Winter Foodie Experiences by Train

Even during the colder months, Exeter showcases the best foodie experiences that our region has to offer. Learn a new skill, discover how your favourite spirit or beer is created, then dig into irresitible food and drink in our city and beyond - all accessible with Great Western Railway!

Day 1

To fuel your day of foodie adventures, you need to start your day with a scrumptious breakfast! Head to the Undergrad Café for a cosy coffee, take a seat at Eat on the Green for a local hearty fry-up or indulge in savoury or sweet morning treats at Sacred Grounds, a vegan café in the centre of Exeter’s independent West Quarter.

It isn’t an adventure without snacks, right? Stock up on sweet, crumbly Roly’s Fudge, made using the best natural and carefully sourced ingredients. Chococo on Gandy Street is a haven for chocoholics, with fine chocolate boxes, lollies and even drinks and bakes to take away.

Head to Exeter Central station, just a few minutes’ walk from Gandy Street and hop on a GWR train to Topsham, the quaint historic port town on the Exe Estuary.

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Salutation Inn. Enjoy an afternoon tea, a 3-course la carte menu or pop in for a glass of bubbles in the relaxing Glass House Café. Whilst here, why not pick up supplies for your own seafood experience at home, from SALT, the new fish shop within the building.

Alternatively, let The Galley Restaurant host your next foodie experience, a team that proudly presents the best that Devon has to offer on a plate. The Head Chef appeared on Masterchef: The Professionals in 2022!

Catch the train back to Exeter and master the art of bread making on a course at One Mile Bakery. This friendly Exeter bakery offers a range of baking at home classes, so that more people can bake amazing bread and bakes at home. Over the session you’ll learn to bake recipes which incorporate all the core skills and knowledge for bread-making and leave you confident to tackle any bread recipe.

Has all the baking built up your appetite? Walk along the river to Exeter Quay, home to On the Waterfront - a local favourite known for their dust-bin lid pizzas, tapas and a great selection of locally-sourced beers, wines and spirits.

Day 2

Before another day of delicious discovery, grab a brunch (at the weekend!) or lunch at the family-run Harry’s Restaurant, which has been feeding appetites since 1993. The team work with nearby farms, producers and suppliers, bringing fresh, locally reared meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables to the table!

From Exeter St David's, catch a GWR train to Teignmouth. Choose from a gin-filled tour and tasting experience at the brand-new Exeter Gin School, or learn how to make your very own 35cl gin with help from the experts. Don't miss the opportunity to take Exeter Gin home with you, as you’ll enjoy 10% off purchases at the bar or in the shop! In 2022, Exeter Gin launched Exeter Rum - featuring warming notes of coffee beans, sweet tones of salted caramel, just like the much-loved Exeter Gin.

It’s time for a pint! Catch the train back to Exeter St David’s, for a tour of the nearby Exeter Brewery. Meet in the Tap Room for drinks followed by a tour of the Brewery itself, lasting approximately 40 minutes, where you’ll discover the process of making the award winning ales. After the tour, order from a selection of award-winning pies along with mash, minted peas and proper gravy!