of the city and offers adequate facilities for its size and annual throughput. Domestic flights are joined by international flights bound for other destinations in the EU and farther afield.

The city is serviced by a rail network that facilitates inter-city connections only, and there are two rail stations in Exeter; the most convenient station being a mere 5-minute walk from the city centre. The main bus station is located near the High Street shopping district and runs multiple lines to destinations all over the UK. Taxis are easily commandeered all over town and offer the most comfortable means of getting around town.

The roads that service Exeter are in good condition, and driving through the beautiful surrounding countryside can be a real treat. To drive to Exeter from London takes about 4 hours. Take the M4 to Bristol and then switch over to the M5 all the way to Exeter. The A30 delivers drivers from Okehampton and north Cornwall, while the A38 links Plymouth and Exeter. Once you're inside city limits, traffic around the bridge over the River Exe can pose a problem at rush hour.

What to see

Exeter is well-known for its architecture and cultural heritage. Before WWII, when the city was heavily bombed by German forces, Exeter was second to Bath in architectural fame. Today, the city still has plenty of original architecture, the most prominent of which is the Exeter Cathedral. Built 1,000 years ago, this ancient building makes an excellent starting and stopping point for walking tours of the city. The city also keeps several parks and gardens, portions of the old Roman wall and the ditches dug by William the Conqueror.

Exeter has many museums worth seeking out. A Victorian-era building on Queen Street houses the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. This facility is home to the city's largest art gallery. Another architectural treasure, the 900-year-old St Nicholas Priory houses some outstanding and historically significant rooms in Norman styles. The Exeter Phoenix and Spaces art galleries contain exhibits that showcase the arts.

Daytrips

The region surrounding Exeter is brimming with natural beauty that most visitors can't wait to explore. The Jurassic Coast was awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status in 2001 and is a geological archive cataloguing 185 million years of natural history. In the other direction, Dartmoor National Park is a 368 square mile spread of open country, the largest of its kind in southern England.

Activities and leisure

In light of the prominent landscape, outdoor and adventure sports are very popular in Exeter. Kayaking, sailing, surfing, rock-climbing and caving can all be organised through the outdoor centre on Haven Road. A day well-spent in the city usually involves a refreshing stroll through the historic streets, and when the sun sets, the city's nightlife is bolstered by an intriguing variety of bars, cafs and restaurants.

Safety issues

By and large, Exeter is a safe city to visit. Even so, pick-pocketing and purse-snatching can be a problem here, just as it can in any other major city. Always try to stay alert and mindful of your possessions when you're in popular tourist areas and be on your guard against potential dangers. Meanwhile, adventure sports pose an increased risk to your physical wellbeing. We highly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy to protect you and your loved ones against potential loss or injury.