Visit Exeter by Train this Christmas

Leave the car at home and travel to Exeter by train for a Christmas shopping break. Take the opportunity to relax, enjoy some great food and drink and take in some of the stunning scenery that you can only get from the train! Check out our themed itinerary below to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1

Arrive at Exeter Central Station by train with GWR, and take a short walk to soak up the festive atmosphere in the city centre. Start with a wander around Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green. This wonderfully atmospheric market is set in the grounds of the imposing Exeter Cathedral. Explore the labyrinth of lanes to discover unique gift ideas from local craftspeople, and enjoy festive food and drink. With so many food choices you'll definitely want to stop for lunch here - take a seat in the covered bar area and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate with your lunch!

Head back to Central Station and hop on a train to Topsham, just a 15-minute rail journey away. This historic estuary town is beautiful at Christmas time, and the large number of independent shops means it is a great place to find a unique gift. Stop at the Salutation Inn for  a winter warming drink in the GlassHouse Cafe, then take a walk to Topsham Quayside for wonderful views across the River Exe Estuary.

Get back on the train at Topsham to continue the journey along the Exe Estuary to Exmouth. This is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the country, known as the Avocet Line - named after the bird that overwinters on the Estuary, and which you may catch a glimpse of from the train!

On arrival in Exmouth, follow the signs to the seafront for a bracing winter walk along the beach, or head to Exmouth Marina to join a festive special cruise along the River Exe Estuary with Stuart Line Cruises, the perfect way to take a breather from the busy Christmas season and enjoy views of the Estuary with a homemade mulled wine and mince pie!

Back at Exmouth Marina there are several options for dinner. The Point Bar & Grill and Rockfish Exmouth both serve locally sourced fish with views of the sea. After dinner catch a train back to Exeter, trains run approximately every half hour until just after midnight.

Day 2

It's time for some more Christmas shopping. This time explore Exeter's quirky independent quarters. The Castle Quarter including cobbled Gandy Street offers handmade jewellery, fashion and many hidden treasures to be found in the tiny side streets, and the West Quarter including Fore Street, North Street and South Street is home to many of the city’s finest independent traders, including vintage and retro clothing. It is also the location for the Fore Street Festive Flea on 20th November!

Visit RAMM, Exeter's award winning museum for a break from shopping. This is the perfect sanctuary to avoid crowds, and is free to visit. Whilst there, don't miss the Shop at RAMM, as it's a great place to find a unique gift, inspired by RAMM’s exhibitions and collections. As well as books, cards, gifts and toys is the Artist-Maker’s cabinet, featuring contemporary designs by artists from around the UK. 

Time for lunch, and Exeter has options for all tastes. For food and drink from around the world head to Queen St Dining, or for local specialties seek out one of Exeter's independent restaurants such as Eat on the Green or Sacred Grounds. 

After lunch walk to Northernhay Gardens to experience Exeter's Winter Wonderland. Book an ice-skating session on the covered ice rink, brave one of the fairground rides and visit the colourful Santa’s grotto!

For dinner indulge in a festive treat at The Ivy, perfectly situated overlooking Exeter Cathedral. After dinner don’t miss the chance to join a traditional carol concert at Exeter Cathedral, such as Christmas with the Cathedral Choir. Alternatively, Exeter's variety of theatres provide plenty of choice when it comes to festive entertainment, from the Christmas Comedy Club to traditional pantomimes.

For the full line up of Christmas events and activities visit our Christmas in Exeter page. 

To book your train tickets, visit GWR.com.