Know Before You Go

Exeter has now entered Step 3 of the government's roadmap to lifting lockdown, along with the rest of England. Visit our Covid-19 page to find out more.

This means you can stay away from home in holiday accommodation of any type, all visitor attractions and non-essential retail can reopen, and pubs, cafes and restaurants are able to open for indoor and outdoor dining.

Visiting Exeter after lockdown

We can't wait for you to visit Exeter again. Rest assured we have been doing all we can to make sure your future visit is as safe as possible, and businesses across the city have been working hard to put measures in place ready for your visit. 

Exeter is a fairly small city, but you'll find plenty of green and open space here, meaning it rarely feels crowded. The city centre is easily walkable, and one-way systems and street markings have been put in place to help with social distancing. You'll also find additional signage and advice in the city's parks and gardens.

With so much outdoor space there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as walking, cycling and watersports. See some of our blogs below for inspiration.

Alongside big names you'll recognise, Exeter has many independent shops, cafes and restaurants, who will go that extra mile to help you and make you feel welcome.

Please remember to respect our wonderful city, by following these key guidelines:

1. Plan and book ahead. If your plans change, remember to cancel in good time so your table or room doesn’t go to waste.
2. Respect, protect and enjoy nature and the great outdoors.
3. Be kind to staff and locals, and support local independent businesses where you can.
4. Follow social distancing rules, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings where necessary.

Have a read of our Escape the Everyday Responsibly blog for more.

Good to Go

Look out for the We're Good To Go accreditation mark - this means businesses are following the Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, are working to maintain a high level of cleanliness, and have social distancing procedures in place to make their spaces as safe as possible for you.

You can also check out the specific measures which have been put in place for each business - take a look at the list of facilities under Covid-19 Response, on each business listing.

Planning your visit

We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Exeter, you'll just need to do a bit of extra planning in advance of your visit - which we are happy to help with!

First of all, it's best to check out the latest government advice in advance of your visit, and the guidance on staying safe outside your home. Please make sure you do not travel if you are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) and instead follow the stay at home guidance.

If you will be travelling by public transport, just be aware you'll need to wear a face covering if you can safely do so. It's also advisable to travel off-peak where possible and use mobile and smart tickets. For the latest advice on travelling by train, visit www.gwr.com/Safety.

You'll also need to book your accommodation before you arrive. You can search for availability on this website, or contact the accommodation you'd like to stay in - it's always a good idea to book direct, you'll get great service and get to know your host, plus many accommodation providers will offer an extra incentive to book direct - it's always worth checking!

Most of Exeter's attractions have limited capacities to allow for social distancing. This means you may need to book in advance. Please check the attraction you'd like to visit in advance for their opening details.

Exeter is renowned for its food and drink, and has a wide range of cafes and restaurants, many of which are offering takeaway services as well as eat in - again make sure you pre-book before you visit. Alternatively, visit one of Exeter's farm shops to grab local goodies for a picnic to enjoy in one of the city's parks, gardens or Quayside.

Exeter's shopping areas have also prepared carefully to reopen to visitors. You'll see stencils on the pavements, additional signage and one-way systems in place. Most shops have hand sanitizer available for use on entry and staff will be wearing face coverings. You'll still receive a warm, friendly welcome, and assistance if you need it.

For a day out of the city and just four miles away is the Estuary town of Topsham, offering nature walks, picturesque views of the estuary or socially distanced shopping at one of 50 independent stores and cafes. Click here for more information!

#RespectProtectEnjoy

Check out Devon's Touist Charter below before visiting, and please do not travel if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19, or have been contacted by Test & Trace.

If you contract Cornavirus while on holiday, and are staying in holiday accommodation, you should follow the government's guidance below:

• Immediately self-isolate and request a test by calling 119 or online at nhs.uk.
• Return home as quickly and directly as possible if the test is positive
• Use private transport to return home but only drive if you can do so safely
• If you cannot avoid using public transport, you should continue to self-isolate in the accommodation and call 111 for further advice
• If self-isolating in the accommodation necessitates extending your stay in the accommodation, you can only do this if it is agreed with the accommodation provider
• You will be expected to pay the costs of an extended stay in all but exceptional circumstances.

Find out more here.

VisitEngland have put together a few simple steps to help everyone look after themselves, one another and the environment, whilst enjoying your days out as safely as possible. Find out more by following #respectprotectenjoy on social media. 

• When planning your trip, check that important facilities – like toilets and car parks – are open before you travel so you’re not caught short. Find information on toilets in Exeter here and car parks here.
• If you have an attraction in mind, please check online to see if you need to pre-book a time slot. 
• Some places may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem that you can brag to friends about. 
• Keep two metres apart from anyone outside your household - this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.
• Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport like buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs. 
• Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments – and you don’t want to miss out on that ice cream!
• Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands. 
• Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling