Summer in Exeter

Summer has well and truly arrived in Exeter, and come rain or shine there's lots going on across our city to keep everyone entertained. Whether it's a day visit, weekend break or something a little longer, visit Exeter for a truly memorable experience this summer season.

Exeter is the place to be this summer as the city plays host to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs, will be staging seven matches, including two huge quarter-final games, and tickets are on sale now. You'll also be able to catch all of the action on the big screen, at the official Princesshay fanzone.

Summer at the Quayside returns on 29th July, bringing free family activities to the quayside every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday over the school summer holidays. There's also Jazz on the Quay every Sunday in July and August in the Transit Shed, a free afternoon of music featuring some of the best local jazz bands. Following a successful launch last year, the Quayside Shanty Festival is back on 13th September. It's one for all the family, promising a fantastic day and evening of folk songs of the sea, performed by some colourful characters.

Returning for its 22nd year, Princesshay and Exeter Phoenix present Big Screen in the City at Princesshay Square from 25th - 29th August. The open-air cinema will have something for everyone, including blockbuster hits, cult classics, family favourites and musical sing-alongs.

If the summer weather decides to be rather British, there's still plenty to do indoors. Visitors to RAMM can go totally 'Wild' as a new exhibition comes to Exeter's award-winning museum. Exploring our relationship with the natural world and unique approaches to environmental recovery, visitors will be introduced to five wild places across the globe and hear a diverse range of voices. Across the summer holidays there's also lots of great family fun activities and workshops to keep the young ones entertained (and educated.)

For a truly unique and memorable Exeter experience then you can venture beneath the city's streets on a guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages! They are the only passages of this kind open to the public in Britain!

Exeter's Red Coat Guides continue to deliver a packed programme of tours throughout the summer season, and the best part is they're FREE. Running daily, they make for the perfect way to discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England. 

Pack your picnic and join Exeter Phoenix outdoors this summer as Theatre in the Park is back, with performances of theatre and spoken word in the beautiful setting of Rougemont Gardens. Promoting a greener, and more sustainable future, Exeter Phoenix’s Green Phoenix Festival also makes a welcome return on 6th July.

Legendary British band Duran Duran and electronic dance act Basement Jaxx bring their headline shows to Powderham Presents this summer. There's also a great line-up of shows at theatres across the city, including Exeter's Corn Exchange which sees a number of tribute acts taking to the stage.

For those lazy summer days, and a little escapism, Exeter offers plenty of green and open spaces that make for a perfect picnic spot and surrounded by historic architecture. Alternatively there's a great choice of cafes and restaurants ready to welcome you this summer, many of which have outdoor space for al fresco dining, and showcase locally produced food and drink on their menus - follow the Exeter Food & Drink Trail to discover some of the best Devon produce in and around Exeter!

From rollercoasters to indoor adventure play, water rides to zoo and farm animals, Crealy Theme Park has everything you need for the ultimate family day out, whatever the weather.

For a little escapism and the great outdoors, explore family-friendly walking and cycle trails at Haldon Forest Park. Overlooking Exeter and Dartmoor National Park, the 3,500 acre site is also home to Go Ape! where you can swing through the trees and brave the high ropes

If the summer weather plays kind then the magical gardens at RHS Rosemoor make for a wonderful day out while the National Trust's Killerton House offers glorious landscaped gardens surrounded by parkland. Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon, and home to the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park.

Exeter is the perfect base for exploring the amazing South Devon coastline and surrounding countryside this summer. Leave the car behind and take the train along the river to Exmouth, gateway to the Jurassic Coast and where you can also set sail with Stuart Line Cruises for a relaxing and scenic cruise around the waters of the River Exe. Head in the opposite coastal direction to explore the seaside towns of Dawlish and Teignmouth. Our Sea Moor City guide has lots of inspiration for days out by train.

Scroll down to see a list of what's on in Exeter this summer!