Exeter, Devon
Exeter is Devon’s county town and actually, one of only two cities in the whole county. It’s a lovely place to be, bustly streets with fantastic shopping areas, plenty to see and do, good places to eat, and just such a nice, laid back ambience. Shopaholics will find some bargains no doubt in the big name stores in Princesshay and along the main street; get down the side streets and down over the hill and it all gets a bit more kooky, with some wonderful independent shops.
If you prefer to explore and discover a bit about the places you visit, well, there’s plenty to find in Exeter. The city has so much history! There’s the glorious Gothic cathedral, several medieval churches, and the Guildhall, which bears the status of being the oldest functioning civic building in the UK. For those who dare, you can take a tour of the medieval underground passages deep beneath the streets, constructed in the 14th century to bring clean drinking water into the city. Find out more at the RAM Museum where you can also see an Egyptian mummy, meet Gerald the Giraffe and see a full size polar bear and African elephant.
If you fancy a respite from the busy city centre, take a stroll through Rougemont Gardens to the castle ruins, or go down to the Quay where the air is seriously relaxed; have a drink outside one of the bars, watch the ducks waddling about and folk out on the water rowing, kayaking or paddleboarding.
It’s highly likely that you’ll want to stop for a bite to eat whilst you’re in Exeter, and what a choice you’ll have; Harry’s Restaurant gets good reviews, The Oddfellows does an amazing Sunday roast, and Al Farid Restaurant promises you divine and delicious authentic Arabian food.
All information correct at the time of writing