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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 1 to 21.
Sidmouth
Bring out the best in your herd and make memories that last a lifetime at The Donkey Sanctuary. Meet hundreds of adorable rescue donkeys for FREE and discover so much more besides.
Exeter
Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities.
The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World…
Exeter
Find out more about the city’s turbulent history on a free guided walking tour with the Red Coat Guides, running daily throughout the year.
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 the latest blockbusters.
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is an ACE Accredited public museum dedicated to our experience of the…
Exeter
Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.
Exeter
The Custom House Visitor Centre is in the centre of Exeter's historic quayside & occupies one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront.
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 reserve, part of the Exe Estuary SSSI, is sandwiched between the river Exe and the Exeter ship canal.
Shaldon
A mix of shingle and sand, the beach gently shelves towards the estuary mouth with views over Teignmouth and towards Dartmoor. Very popular with local families.
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
Aylesbeare Common is a large area of lowland heath. Both wet and dry areas of heath occur, together with small springs and flushes. These habitats support a diverse flora. As well as heather and its relatives, plants such as heath dog violet and…
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.
Yelverton
Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heatherclad moors and rugged tors.
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…
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
Exeter's Historic Quayside is the most attractive area in the city, popular with locals & visitors for its fascinating history, pubs & restaurants.
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.
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…
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.
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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.
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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.
Read the latest blogs here, including guest articles and top tips from locals!
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