Five top attractions in Exeter
More and more people across the United Kingdom are discovering the joys of holidaying at home or exploring some of our historic towns and villages, so it's little surprise that Exeter is becoming a popular choice for families on a staycation. It's a town that once seen is never forgotten, and here are just five of the attractions that make it a must visit for tourists en route to the resorts of Devon and Cornwall.
1. Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is a historic building that takes the breath away, and looking at its vast scale and beautiful design it's incredible to think that it was completed by 1400, based upon an earlier building dating back to the eleventh century. A nephew of King William I, the Conqueror, was once bishop here, and many believe that the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman craftsmanship in the country. Especially breathtaking are the stained-glass windows, and the Great East Window still contains fourteenth-century glass.
2. Elegant coffee houses and tea shops
After taking in the cathedral, you can relax in the pretty Cathedral Gardens, but a short walk will take you to one of the many coffee and tea houses in the city. You'll find drinks to suit all tastes and all budgets, and welcoming interiors with beautiful carpets and picture filled walls. Perhaps Exeter's most famous shop is Mol's Coffee House; dating back to Tudor times and situated in the shadow of the Cathedral; it is said to have once been the haunt of Sir Francis Drake.
3. Royal Albert Memorial Museum
If you think London has all the best museums in England, it's time to think again. Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum has one of the finest natural history collections in Europe, including displays of animals, insects, and birds from across the globe. It's an especially fascinating place for children to explore and can help cultivate a love of nature and the animal kingdom that will last a lifetime. It was recently voted Devon's favourite museum, and visitor numbers continue to grow.
4. The Bike Shed Theatre
The Bike Shed Theatre is an intimate performance space that hosts comedians, spoken word artists, and small-scale plays, but it's also one of Exeter's most unique and beautiful bars that is particularly famous for its cocktails. The old-world charm of this theatre captures the hearts and minds of audience and performers alike, and it really is a must-see on any visit to the city.
5. Underground Passages
The beautiful architecture and scenery of Exeter above ground attract its many visitors, but there's lots to be seen underground too in the city's fascinating network of underground passages. The tunnels date from medieval times and their epicentre lies beneath Exeter High Street. Taking a guided tour along the tunnels will reveal their story through times of plague and war, and it's a spooky yet mesmerising experience that is unparalleled anywhere else in England.
Exeter is a vibrant city that is proving increasingly popular with tourists, but much of its attraction lies in its traditional charms: from the towering cathedral to Tudor coffee houses and fourteenth-century subterranean passageways, this is a city where history is embraced rather than being forgotten. There are lots of things to see and do in Exeter, but these five attractions make a great starting place for new visitors to the cultural heart of Devon.
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