Clear your diaries! Exeter is bursting at the seams with unmissable events, outdoor fun and family activities to keep you busy throughout the summer! It's time to have yourselves an unforgettable Exeter summer...

Go for a stroll and stop for a picnic 

Even though Exeter is a compact city, we also have many wide open spaces for a peaceful stroll and a delightful picnic. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Exeter, look no further as we’ve put together a selection of locations across the city and beyond which boasts fascinating history and spectacular views for the most picture-perfect picnic - click here for inspiration.

Chill at the Mojito Beach Bar at Princesshay

Need a break from your shopping trip? Roll up to Princesshay's Mojito Beach Bar! Packed to the brim with all the holiday vibes - beach hut styled umbrellas, cocktails, real sand, palm trees, live music and more, you can find the beach in the heart of Exeter this summer until 29th August.

Watch movie classics in Northenhay Gardens

Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in The Park returns to Northernhay Gardens from 10th-13th August! This year you will travel through time, visit microscopic landscapes, publish manifestos and even save the world. Which film will you choose?

Get your dancing shoes on with Jazz on the Quay

Jazz on the Quay has returned for the summer! Don't miss the FREE fun from 12.30pm – 3.30pm at the Transit Shed, just adjacent to Exeter’s beautiful Custom House on Exeter’s historic Quayside.  

Enjoy outdoor theatre with Exeter Phoenix

This July and August, expect outdoor theatrical entertainment from Shakespearean comedy, to exciting family adventure - we can't wait! Find out more and grab your tickets here.

Let RAMM inspire you

From LEGO activities and exhibitions, art workshops, Exeter Chiefs appearances and more - the Royal Albert Memorial Museum will keep the entire family busy this summer! Check out their What's On page and take your pick.

Escape the heat at Exeter's Underground Passages

Psssst... visiting Exeter's Underground Passages is a great way to escape the heat! These fascinating passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into Medieval Exeter. In fact, these are the only passages of its kind open to the public in Britain! Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930's. Read our blog for what to expect during your visit.

Take part in the Summer Art Camp

This August, three Exeter arts venues, Exeter Phoenix, Positive Light Projects and Make Tank, are hosting Summer Art Camp, a programme of over 30 creative events in Exeter with something to offer for everyone – accessible to all ages, all abilities and all experiences. The programme includes a wide variety of workshops, film screenings, free events and creative social get-togethers. Find out more here.

Summer Art Camp

Get muddy at the Bear Trail

The whole family is guaranteed a muddy good time at The Bear Trail! Packed full of obstacle courses and colourful events, this year visitors will also benefit from a brand-new amenity block, complete with warm indoor showers and private changing rooms. Check out their guest blog to find out all about their exciting summer activities!

Explore Exeter's markets

Grab your shopping bags and visit Exeter's fabulous markets! Whether you're looking for a gift for a special someone, a treat for yourself or simply want a browse, be sure to visit:

Find out more about Exeter's markets.

Cool off at Exeter's splash pads

Enjoy a cool, family day out at Heavitree Pleasure Grounds and the Splash Pad at St Thomas Pleasure Grounds

Take a dip in the pool

Fancy a dip in the pool this summer? Visit St Sidwell's Point! Here you'll find three pools - a 25 metre, 8 lane competition pool, a 20 metre learner pool, all of which has a moveable floor to suit various activities. Exploring Topsham? Jump in Topsham's 25m outdoor pool, heated to at least 28 degrees!

Embark on the Paws Around Exeter Trail

The Paws Around Exeter Trail will take you on an adventure to visit our twenty fabulous dog sculptures located all around Exeter. In the process you can discover all that this wonderful, accessible city has to offer and of course all the locations are dog friendly! Find out more here and download your very own map.

Get on the water

In Exeter, we’re blessed to be surrounded by glorious canals, rivers, estuaries and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast that are perfect for watersports! Your journey opportunities are endless, there are plenty of areas to suit all abilities. Check out our handy guide for where to hire your gear and safety equipment before you begin! Before you set off on your adventure, please make sure you've hired a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

Go back in time at St Nicholas Priory

Ever wondered how the Tudors lived at St Nicholas Priory, or about the arms and armour of the militia in the Tudor West Country? Check out St Nicholas Priory's summer programme, packed with exciting discovery!

Hop on a bike and explore the city

If you’re anything like us, you believe that there’s nothing better than hopping on your bike, feeling the wind blowing through your hair and experiencing magnificent views along the way to gorgeous destinations. If you’re staying in Exeter, you’re very lucky as you’ll have endless cycle routes on your doorstep! Here are some of our favourite trails for you to follow on your next visit. Check out our Adventurous Cycles around Exeter blog for inspiration. 

Hire a bike and safety equipment from:

  • Saddles & Paddles - bicycle and canoe hire from Exeter quayside
  • Co-Bikes - a network of electric bikes available to hire by the half-hour
  • Haldon Forest Park – bikes on site available to rent from Forest Cycle Hire
  • Darts Farm Cycle Hire – hire your bike from Darts Farm and immediately join the exe estuary trail
  • Route 2 Bikes, Topsham – Choose your bike for the day and enjoy a refreshment before you head out on your adventure

Visit foodie heaven

Foodies Festival, the UK's biggest touring gourmet food festival, is coming to Exeter for the first time, with celebrity chefs and music stars. Check out their guest blog for what to expect - you're in for a treat! 

View fascinating artefacts from the Titanic

Don't miss the Titanic Museum Exhibition - a limited two-week experience coming to Exeter's Corn Exchange from 10th-22nd August! View artefacts from the Titanic, explore the city's connection to the ship, learn about the people that travelled on board, and come face-to-face with items from the wreck site. Find out more here.

Drop by a free summer cycling festival

Exeter and Cranbrook residents looking for something to do this summer are in for a treat thanks to a series of free cycling festivals taking place in the city during the school holidays. There are six events taking place throughout the summer, each one in a different location across the city and Cranbrook and all are free for the whole family! Read the full story here to find out more.

Explore Canonteign Falls gorgeous grounds

If you haven't visited before, Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Here you can enjoy peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes plus family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Don't miss their exciting summer events, from visits from Belle the Shetland pony, to live music and a BBQ!

Dine alfresco

The sun is shining and the temperature is rising, which means one thing - alfresco dining! Take a look at our outdoor dining guide for Exeter, from British classics, to italian-inspired grub, hearty pies, Vietnamese flavours and more - you're in for a real treat in our city!

Release your wild side

Nature Valley's Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls, the ultimate fun, family event, returns this August bank holiday! Take part in thrilling outdoor activities by day and dance to music acts including The Darkness, The Script, Ministry of Sound Classical, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Reef, Ella Eyre and more by night! Check out our blog to see what we got up to last year, we had a blast.

Indulge in delicious gelato at Chococo

Cool down with a tub or cone of Chococo's luxury gelato - which flavour will you choose? Also during the summer months - decorate your own delicious chocolate lollies with a variety of toppings! £4.75 each, available during opening hours. No booking is required.

Solve the clues at Mission Impawsible

Prodigy Escapes needs your help to find their missing pets in 'Mission Impawsible'! This exciting activity is aimed at providing families and first timers a supportive introduction to escape rooms - we bet you'll be itching to complete another mission after this! Find out more

Get creative with summer activities on the quay

Did someone say free family fun at Exeter quayside this summer? Don't miss the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust's jam-packed activity schedule this July and August - completely free of charge. What more could you want during the 2022 summer holidays?

Take part in Princesshay’s busy bees trail

With 8 clues to solve, Princesshay's busy bees trail is a great way to spend a few fun hours in the city with the kids. All correct entries will receive a certificate and prize in the post plus you'll be entered into a draw to win a £50 Princesshay gift card! Click here for more info.

Related

Princesshay
Shopping Centre
Princesshay Shopping Centre - with Cathedral View

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.

Exeter's Underground Passages
Historic Site
Exeter's Underground Passages

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.

Chococo
Café
Chocolate fondue

Established in Swanage, Dorset in 2002, we are a proudly independent artisan chocolate brand, single-minded in our mission to tantalise your taste buds with the most deliciously uplifting fine fresh chocolate experience in the UK. We are inspired by fine, origin chocolate every day, and love to spread this inspiration to true chocolate lovers across the nation.

Jazz on the Quay
Jazz
Jazz On the Quay

The Exeter Canal & Quay Trust, in conjunction with Exeter City Council, is delighted to present Jazz on the Quay, a fun, FREE afternoon of music starting on Sunday 30 June and then every Sunday during July until the 25 August (apart from the 28 July).

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM
Museum
Royal Albert Memorial Museum Queen Street Exeter

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 Phoenix
Arts Centre
Exeter Phoenix - front of building

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.

St Sidwell's Point Leisure Centre
Leisure/Swimming Pool
External shot of St Sidwell's Point

Welcome to St Sidwell’s Point, Exeter’s brand new, state-of-the-art leisure centre, in the heart of the city centre. St Sidwell’s Point is the first leisure facility in the UK to be built to the ultra-energy efficient Passivhaus standard, meaning energy consumption is reduced by 70% when compared with industry best practice standards. Visitors can also enjoy improved air quality, optimal air temperatures, and natural lighting due to the unique design and materials used to build our city’s new leisure complex. Find three pools at St Sidwell’s Point - 25 metre, 8 lane competition pool, a 20 metre learner pool, all of which has a moveable floor to suit various activities. Enjoy an exceptional swimming experience thanks to ultra-filtration an

Topsham
Town
Topsham

A fascinating and quaint historic estuary port, Topsham has some fine architecture. There are Dutch traders’ houses and fine examples of buildings from Georgian and Edwardian times.

St Nicholas Priory
Abbey/Priory
St Nicholas Priory, exterior

Exeter’s oldest building, the original priory was turned into Tudor home and is now a performance and community venue. Come and experience 900 years of Exeter’s history and join us in discovering the secrets of our wonderful building.

Exeter Corn Exchange
Event Venue
The Hall of Exeter Corn Exchange

The largest venue in Exeter city centre, Exeter Corn Exchange is probably the ideal location for your event - whatever it may be.

Canonteign Falls
National Park
Canonteign Falls

Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Visit us for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Escape the crowds and experience the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park.

The Bear Trail
Sports & Leisure
The Bear Trail

The Bear Trail is Devon's muddiest family assault course. 30 obstacles, unlimited mud! An award-winning outdoor family attraction, the Bear Trail has been designed for families to create memories that last a lifetime. Scramble over the bear nets, zip down the zip wire and tumble through the tunnels. Tackle the assault course together then relax in the Bear Cave Café serving delicious wood-fired pizzas, paninis, drinks, treats and more. Or bring your own picnic and enjoy our outdoor or indoor picnic areas.

Exeter Quayside
Historic Site
Monolith at Exeter Quayside. Copyright: DOminic Lowther

Exeter's Historic Quayside is the most attractive area in the city, popular with locals & visitors for its fascinating history, pubs & restaurants.

Paws Around Exeter Trail
Waymarked Trail
Paws Around Exeter Trail

The Paws Around Exeter Trail will take you on an adventure to visit our twenty fabulous dog sculptures located all around Exeter. In the process you can discover all that this wonderful, accessible city has to offer and of course all the locations are dog friendly!

Heavitree Pleasure Grounds
Municipal Park
Heavitree Park and Pleasure Grounds

Popular family park with a wide range of recreational facilities including paddling pools, six tennis courts, basketball court, skate park, bmx track, bowling green and kick about area.

St Thomas Splash Pad
Municipal Park
St Thomas Splash Pad, Exeter
Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival at Powderham Castle
Young Adults & Teenagers
Gone Wild Festival

Nature Valley Gone Wild, the ultimate fun family festival, will return to Powderham Castle in Devon from 25th - 28th August 2022. Created in partnership with Bear Grylls, the festival promises experiences families will never forget including the chance to dance to live music including The Script, All Saints and Sophie Ellis-Bextor,  see famous explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes and take part in many exciting outdoor activities.

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