Exeter is a very family-friendly city, with a good choice of family attractions, rainy day activities and plenty of green space in which to explore, have adventures, and make new memories!
Make the journey part of the adventure by travelling with GWR by rail to Exeter. Travelling by train means you can relax, watch the scenery, and really concentrate on that game of I-Spy (or when you get tired of I-Spy there is free Wi-Fi!). The onboard toilets and baby-changing facilities, plus a great selection of food and drink put an end to unscheduled motorway stops, so the adventure can start the second you jump on board!
GWR offer a range of family tickets, and under 5s travel free, so travelling by train is also great value for money - check out GWR's website to find out more.
Day 1
Arrive at Exeter Central Station for a short, level walk to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM). The RAMM offers free admission, and there is lots to explore and many ways in which to get hands-on!
After your visit to RAMM, go for lunch at Queen St Dining, just a short walk away where you'll find a great choice of restaurants to suit all tastes.
Take a walk down to Exeter Quayside, where you'll find plenty of opportunities for adventure! Hire a canoe or kayak, or have a go at climbing at Clip 'n Climb indoor climbing centre. Visit the Custom House Visitor Centre to learn more about the history of the Quayside through fascinating displays, exhibits and a short film - ‘Exeter, 2,000 years of history’.
Time for dinner, and On the Waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy a family size, dustbin lid pizza on Exeter Quayside!
Day 2
This morning, visit Exeter Cathedral to marvel at the world's longest stretch of unbroken gothic vaulting. Family activities and workshops are held during school holidays, and children aged 8+ can join a guided tour of the Cathedral's roof space, a thrilling experience!
The Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, so there is a great choice of cafes and restaurants nearby to choose from for lunch.
After lunch it's time for a subterranean adventure! Book a tour of Exeter's Underground Passages, to discover the dark, narrow passages which were built in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into Exeter - a truly unique experience, not to be missed!
Exeter is a compact city, so once you've arrived you'll find all the main attractions within walking distance. With no less than four rail stations located within the city itself, it's easy to hop back on the train for your return journey, or if you want to explore further afield.
Why not take the journey to Exmouth along the Avocet Line, named after the bird that overwinters on the famous Exe Estuary. There are fantastic views of the estuary from the train, and the journey to Exmouth takes less than half an hour from Exeter Central station. Once in Exmouth, it's not far to walk to the beach, with its two miles of golden sand!
For further inspiration, check out our top 5 family fun activities in Exeter.
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