Local Stories - A perfect city day with Visit Exeter

Celebrating local stories for English Tourism Week, Visit Exeter's Jon Pressling shares his perfect day in Exeter...

There’s always something special about arriving in Exeter by train. As a child, it felt like a real treat – a journey into the “big city” and the start of an adventure. Even now as part of my regular commute, it hasn’t lost any of that magic and the stunning coastal views always transfix me.

Setting me in the right mind for my perfect day in Exeter, much of it is about exploring the great outdoors and going with the flow. As a day of adventure beckons then it's important to fuel up and so first stop is always Crave. With a menu as inviting as the riverside setting, the biggest dilemma faced here is what to order - don't get carried away and peak too soon! You just can't beat some loaded hash browns with pulled pork though, washed down with a fruity smoothie number.

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Appetite fully satisfied it's then just a short stroll around the Quayside, where the atmosphere is always buzzing but never rushed. Now it's time to take to the water in the friendly and expert hands of Saddles & Paddles. Paddling along the calm canal, soaking up the views and wildlife, gives you a completely different appreciation for the city – peaceful, scenic and surprisingly relaxing. Here time stops and you can just go with the flow.

After an hour or two on the water, then it's time for a late lunch and a reward for all that paddling - one of On The Waterfront's renowned "dustbin lid" pizzas! I'm always torn between The Hunter and Fully Loaded options but thankfully disaster avoided as you can opt for the best of both worlds with a half-&-half topping. 

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In the afternoon and it's time to take in a section or two of the Exeter Green Circle, a relaxing network of walking routes that loop around the city. It’s amazing how quickly you can find yourself surrounded by greenery and the beauty of this urban nature trail is that it takes in some stunning views as it weaves through neighbourhoods, leafy suburbs, and hidden heritage.  Totalling 12 miles in length, that's one for more ambitious days though and without a belly full of pizza!

Of course, every good walk deserves a pub stop, and the reward awaiting this one is a trip to the historic Turk's Head. Full of ye olde worlde charm and with a legacy spanning over 700 remarkable years, a refreshing cider always hits the spot and there's plenty of options to quench my thirst that I could easily spend the whole night here. Surely apples in a liquid form count as one of my five a day?

From here's a merry little stroll over to Exeter Phoenix for today's headline act. As someone who loves their live music then this is my go to place and there's a favourite spot I like to claim for each gig - let's just say as I get older then a wall or barrier is welcome support! Many a great band and artist I've discovered here - not big chart toppers but emerging talent and grassroots music that you can get up close and personal to, and often meet by their merchandise stand. If I'm feeling a little peckish then the Phoenix cafe also serves up lots of lovely treats to keep the night going strong.

As the night comes to an end then it's all downhill from here, well back to Exeter St Davids train station anyway. On reflection, Exeter has a way of leaving you feeling like you’ve packed so much into a short time. From great food and time on the water to peaceful walks and live entertainment, every moment adds up to a day full of simple pleasures and memorable experiences. It’s the kind of place where one perfect day quickly turns into plans for the next visit.

Come and explore our city with Visit Exeter, and let us help plan your perfect day.