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We know the school holidays can be an expensive time, so we have put together our top 15 ideas for things to do in Exeter this summer, completely free! Whatever the weather (although we're hoping this wonderful Devon sunshine lasts the whole summer!), there is plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. Plus there are some great free family events in Exeter over the summer holidays.
1. Visit Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and go on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day through 16 galleries of displays. With free entry & summer holiday activities, workshops and drop-in sessions, there is something for all ages.
2. Visit the library... Exeter Central Library runs regular family activities for all ages and is easily accessible from the city centre.
3. Join the famous Red Coat Guides on a walking tour of Exeter, to discover more about the fascinating and turbulent history of the city. Tours run daily throughout the year, with a wide range to choose from. There is no need to book – just turn up, tours last approx. 90 minutes.
4. ...Or if you prefer to do things at your own pace, follow one of Exeter’s self-guided heritage trails – kids can solve puzzles and quizzes along the way.
5. On warm days, pack your swimming stuff and head to Heavitree Park, which has paddling pools in which to play and cool down, or St Thomas Splash Pad, with water fountains, tipping buckets and cannons for plenty of water fun!
6. Visit the Custom House Visitor Centre on Exeter’s Quayside to learn more about the history of the Quayside through fascinating displays, exhibits and a short film - ‘Exeter, 2,000 years of history’.
7. Visit the bird hides at Bowling Green Marsh along the Exe Estuary Trail between Topsham and Darts Farm - perfect for a short, fairly flat scoot or cycle. Make your way to Darts Farm to pick up picnic bits and enjoy a play in their outdoor play area.
8. Film fans, head to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for interactive exhibits for children, or see a favourite film as part of the Odeon or Vue Kid’s Club – whilst not strictly free, tickets are still relatively cheap per person. There are kids screenings every Saturday and Sunday morning, plus every day during the school holidays.
9. Find space to run free! Head out of the city to Haldon Forest Park, where themed walking and cycling routes are well-signposted, or follow special trails aimed at families with small children. You will also find family-friendly marked trails at Stoke Woods, an old forest dating back to the Roman times on the edge of Exeter, or visit one of five Valley Parks in the city, all great for walking, kicking a football around or enjoying a family picnic.
10. Take a family bike ride following the route of the Exeter Canal... this flat, traffic-free route is great for families, plus you can stop off at the Double Locks pub for refreshments in the large, waterside beer garden with an outdoor play area!
11. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, to meet over 500 donkeys and enjoy interactive activities in the fantastic indoor visitor centre.
12. Visit St Nicholas Priory on a Sunday, 12 - 4pm to discover more about the Tudors, with regular free events which ring this historic building to life.
13. Head to the beach! Exeter is just a 20 minute journey by car, or a very scenic rail journey to the coastal resorts of Exmouth and Dawlish.
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14. On Sunday 7 July it's Exeter Festival Funday in the Park, a day of free entertainment and activity for all the family in Northernhay Gardens. A special Exeter Blue Boy trail will also be held on the day, a fun activity trial with things to find across the city to celebrate Exeter’s rich heritage and its famous Blue Boy statue.
15. Visit Exeter on Saturday 24 August for the Exeter Street Arts Festival, when the city's streets will be brought to life with colour, music and dancing. See the full list of free events in Exeter this summer here.
Scroll down for more free attractions in Exeter.
Number of results: 74
, currently showing 1 to 21.
Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) is one of Exeter City Council’s flagship services. RAMM is also supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Stunning displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global…
Exeter
The City's award winning Red Coat Guided Tours are provided by Exeter City Council and are the perfect way to explore Exeter, one of the oldest cities of England. Run by experienced qualified volunteer guides a variety of tours are available, each…
Prince of Wales Road, Exeter
A museum dedicated to the audience's experience of the moving image. Explore the visual culture from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe.
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is an ACE Accredited public museum dedicated to our experience of the moving image…
Sidmouth
With adventures for all the family, make memories that last a lifetime at The Donkey Sanctuary. Meet hundreds of friendly rescue donkeys for FREE and discover so much more besides.
Topsham
Managed by the RSPB, Bowling Green Marsh nature reserve is an area of coastal grazing marsh alongside the River Exe Estuary, on the outskirts of Topsham.
Exeter
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Exeter city centre then this is a great place to come and walk your dog and explore the woods following the two way-marked trails.
SEATON
Running 155km from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset is the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, selected by UNESCO because of its outstanding earth science interest.
Newton Abbot
This 4 hectare lake supports a wealth of water birds and an excellent assemblage of dragonflies and damselflies; 19 species have been recorded here including rarities.
Exeter
Riverside Valley Park extends for several miles through the city forming part of a major wildlife highway linking Exmoor to the sea. The character of the park changes down its length, becoming more informal and richer in wildlife. There are some…
Axmouth
If you're thinking of walking parts of the coastal path then the route from Axmouth to Lyme Regis is a good starting point with great views
Axe Estuary Wetlands
Sidmouth
Fire Beacon Hill is an area of lowland heath, which offers you a birds eye view of the surrounding countryside.
Exeter
One of Exeter’s most distinguished parks, the annual blossoming of Pinces Garden’s 45 metre wisteria arch is an unmissable spring event. Home to the Exeter Croquet Club and the Pinces Gardens’ Bowls club.
Exeter
This attractive 'island' of farmland within the City is located between Wonford and Rydon Lane and has marvellous views of the City and Estuary.
The park is a working farm on the edge of the busy city of Exeter. Many of the fields provide free…
Newton Abbot
Decoy Country Park provides an opportunity to enjoy exciting wildlife and beautiful countryside. Decoy was once a clay quarry but now supports a wealth of wildlife, with the main habitats found here.
Holcombe, Teignmouth
A small cove situated at the base of the cliffs between Teignmouth and Dawlish. A small isolated beach used primarily by local residents.
Dawlish
Rock pools to explore, occasional sightings of dolphins, brightly coloured painted beach huts, coupled with a sandy beach makes Coryton Cove a perfect day out.
Teign Valley
Situated to the north of the Teign Estuary, Little Haldon is particularly important for its large areas of lowland heath. Little Haldon is rich in wildlife and comprises two small areas of lowland heath.
Exeter
Popular family park with a wide range of recreational facilities including paddling pools, six tennis courts, basketball court, skate park, bmx track, bowling green and kick about area.
Exeter
This finger of countryside extends down from Stoke Hill between Mincinglake Road and Mile Lane.
The lower valley is wooded whilst the upper part comprises meadowland rich in wild flowers, butterflies and other insects. Access is either from…
Sidmouth
Sidmouth Beach is a beautiful expanse of sand and shingle beach, clean, accessible, and surrounded by awe inspiring cliffs, perfect for families to spend a day.
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