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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. 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. Visit Exeter Quayside on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday during the summer holidays to take part in free creative activities, as part of the Summer at the Quayside programme!
15. Be inspired by the action from the Women's Rugby World Cup! Exeter is a host city for this historic tournament, and while tickets are still available and very reasonably priced, you can catch all of the action completely free, live on the big screen in the Princesshay fanzone!
Scroll down for more free attractions in Exeter.
Number of results: 54
, currently showing 22 to 42.
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.
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.
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.
Everything you need for a great day out in Devon is here. Lotstodo.co.uk is the website of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA), an organisation that represents the top attractions in Devon.
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.
Exeter
Victorian on the outside but a cornucopia of every era inside, a visit to this multi award-winning museum should not be missed.
Exeter
Discover Haldon Forest Park on two wheels with trails for every ability in our 3,500 acre woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter.
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 access…
Exeter
Popular with birdwatchers, walkers and picnickers, Belle Isle Park is a quiet riverside park easily accessible by foot or bicycle from Topsham Road or the Exeter Quay.
Teignmouth
Located on the estuary side of town, this charming beach takes you back to days gone by. Local fishermen mend nets, sand eels are caught, boats bob up and down with the tide and children splashing and playing.
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 Calthorpe…
Nr Exeter
Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Visit us for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Escape the crowds and experience the highest waterfall in Dartmoor…
Exeter
This reserve, part of the Exe Estuary SSSI, is sandwiched between the river Exe and the Exeter ship canal.
Exeter
The rich meadows and woodland are host to a wide range of wildlife which thrives in the quiet valleys. Most of the land is in private ownership but there is access to Belvedere Meadows Local Nature Reserve.All the roads and tracks within the estate…
Exeter
The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build the adjacent city walls.
Exeter
A haven for birdwatchers or just nature lovers, spend a day investigating the delights of the River Exe.
Exeter
Grade II listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, Rougemont Gardens were originally part of the defences of Exeter Castle. They were converted into gardens in the late 18th century, and purchased by the city council in 1912…
Exmouth Road, Aylesbeare
Aylesbeare is also important for its dragonflies, including the rare southern damselfly, and butterflies. It has the largest butterfly list of any RSPB reserve, with over 30 different species being regularly recorded. This area is also of considerabl
Dawlish
Within a short walk from the town centre, Dawlish Town Beach is ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of the town. Take a boat trip around the bay and spot the dolphins or see if you can catch a mackerel for tea off the breakwater.
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Experience the magic of Christmas in Exeter. Our historic city is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. The festivities start on the 14th November with the Christmas lights being turned on and 20th November sees the opening of the popular Cathedral Christmas Market.
Travel to Exeter by train, with Great Western Railway. Get inspiration with one of our suggested rail itineraries.
Exeter became the only UK destination in 2019 to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, recognised for its 1,000 year unbroken history of making books and popularising reading since the early 13th century.
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