The country is (slowly) getting back to normal and we’re excited for what we’ll be able to enjoy in Exeter again! But if you’re struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we’ve put together a selection of things to look forward to when our fabulous city re-opens for visitors…
Blissful days and evenings along Exeter Quay
We may already be able to visit Exeter Quay for a stroll or cycle during the lockdown, but imagine when everything is eventually back to normal! Warm, light evenings enjoying a drink with friends at Samuel Jones or The Prospect, tucking into scrumptious food at Rockfish, On the Waterfront and Bar Venezia and browsing the quirky, independent gift shops…. We can’t wait!
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Popular attractions will reopen
Hopefully later on this year, we’ll see our fantastic local attractions open once again. Visitors will be able to discover the 16 spectacular galleries at RAMM, learn how water was transported through Exeter in the Medieval times at the Exeter Underground Passages and spot the gothic architecture within Exeter Cathedral…
But that’s not all! Crealy Adventure Park will open its doors to hundreds of excited families, animal lovers will be able to return to The Donkey Sanctuary to greet their favourite donkey and Powderham Castle will welcome visitors back to explore their stunning grounds!
Learn a new skill
If lockdown has inspired you to take up a new skill once the restrictions have been lifted, look no further than Exeter! Soon you’ll be able to book a course at Exeter Cookery School to create the perfect dinner party menu or learn how to dance, create visual art or act at Exeter Phoenix!
As soon as it’s safe to do so, Exeter Gin will open its Granny Garbutt and Exeter Gin School & Bar, so you’ll be able to create, bottle and label your very own gin!
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Rescheduled events
Although we don’t want to wish the year away, there are a number of rescheduled events taking place in 2021 that we have to look forward to.
Devon’s biggest day out, the Devon County Show, will take place on the 20th – 22nd May next year – everyone will eventually get their fix of everything west country! The Exeter Festival, our city’s own 3-day festival, was unfortunately cancelled this year but fingers crossed it’ll be back in 2021 for a weekend full of family entertainment! Another festival we hope to welcome back next year is the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink - the place to be for ultimate foodies!
Dine at our favourite restaurants
Missing dining at your favourite restaurants? You’re not alone - we hope that visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy the restaurants and cafés that Exeter has to offer soon. The day will come when you can return to Queen Street Dining where you’ll be tucking into a pizza or pie at The Stable, eating vibrant food and sipping cocktails at Turtle Bay or trying something different at Comptoir Libanais!
Princesshay Shopping Centre is home to some of the UK’s popular restaurant chains – soon you’ll be able to book a table at Nandos, Giraffe, Byron Burger and Café Rouge!
Don’t forget all the incredible independent eateries you’ll find in every corner of Exeter! Just think of your first cream tea at Tea on the Green, a scrumptious Sunday roast at The Oddfellows and UNLIMTED fresh, crispy chips at Rockfish! Is anyone else’s mouth watering at the thought of all the fantastic restaurants that are waiting for us?!
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Cheer on your favourite sports team
Although it’s uncertain when we’ll be able to attend a sporting event again… at some point in the future we’ll be able to cheer on Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park and Exeter City Football Club at St James Park! Soon we'll also be able to enjoy a fantastic day out at Exeter Racecourse, now these are great things to look forward to aren't they?
Treat ourselves to a new wardrobe or a gift
Who else is guilty of having multiple parcels from clothing companies turning up our doors during lockdown? Eventually we look forward to welcoming you back to Exeter for a well-deserved shopping trip! Vamp up your wardrobe with popular brands including Zara, Topshop and River Island at Princesshay Shopping Centre and a two-story Primark in the Guildhall Shopping Centre!
Make sure to give Gandy Street a visit for a selection of unique clothing shops, walk a few minutes from Cathedral Close to Magdalen Road for independent gift retailers and explore the West Quarter - Exeter's hidden gem when it comes to shopping!
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Rockfish Exeter
Seafood

At Rockfish seafood restaurant, diners can enjoy a memorable experience that celebrates local and sustainable seafood. The menu features beloved Rockfish classics and daily landings that's reflective of what's in season.
On The Waterfront
Restaurant

