10 Best Things to Do in Exeter

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum houses massive collections showcasing natural history, antiquities, art, cultures of the world and zoology. Housed in a historical building that dates back to the mid-19th century, this museum has a wide variety of exhibits, making it one of the most diverse attractions you can visit in the city.

In the museum, you'll find works by Thomas Gainsborough and Barbara Hepworth. Of course, you can also examine Japanese samurai armor, prehistoric axes and even a 14th-century Exeter puzzle pitcher.

Historic Quayside is a hub for year-round activities and one of the most picturesque spots in town, being located on the Exe and Exeter Ship Canal. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll always find something happening here, from outdoor concerts to charity runs.

You can also explore the oldest brick building in the city, which dates back to the late 17th century and still has its cannons set up out front, making it perfect for a photo. Of course, biking along the water or venturing out in a kayak are among the most popular activities in the area.

Guildhall is an impressive medieval structure that features a combination of stylish architectural designs. One of the most noticeable aspects of the Guildhall is the Italian Renaissance facade and its Corinthian columns.

Inside, you'll find wooden walls that showcase the coats of arms of past former council members, while the beamed ceiling features intricate carvings of strange beasts that you can see during a tour of the building.

Cathedral Close is a historical landmark dating back to Roman times that will let you explore a bit of what the city looked like in times long past. You'll find several Grade I listed buildings, along with a cathedral and 2 iconic churches.

The coffee house here is especially interesting, as it depicts almost exactly what it looked like in 1596, complete with its wooden balcony and pairs of bay windows. Visiting this area is like visiting the past, as you're surrounded by historical splendor.

Exeter's Underground Passages offer the unique and satisfying experience of exploring the tunnels that lie beneath the city's streets, where you can see masons' marks dating back hundreds of years.

Just make sure you're wearing a hardhat throughout the trip to stay safe. Additionally, you can check out the heritage center, where you'll find artifacts such as remnants of the old lead pipes that used to run underneath the city. Even displays showcasing historical hydraulic systems can be found here.

The Rougemont Gardens are a historically significant and vibrant paradise for travelers looking for a stroll through greenery. Originally, the gardens were included as part of the defenses of Exeter Castle, and you can still see the ditch that was originally dug nearly a thousand years ago.

Within the gardens themselves, you'll find historical remnants such as part of the city wall from when Exeter was a Roman city, as well as pieces of the castle built by William the Conqueror.

The Bill Douglas Movie theater Museum showcases numerous artifacts from the history of movie, including magic lanterns, shadow puppets, cameras and even Hollywood memorabilia. The museum is part of the University of Exeter, but anyone can visit without having to pay any kind of admission fee.

This museum is unique in that it covers both the cultural impact of movie and the technical side of production, offering valuable insight into actors, magazines and culture while also showcasing equipment like wax phonograph cylinders, hand panorama reels and much more.

Haldon Forest Park comprises 3,500 hectares of pine and hardwood forest between the River Teign and the Exe, perfect for an outdoor adventure for adults and kids alike. Within this forest, you'll find an expanse of walking and bike paths winding through the trees and offering stunning views of the vibrant greenery.

You can even hire a bike at the ranger's office. Some of the trails are crafted with young kids in mind, so they're easy to traverse and often feature additional activities. Don't forget to check out the high ropes course if you're feeling particularly daring.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the ideal destination for families to enjoy more than 60 rides along with shows and just about anything else you'd expect from a fairground. Located in the countryside, this adventure park offers fun for kids as far as the eye can see, including swings, coasters, splash rides and more.

You'll even find an animal barn that contains farm animals with some more odd creatures among them as well. The park also contains an insect exhibit with specimens like Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

The Topsham Museum showcases vessels that are hundreds of years old and provides some insight into what life was like in the 17th century. The Topsham Museum currently stands on what was once a popular shipbuilding site where famous 19th-century warships like the HMS Terror were built.

You can learn all about that history through the museum's exhibits, with some smaller vessels on display that journeyed on the Exe in times past. Many of the rooms in the museum have been set up in period style to showcase what life was like in this row of merchants' houses when the area was a shipbuilding powerhouse.