8 experiences you can only have in Exeter

1. Take a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages

This unique system of passages was built in the 14th and 15th centuries to bring clean drinking water from natural springs outside the walled city of Exeter, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes leaked and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.

Exeter is the only city in the UK to have passages of this type. Guided tours have taken place since the 1930s, when access was through a manhole in the street and down a ladder. Today access is through a modern interpretation centre with interactive exhibits, before your guided tour of the passages themselves, which are dark, narrow and not for the claustrophobic!

Find out more.

2. Marvel at the world’s longest stretch of unbroken Gothic vaulting in Exeter Cathedral

The iconic Cathedral nave features the longest uninterrupted gothic vaulting in the world and is one of the finest examples of architecture anywhere. During your visit you can also see stunning stained glass windows and an intricately carved image screen on the West Front of the Cathedral.

Find out more.

3. Have a drink in the world’s first augmented reality pub

Wander down Exeter’s cobbled Gandy Street to the Cauldron Inn, where wizardry is brought to life. Inspired by magical tales such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, as well as Exeter’s own medieval history, you can enjoy an ale or magically themed cocktail surrounded by moving paintings and floating candles, all bought to life through the magic of augmented reality!

4. Enjoy street food beside the river at one of the UK’s best street food markets

Recently voted as one of England’s best street food markets by The Culture Trip, Exeter Street Food’s regular night markets are held on the city’s historic quayside, making for a chilled out atmosphere. Choose from a great variety of locally sourced fresh produce, with cuisines from around the world.

Find out more.

5. Scale the south west’s largest climbing wall

Located on Exeter’s quayside, the Quay Climbing Centre is housed in Exeter’s old electricity building, which formerly housed the generators powering the city’s tram network. It provides a majestic arena in which to climb, and with over 200 climbing lines, walls ranging from 7 to 14 metres, plus two bouldering caves, two training walls, a teaching zone and abseil tower there really is something for everyone.

6. Watch England’s best rugby team in action at home

See English Premiership champions the Exeter Chiefs play at their home ground Sandy Park this season. Sandy Park is a state of the art rugby stadium with one of the best playing and training facilities in the country.  Watch premiership rugby in standing or seated covered stands. With 7 bars, numerous food outlets and pre and post match entertainment, this is always a fantastic match day experience. 

7. Explore the entire Exe Estuary by bike

This incredibly scenic 26 mile cycle route is almost entirely traffic-free, following the perimeter of the River Exe Estuary, from the city of Exeter at the head of the Estuary, through beautiful riverside towns and nature reserves to the coast at Exmouth and Dawlish. The route is mostly flat, so ideal for families and novice cyclists, and there are plenty of refreshment stops along the way! The route follows the railway line on both sides of the river, and ferry crossings mean the route is easy to do in smaller sections.

Find out more.

8. Visit one of the few pubs in the UK not accessible by road

The Turf pub sits just across the River Exe Estuary from Topsham near Exeter, and can only be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Located along the Exe Estuary Cycle Trail, you will always find plenty of leisure cyclists here enjoying a drink in the large garden with stunning views across the estuary.