CITY 

Introduction: 

Exeter is a city and County Town of Devon in South West England which lies on the River Exe and has a current population of 117,800. 

Brief History: 

The city started as a Roman Fort in AD50 and with little opposition from the local people established a town which they called Isca Dumnoniorum. The Romans remained until 407AD and the population returned to the countryside until the Saxons arrived in the 7th century. They renamed the town Execeaster which eventually became the current name Exeter. After a brief takeover by the Danes, Alfred the Great made the town a burgh leading to a market and mint being created.

The town was again attacked by the Danes in 1003 and they promptly destroyed it. However, Exeter recovered and by 1066 had a population of 2500 and in 1050 a bishop arrived and the cathedral was commenced. 

The middle ages saw a variety of trades set up and the town flourished. There was also a flourishing port which exported wool and imported wine. The town continued to develop and was decidedly prosperous by Georgian times. A newspaper, bank, pavements, courts etc. were introduced; however, things were not so rosy for the poor. 

The industrial revolution by- passed Exeter and it fell from being 6th largest town in the country, to 60th in 1860. The town declined into a quiet market town and many slums existed. 

From this point things could only get better. Sewers and trams arrived and by 1914 the population reached 60,000. Exeter Airport opened in 1937 and then in the Second World War much of the city centre was bombed and many killed. The centre was rebuilt in the 1950’s and the city has not looked back since. 

Service industries, including tourism, form the basis of employment and it has become a major regional shopping centre. 

Things to Do: 

Having turned itself into a regional centre there is much for visitors to do. 

Cathedral:

The original Norman cathedral was destroyed leaving the towers in place. The main part of the cathedral was built in the gothic style between 1270 and 1340 and contains the longest stretch of beautiful, unbroken vaulting in the world. It also has stunning stained glass windows and an intricate screen on the west elevation.

Access can be made every day until 5pm but is occasionally shut for services. For information phone 01392 285983. The same number can advise of current admission prices.

Tours of the roof and North Tower can be arranged and there is also a café and shop. 

Underground Passages:

The tour of mediaeval underground passages are unique to Exeter. Their original use was to bring clean water to the city and they run under the city centre. This is a guided tour which also includes a video and exhibition presentation.

To book a tour visit the reception area in Paris Street or telephone 01392 665887. Generally, the opening times are to 4.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and until 4pm on Sundays (closed Monday). 

Historic Guildhall:

The Guildhall is a current working building and so visiting times can be erratic, therefore a call to 01392 665500 is suggested. The main Hall is the part usually open to the public but arrangements to see the Civic Regalia and Silver, and tours of the building, can be made on the same number. 

Exeter Quayside:

The historic quayside just a 10 minute walk from the city centre offers the visitor history, architecture and lively pubs and restaurants.

Browsing antique shops and taking boat trips are suggested.

“Visit Exeter” and Exeter City Council have produced an informative leaflet on the web. 

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery:

Located in Queen Street this building presents a history of Exeter and Devon life. Displays of art, history, geology, zoology, architecture etc. together with special attractions for children make for an interesting visit.

There is also a shop and café. Entrance is free. 

St. Nicholas Priory:

This grade 1 listed building gives an insight to how a Tudor home would have looked. With its Elizabethan furniture and textiles it is a hidden gem. Located in Mint Street, close to the city centre, the attraction is open Easter to October and from Monday to Saturday up to 5pm there is a charge for entry. Information is available on 01392 265858. 

Bill Douglas Cinema museum:

This free entrance museum based at the University of Exeter is a very interesting visit for those interested in cinema from its early inception of magic lanterns to modern visual experiences.

It is open to the public 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. 

Further afield are Topsham, Exmouth and the south Devon beaches. 

Sport:

As well as League football the city is also home to Exeter Chiefs a Premier League Rugby Club. 

Night Life:

The city is currently home to four or five mainstream night clubs. They are Cavern, Rococo, The Arena, Timepiece and Warehouse which are scattered through the city. There is also a Gay bar/club called Vaults.

Being a university city and a regional centre there is a plethora of pubs throughout the city, and also the suburbs and nearby villages. 

For those who prefer a more genteel evening there are a few theatres to visit, including Barnfield, Northcott and The Bike Shed, which has won the national “most welcoming theatre award”. Between them they give performances of drama, musicals, comedy and new performers.

Cinema is provided by Odeon, Vue and Picturehouse groups. 

Eating Out:

With over 400 eating places in the Exeter area there is no problem finding a menu to suit you. Smart restaurants, chic cafes, pubs, farms, hotels are all premises to welcome you..   

Shopping:

Exeter really is a shopper’s paradise with an excellent range of national chains, independent shops and major department stores. The main malls are Princesshay, Guildhall and Harlequins.

John Lewis are represented in this city centre and interesting retail is found in the cathedral quarter, castle quarter and quayside. 

Accommodation:

Nearly ninety establishments ranging from farms, guest houses to 4 star hotels can be found in the area. National and international chains can be found in the city centre and the nearby airport. 

Transport:

As a regional centre located in east Devon, Exeter is a hub for road, rail and air transport. 

Road:

Lying at the end of the M5 motorway this enables easy access to the Midlands and North via this motorway and the M6. The M5 and M4 cross to the North West of Bristol which also means good access to London and South Wales.

The A30 takes you to Lands End, in Cornwall via Okehampton, and the A38 to  Plymouth in the west of the county. Roads also lead to north Devon and the south coast of England via Honiton, Dorchester, Southampton, Portsmouth to Brighton. 

Rail:

Trains run to all main cities direct from Exeter St. Davids and Exeter central. The routes from London leave London Paddington and London Waterloo. The Paddington route continues through Exeter to and from Plymouth, Truro and Lands End. Locally, Exmouth, Torquay and Barnstaple are connected. 

Air:

Scheduled flights operate between Exeter Airport and London City, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Channel and Scilly Isles.

The airport is located adjacent to the A30 road to the east of the city.

There is no rail link but Stagecoach route 56 which operates between the city centre and Exmouth visits the airport. Taxis are also available. 

Buses:

A comprehensive bus service is run throughout the city by Stagecoach with the Bus Station and High Street being the main locations for starting and ending journeys. A web of routes operate into the nearby countryside and most of Devon. Information can be obtained from Stagecoach on 01392 427711.

Three Park and Ride routes are in operation, between the city centre and Honiton Road, Sowton and Matford Park.

National Express runs several routes to the rest of UK from the central bus station. 

Taxis:

Seven firms run a taxi service within the city centre and suburbs.