Shopping Quarters

Exeter’s distinctive shopping quarters are home to a vast array of independently run shops, cafes and restaurants.

Right in the heart of Exeter, the Cathedral Quarter offers some of the finest boutique shops, jewellers and cafés in all of Exeter. Smart, sharp and varied, you are sure to find something to your fancy – and all set against the most picturesque and history-laden backdrop too.

A charming feature of Exeter’s retail scene, the Castle Quarter has many hidden treasures buried within it. If you’re looking for little shopping worlds to get immersed and lost within, this is the place for you.

Home to many of the city’s finest independent traders, the West Quarter really is a gem in the crown of Exeter. All sorts of delightful nooks and crannies await visitors, offering unique, specialist and often one-off or small-run products.

In what is truly one of the most attractive parts of the city, the Quayside is popular with both locals and visitors alike. Just a short walk from the city centre, you will find the perfect blend of history, culture and shopping, making it a wonderful destination to while away the hours.

Other great hubs for those looking for fantastic independent shops and places to eat, include the globally-renowned Magdalen Road (recently voted by The Guardian as one of the Top 10 coolest places to shop in the world). Alternatively, why not visit Topsham, a gorgeous maritime town on the outskirts of Exeter with Estuary views and an excellent array of independent retailers, cafés and restaurants.

Castle Quarter

Castle Street | Gandy Street | Queen Street

An area steeped in history and culture with the Norman Exeter Castle and the adjoining historic gardens and streets.

Many consider Gandy Street to be one of the most charming, and interesting streets in Exeter. Just off the High Street, it is lined with bijou gift shops such as Moko, independent jewellers selling hand made jewellery, such as Silver Lion and Mantis and a selection of intimate wine bars and restaurants, such as Hatts.

Nearby, Queen Street has also a few shops of interest including Mortimers Jewellers and The Card Gallery, right next to the Guildhall's Shopping Centre entrance. Don't miss out on visiting the RAMM Shop, offering hand-picked gifts and unique craft items alongside books and affordable souvenirs for children. Gifts have been chosen which don’t appear at other places in the city so that The Shop at RAMM can offer an exclusive shopping experience inspired by the museum.

Castle Street is just a short stroll from Exeter's main High Street, and has some fantastic small independent shops, including Violette which sells handmade gifts and designer boutique Crede. Erin Cox Jewellers offers beautiful pieces of individual jewellery hand crafted on the premises.

The Exeter Castle courtyard is a popular venue for events and the annual food & drink festival.

Head to Northernhay Gardens for peace and quiet - this was England's first public garden and stretches for 7 acres from Queen Street to North Street.

Cathedral Quarter

Cathedral Yard | Cathedral Close | Catherine Street

The religious centre of Exeter with the magnificent Exeter Cathedral and unequalled townscape of Cathedral Close and Cathedral Yard. A superb meeting of church and town. 

Smart bars, restaurants and pavement cafes sit alongside unique fashion boutiques such as Elizabeth Ann, Orvis for sporting traditions and gentlemen's outfitters Lugets. In Deanery Place, just past the West front of the Cathedral, is Cakeadoodledo with its wonderful selection of homemade cakes and savouries to eat in or take away. Its courtyard is a lovely quiet oasis to sit in the sun.

On Catherine Street leading towards Princesshay, there are cafe's and bars to tempt you, including Milkmaid with its outdoor terrace, or the independent and award winning restaurant Lloyd's Kitchen.

Award winning restaurants overlook the magnificent sight of the Cathedral, lit up in the evening to provide a stunning backdrop. Restaurants include Ask, the ever popular Cote Brasserie, organic healthy eating at The Plant, and for breakfasts, lunchtime meals or light snacks the Tea on the Green.

West Quarter

Fore Street | Bridge Street | Bartholomew Street | South Street | North Street

This is a fascinating area of historic townscape with strong links to the woollen trade. A thriving specialist shopping area with plenty of unique shops to explore. There are superb views over the Exe valley from the City Wall in the West Quarter. 

There is no other street in the region like Fore Street. It has plenty of nooks, crannies and arcades to explore, with over 60 shops and eateries, including some exciting new restaurants such as @ Angela's and the Fat Pig. Everything here is unique. Visit Market Street for Nye Antiques, one of the south west's largest and most prestigious antiques shops. 

The Real McCoy has a massive collection of quality vintage and retro clothing for sale or hire. Manson's Guitar clients include Muse, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Oasis, Jethro Tull, McFly, Ash, and many other internationally recognised acts. Alternative lifestyle shops are well represented here too. 

Nearby, South Street is crammed with a host of small shops including trendy gear at Urban Surfer,  Trugs florists, specialist bridal wear shops, arts & crafts and a host of eateries, including Wetherspoon's George's Meeting House. 

In addition to this, North Street also has independent shops such as Roundel - an alternative clothing shop!

Quayside Area

Exeter's Historic Quayside is one of the most attractive areas of the city, popular with locals and visitors alike for its fascinating history, interesting architecture and lively pubs and restaurants. It is also just a 10 minute walk, or short bus ride, from the city centre. 

The Quayside has been enhanced to provide a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary design. It is the ideal place to browse in antique shops, walk and cycle, take a relaxing boat trip or find something good to eat. 

Just 10 minutes walk from the city centre are small local shops sited in historic cellars and bonded warehouse, such as Eclectique and Goodwood Cellars. Sited around the River Exe there's a mix of antiques and crafts shops, such as Quayside Crafts & Gifts and the Warehouse Gallery. You can hire bicycles and canoes from Saddles & Paddles to explore the River Exe and canal, or simply relax at one of the al fresco restaurants and cafes with waterside views.

Take the foot ferry or footbridge across to Piazza Terracina for watersports equipment at AS Watersports, or visit one of the mediterranean style cafes and restaurants, such as Bar Venezia. Don't forget to try the amazing award winning bread cooked by Emma at the Boatyard Cáfe and Bakery.

Other Areas to Shop

Sidwell Street | Magdalen Road | Topsham

Sidwell Street which follows on from the High Street, with key store John Lewis on its corner standing proud above the skyline. The street has market stalls on most days, plus a variety of independent shops and numerous cafes.

Magdalen Road is located just a few minutes walk from Cathedral Close and has about 20 unique shops. This independent shopping village is great for local food shopping with Bon Gout Delicatessen, Gibson's Plaice fishmongers, as well as unusual gifts and crafts at many specialist retailers.

The port of Topsham is crammed with small shops, fine galleries, jewellers, florists and designer clothing outlets. This is also a place to find all things nautical, second hand books, furniture, porcelain and lots of antiques! There are many places to have an excellent lunch or dinner here.

Just outside Topsham is Darts Farm Shopping Village, a multi-award winning farm shop and food hall, with lifestyle and gift departments.