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This holiday season Exeter is the place to be with a line-up of unmissable events, outdoor fun and family activities to keep you busy throughout the summer! It's time to have yourselves an unforgettable Exeter summer...
Exeter Quay is the place to be
Get in the swing of things this summer as Jazz on the Quay returns to Exeter's Historic Quayside, with live performances from local jazz bands. Make it a lazy Sunday afternoon down by the river or jump to the beat and show off your dance moves. It's fun and free for all the family.
If it's free, family activities you're seeking this summer then Summer at the Quayside offers a jam-packed programme of fun and quirky activities. Simply head on down to the Transit Shed every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the school summer holidays and enjoy a summer of fun.
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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.
Open-air cinema at Princesshay
Grab the pop corn and pull up a deckchair as Exeter Phoenix is bringing five days of films to Princesshay Square this summer (25th - 29th August). Blockbuster hits, cult classics, family favourites and musical sing-alongs, there's something for everyone.
Let RAMM inspire you
Go 'Wild' at RAMM this summer as their new exhibition explores our relationship with the natural world and looks at how people across the globe are creating, rebuilding and repairing connections with nature. Opening on 26th July, Wild will challenge the way we think about nature, whisking you to wild places across the world.
Summer Performance Season at Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix present a delectable summer season of performance, including the return of Theatre in the Park and a plethora of Edinburgh Previews. From poetry and theatre to acrobatics and dance, it's fun for all the family this summer. Taking a look towards a sustainable future using collective creativity to empower action, Green Phoenix Festival also returns on 6th July.
Escape the heat at Exeter's Underground Passages
Psssst... visiting Exeter's Underground Passages is a great way to escape the heat and is the coolest place to visit! These fascinating passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into Medieval Exeter and the temperature is a pleasant 16 degrees celcius. Fun fact... they're also the only passages of their kind open to the public in Britain!
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:
- Fore Street Flea - 13th July, 14th September and 23rd November
- Exeter Independent Market on 26th July and 30th August
- Exeter's Farmers Market - every Thursday, 9am to 1pm
- Topsham's Market - every Saturday, 8:30am to 1pm
- Brillsville Market - every second Saturday of the month
Find out more about Exeter's markets.
Bird's eye view from Exeter Cathedral
Experience Exeter from a whole different perspective with a roof top tour of Exeter Cathedral. The 150+ steps lead you to the roof, where on a good day you'll be able to take in stunning views of not just Exeter but the countryside beyond and even the sea. This one is definitely a summer 'high'light!
Discover something new on an Exeter Red Coat Guided Tour
Exeter's Red Coat Guided Tours are perfect if you want to delve into Exeter's rich, fascinating history and to discover parts of Exeter you may haven't already visited. They take place daily and the guides are a hardy bunch going out in all weathers. Hopefully you'll get to soak up a little summer sunshine on your journey around Exeter.
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!
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.
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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, Exeter's oldest building, which has a 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
- Haldon Forest Park – bikes on site available to rent from Forest Cycle Hire
- Route 2 Bikes, Topsham – Choose your bike for the day and enjoy a refreshment before you head out on your adventure
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Family fun at Crealy
From rollercoasters to indoor adventure play, water rides to zoo and farm animals, Crealy Theme Park is home to over 60 rides and attractions, making it the ultimate family day out whatever the British weather throws at you. A summer of thrills awaits with live wrestling shows, Sooty's Summer Spectacular, and even a free return visit offer.
Explore Canonteign Falls gorgeous grounds
Take your summer adventures to new heights with a visit to Canonteign Falls, home to the South West's highest waterfall. Take a peaceful walk among the lakes and waterfalls, and for garden lovers the Victorian Fern Garden is an historic snapshot of the 19th Century craze for ferns and fairies.
Haldon Forest Park
Whether it's a gentle summer stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, Haldon Forest Park will connect you with the great outdoors. Offering endless activities and miles of different trails, it's the perfect outdoor summer playground for families, runners, walkers, and cyclists of any age and ability, and of course your four legged friend is always welcome too.
For those with a head for heights then summer adventure awaits at Go Ape! in Haldon Forest Park. Thrill-seekers chasing an adrenalin rush will love the high ropes, ziplines, zipwires, wobbly bridges and Tarzan swings, with different challenges for the whole family to face.
Powderham
If you fancy yourself as King or Queen of the castle, even if just for a day, then centuries of history reside within Powderham's castle walls. Take a stroll around the vast estate in search of the Secret Garden and soak up sweeping views across the ancient deer park from the Rose Terrace, where hundreds of fallow deer roam.
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!
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Take a train trip
Sea, moor, city this summer. Stunning coastal scenery, award winning beaches, Dartmoor National Park and miles of beautiful countryside are closer to Exeter than you might think. Hop on a GWR train for a trip to the Great British seaside at Exmouth, Dawlish and Teignmouth or travel to the wild heart of Devon and experience a day out at Okehampton and Dartmoor. With regular services from Exeter, there's lots to explore on our city doorstep.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
This summer's biggest sporting event comes to Exeter as we welcome the Woman's Rugby World Cup 2025. The home of Exeter Chiefs, Sandy Park, will be hosting seven matches, including two huge quarter-final fixtures, and tickets are on sale now.
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Related
Jazz on the Quay is back! A fun, FREE afternoon of music starting on Sunday 29th June and then every Sunday during July, until the 31st August (apart from the 27th July).
Summer holiday fun comes to the Exeter Quay with the return of Summer at the Quayside. Exeter Canal and Quay Trust will be bringing free, family activities to the Quayside ever Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday over the school summer holidays.
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.
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.
Find out more about the city’s turbulent history on a free guided walking tour with the Red Coat Guides, running daily throughout the year.
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
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.
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
Hire a Bike to explore the beautiful Exe Estuary Trail, part of the National Cycle Route 2. One of the best cycle trails in the country, it is accessible for all. Start your journey in Topsham at Route 2 Bike Shop, and enjoy a scenic ride alongside the river to Exmouth, Exeter or Dawlish, all of which are within easy reach in around 30 minutes.
Saddles & Paddles is a local business based on the historic Exeter quayside that offers something different for those looking for an outdoor adventure.
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.
Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.
Based in the heart of Haldon Forest, just five miles from Exeter, adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting two high ropes activities above the forest floor, days out at Go Ape Haldon are about having fun, challenging yourself to try something new and creating unforgettable memories.
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.
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.
Discover centuries of local history at Powderham, home to the Courtenay family, who this year celebrate 700 years of devoted stewardship. Every visit offers something new. Centuries of history reside within the castle walls, every details holds a hidden story waiting to be discovered. Explore at your own pace or follow along with a guided tour. Dogs are most welcome to accompany you for free as you roam the grounds and castle.
The historic city of Exeter is proud to be a host city to the biggest celebration of women’s rugby this summer, as we welcome the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025.
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