Top 20 Things to Experience in 2020

1. Dance the night away at Exeter Festival 2020

Mostly taking place in Northernhay Gardens, Exeter Festival is set to be a fun-filled, jam packed summer extravaganza spread over three days. The Festival runs in partnership with lots of other events across the city!

2. Get a bird’s eye view of Exeter on a Cathedral Rooftop Tour

Enjoy a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour which takes you into the roof void high above the Nave, into the south tower, the Lead Room and the Ringing Chamber. If weather permits, the tour extends onto the North Tower where you can enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond)!

3. Get festive at Exeter Cathedral's Christmas Market 2020

Exeter Cathedral's Christmas Market was a finalist at the 2018 Exeter Living Awards for ‘Best Event’. It is also recognised as one of the best Christmas Market's in the UK and showcases the best of festive food, crafts and gifts.

4. Watch an Exeter Chiefs rugby match at Sandy Park

Head to Sandy Park and enjoy some suberb rugby. Exeter Chiefs are one of the top clubs in the country and were the Aviva Premiership champions in 2017! 

5. Have a go at betting on the winning horse at Exeter Racecourse

Overlooking Devon's beautiful countryside, Exeter Racecourse is one of the UK’s most progressive tracks, with excellent facilities and transport links to match competitive racing throughout the National Hunt Season. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time racegoer, you’re guaranteed a great day out and a warm welcome!

6. Spend a day or weekend exploring the Exeter Food & Drink Trail

There is no shortage of good quality, locally produced food and drink here in Exeter! There's bees producing honey on the Princesshay's rooftops, local wines being produced in vineyards on the sheltered slopes surrounding the city, as well as the Farmer's market where you can shop direct with producers, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants using Devon produce to choose from!

7. Take a tour of Exeter Brewery

Pre-book a tour for 15-50 people and view the Brewery in all it's glory. Why not visit the tap-room bar too and enjoy a selection of award-winning ales, and full bar facilities, with wines, ciders and spirits available too!

8. Indulge at Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink 2020

Held in the scenic grounds of Exeter Castle Courtyard and Northernhay Gardens, this festival is award-winning. From celebrity chefs and producers, to workshops and live music, expect a long weekend of foodie indulgence and food-themed activities for the whole family.

9. Hire a bike and explore the Exe Estuary Trail

The Exe Estuary trail is a mainly flat, traffic-free route which runs around the entire Exe Estuary linking Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish, providing an exciting opportunity for people to experience the entire Exe Estuary, with fantastic views along the River Exe.

10. Take to the water on an Exeter Canal Cruise

Enjoy a relaxed paced trip along Exeter Canal, where you can sit back and soak up the scenery, watch the locks come to life, the swing bridge majestically open, before enjoying Exeter's Historic Quayside or the seaside town of Exmouth.

11. Join a free Red Coat Guided Tour

The City's award winning Red Coat Guided Tours are the perfect way to explore Exeter, one of the oldest cities in England. A variety of tours are available, each one focusing on a different aspect of Exeter's history and culture. Discover the city's many sites of interest and hidden treasures. 

12. Watch the Exeter Grecians at their home stadium, St James Park 

St James Park is the home of professional football in Exeter. After recovering from the disappointment of losing last season's play-off final at the new Wembley, Exeter City will be attempting to bounce back and secure automatic promotion this year! 

13. Go underground on a tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages

Exeter's Underground Passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter. A guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages is a memorable event - narrow, dark, interesting and exciting, whilst the heritage centre is packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on interpretation!

14. Brush up on your culinary skills with a course at Exeter Cookery School

Learn to cook the food of your dreams in the converted 1830s warehouse on Exeter's Historic Quayside. The stunning purpose-built kitchens have been kitted out for real home cooks, making the venue the perfect place to develop and hone your cookery skills.

15. Have a traditional Devon cream tea with views of Exeter Cathedral, at Tea on the Green

Tea on the Green is in a 16th centruy building overlooking the Historic Cathedral green. It's an independent restaurant in the heart of Exeter, owned and managed by a team who are passionate about creating great food using local, free range produce bought directly from the farmers and brought to you with excellent table service. 

16. Go paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking to the pub along Exeter Ship Canal with AS Watersports and Saddles & Paddles

Exeter Ship Canal first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times, as well as the first in England to use the pound lock. Hire a paddleboard, canoe or kayak from Exeter's Quayside and spend some time exploring the tranquil waters.

17. Explore the Goat Walk in Topsham

Enjoy a gentle stroll around picturesque Topsham, which is full of stunning 17th century buildings and a variety of beautiful birds that live in the marshes. Predominantly along flat pathways or roads, the Goat Walk is perfect for the whole family. 

18. Take time out of a busy day to balance your mind and body, within beautiful and inspiring surroundings, with Yoga at RAMM

Once a month at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, there is a Yoga class. This provides the perfect oopportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and just relax within the inspiring surroundings of the museum.

19. Relish in Exeter's heritage for free during Heritage Open Days

This is a unique opportunity to visit some of Exeter’s most interesting and unusual historical sites and buildings for free! The event takes place between 11 - 20 September 2020, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!

20. Shop for vintage fashion in the West Quarter

We all love a bit of shopping don't we? Exeter is full of unique, independent shops so be sure to check out the West Quarter if you're looking for some original vintage!