Experience Devon 2017

EXETER
1
The history
of Exeter
is rich and
long
Exeter
2
Founded by the Romans in AD50, the history of Exeter
is rich and long, evident in its stunning architecture and
heritage visitor attractions.
As you’d expect from a city with a 2,000 year history,
Exeter has much to show off, and the city’s Royal Albert
Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a good place to start.
Housed in a beautiful Victorian building, the museum
takes visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to
the present day through 16 galleries of displays. Discover
Exeter throughout the ages then travel the world through
the vast array of global collections.
At the heart of the city lies Exeter Cathedral, one of the
finest examples of Decorated Gothic architecture in the
country. It lays claim to the longest stretch of unbroken
Gothic vaulting in the world. Cathedral Yard is dotted with
cafes and restaurants in which to sit and appreciate the
Cathedral’s impressive West Front.
Explore beneath Exeter’s streets through a remarkable
network of subterranean passages, constructed in
medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city
from springs outside the city walls. Exeter’s Underground
Passages survive largely intact and can be visited on a
guided tour – an experience not for the claustrophobic!
Find out more about the history of Exeter on a free guided
tour with the city’s prestigious Red Coat Guides. Tours run
daily throughout the year and there is no need to book –
just turn up.
The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping
destination – a great choice of shops can be found
within easy walking distance from each other. Browse
large department stores such as John Lewis in the main
shopping areas of Princesshay and the High Street,
or head to the Castle and West Quarters for quirky
independents and vintage clothing, tucked away in
interesting arcades.
Head to the Quayside to watch the world go by from
one of the waterside pubs or cafés, or hire a bike or
canoe to explore the Exeter Ship Canal. The south west’s
largest indoor climbing wall can also be found here, in the
Quayside’s Old Electricity Building, providing a majestic
arena in which to climb.
Exeter’s position on the River Exe lead to great wealth
in the 17th and 18th centuries, largely due to the woollen
cloth trade. In 1680 the Custom House was constructed
on the Quayside, a beautiful building renowned for its
sweeping staircase and ornate plaster ceilings. Today it is a
visitor centre, bringing the history of the Quayside to life.
Exeter’s location surrounded by lush farmland and close to
many miles of Devon coastline makes it a melting pot for
top chefs to create gastronomic delights from fresh, local
ingredients. The choice of eateries here is vast, putting it
firmly on the map as one of the foodie capitals of South
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EXPERIENCE DEVON 2017 in partnership with www.visitdevon.co.uk