Perched on the edge of the historic Exeter Quayside, we are housed on the ground floor of a magnificent 19th century warehouse. This building and many like it nearby served the booming woollen industry of the mid 19th century.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM
Museum

Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities.
The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.
Exeter's Underground Passages
Historic Site

The 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.
Exeter Cathedral
Cathedral/Minster

Medieval cathedral. Fine example of Gothic Decorated style. Longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting in the world. Image screen on West Front, Minstrels' Gallery and tombs. Expert guided tours, trails and activities for the family
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Theme Park / Waterpark

Discover award-winning family fun at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon, home to over 60 rides and attractions, with spectacular entertainment, live shows, Sooty Land and animals galore.
The Donkey Sanctuary
Animal Collection

Bring out the best in your herd and make memories that last a lifetime at The Donkey Sanctuary. Meet hundreds of adorable rescue donkeys for FREE and discover so much more besides.
Powderham
Castle/Fort

Immerse yourself in over 600 years of history at Powderham, the family home of The Earl of Devon. Enjoy the flexibility of our UNLIMITED seven-day free return on all full-priced tickets, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Exeter Cookery School
Indoor

Come and learn to cook the food of your dreams in our converted 1830s warehouse on Exeter's historic quayside.
Exeter Phoenix
Arts Centre

Exeter Phoenix is a vibrant, world-class multi-artform venue in the heart of Exeter's city centre. Each year we host hundreds of events and artistic activity spanning many disciplines.
Exeter Gin
Local Shop

Winner of the award for Best Classic Gin at the Great British Food Awards 2020, Exeter's own premium gin is made in small batches and produced in a traditional copper still.
Devon County Show
Show/Display

Billed as Devon’s Big Day Out, the Devon County Show is a showcase for aspects of life and work in the county as well as entertainment, shopping and good food.
Exeter Festival
Screening

Exeter Festival is back for 2020, with an exciting three day fun-filled, jam packed summer extravaganza, from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July 2020. Line up to be announced very soon!
Queen St Dining
Restaurant

From dawn ‘til dusk and to supper and beyond, Queen St Dining is the perfect location for Exeter’s food-loving residents and city visitors to sample the finest fare from local food heroes and unique cuisines in cool casual dining destinations
Princesshay
Vegan

Local cuisine and global flavours, there’s something on the menu for everyone at Princesshay. With an abundance of cafes and restaurants to choose from, you can treat yourself to stunning food and drink, views of Exeter Cathedral and the Roman wall.
Places to eat include Pop Kitchen, Wagamamas, Slim Chickens, Nandos, Yo!, Lloyds Lounge & Chandos.
The Oddfellows
Bar

Only a stone's throw away around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Exeter High Street, our independent, relaxed and friendly gastro bar will be sure to please.
Eat on the Green
Tea Room/Coffee Shop

Eat on the Green is 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. The restaurant is in a Sixteenth Century building overlooking Exeter’s historic Cathedral Green.
Rockfish Exeter
Seafood

At Rockfish seafood restaurant, diners can enjoy a memorable experience that celebrates local and sustainable seafood. The menu features beloved Rockfish classics and daily landings that's reflective of what's in season.
Sandy Park Conference & Event Centre
Conferences & Weddings

Sandy Park, Exeter's award-winning Conference and Banqueting Centre and home to Devon's Premiership rugby team, the Exeter Chiefs.
Exeter City FC
Sports Ground/Stadium

St James Park, home of Exeter City Football Club who play in the EFL League One, the third tier of the English football leagues.
Princesshay
Shopping Centre

The award-winning Princesshay is in the heart of the city, with over 60 stores including big brands such as Next and Zara, as well as smaller independent and regional brands. Princesshay is seriously stylish, featuring distinctive architecture, that complements Exeter's historic buildings, and landscaped European style squares with cafes and restaurants.
The Guildhall Shopping Centre
Outdoor Market

Guildhall Shopping & Dining is Exeter City Centre's largest concentration of shops, eating destinations and leisure operators and even a medieval church, St Pancras Church. This quaint church in a most unlikely setting, makes Guildhall Shopping Centre the only Shopping Centre in the world to home a 12th Century Church at its heart! From fashion to food, axe throwing to spa treatments, everything you need can be found at Guildhall Shopping Centre.