Two thousand years in the making, Exeter might be a mid-sized city, but its bigger rivals don’t have a fraction of the history and atmosphere you’ll find here. If you’re looking for somewhere quirky and individual, with stunning surroundings, buzzing nightlife and a fantastic food and drink scene, look no further. Here’s the ultimate guide to this amazing Cathedral city in 2019.
Magical Food
Exeter has everything you could possibly want when it comes to food and drink, with all types of cuisine on offer, and some smart fine dining options in the more high-end places. You’ll want to make a beeline for the nearby Old Firehouse - it’s wildly popular with students, no doubt due to the rumours it was the inspiration for the Harry Potter pub The Leaky Cauldron, courtesy of University of Exeter graduate JK Rowling.
Arts & Culture
Dating back to 50 AD, Exeter has more history than you can shake a stick at. The city’s Gothic cathedral looms over a wealth of medieval and Georgian buildings, and you’ll find pieces of the original Roman settlement all around. As you’d expect from somewhere with such a rich past, there are countless walking tours and museums - the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is free-entry and covers thousands of years of Exeter’s fascinating heritage.
Sparkling Nightlife
Top of the list has to be The Timepiece Nightclub. It has been popular with students for 25 years, and for good reason - it’s quirky, unique and a great place to make new friends. There are plenty of other clubs and a good number of alternative venues for all you indie kids. All the clubs are based near to each other, a short walk from Clifford House so you can party hard knowing it’s only a short walk (or stumble) home.
Daytime Treats
Like people-watching? Exeter is packed full of cute independent cafes, whether you’re looking for gourmet coffee or reasonably-priced vegan snacks (you eco-friendly diners will soon become regulars at the always-welcoming Rabbit Vegan Cafe). On those sunny days, check out the quaint Riverside Cafe for some of the most scenic views in Southern England.
The Great Outdoors
And there’s plenty to do for outdoorsy types. Take a walk down the banks of the nearby River Exe or spend the day on one of the beautiful nearby sandy beaches. The quayside is the ideal spot for a long scenic cycle, or dive right in and go for a kayaking trip. The vast Dartmoor National Park is a short drive (or a decent cycle ride) away, perfect for all you explorers.
And there’s much more to Exeter than this. You’ll find something new and fascinating every day in this quirky city - and it’s all within a short walk of Clifford House.