A weekend in Exeter

A cathedral city with Roman walls, hidden passages and a lively quayside

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Exeter is the cathedral city of Devon, with a Gothic cathedral famous for the longest unbroken medieval vaulted ceiling in the world. It has Roman and medieval walls, a lively quayside and a thriving food and university scene.

It is a good base for Dartmoor, the Jurassic Coast and the south Devon beaches, and has direct trains from London and Bristol.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Food lovers, Wet-weather days

Best time to goAny time of year. The cathedral and museums suit wet days, and the quay is lovely in summer.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBristol: About 1 hour by train, or about 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Exeter

Plan your weekend in Exeter

Top attractions in Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

A magnificent Gothic cathedral with a very long vaulted ceiling and an astronomical clock.

The Underground Passages

Medieval vaulted tunnels beneath the streets, built to carry water, open for guided tours.

The Quayside

A restored historic quay with cafes, pubs and canoe hire.

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum

A wide-ranging museum and art gallery in the city centre.

The Roman city wall

A walkable section of the old city wall, parts of which date from Roman times.

Best things to do in Exeter

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Tintagel Castle visit

Tintagel Castle is a ruined fortress on a dramatic Cornish headland, linked by legend with King Arthur. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Seafood in Padstow

Padstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Exeter

The city centre

Close to the cathedral, shops and restaurants.

The Quayside

A lively riverside area with pubs and cafes.

St Davids

The district around the railway station, with good transport links.

Best hotels in Exeter

Prices for a double room in Exeter typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Exeter

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Exeter

Any time of year. The cathedral and museums suit wet days, and the quay is lovely in summer.

Seasons that suit Exeter well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Exeter

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Exeter

From Bristol: About 1 hour by train, or about 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
From London: About 2 hours by train from Paddington or Waterloo.
From Plymouth: About 1 hour by car or train.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Exeter

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The city centre.
Saturday: Start with Exeter Cathedral, then The Underground Passages. In the afternoon, head to The Quayside.
Sunday: Visit The Royal Albert Memorial Museum or The Roman city wall, then head home.

Packing list for Exeter

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The Underground Passages need booking at busy times.
Parking in the centre is limited, so use a park and ride.
The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.

Exeter weekend FAQs

Is Exeter worth a weekend?

Yes. It has history, a vibrant food scene and excellent transport links, and makes a good base for Devon.

Can I visit Dartmoor from Exeter?

Yes. Dartmoor is about 30 minutes away by car, with buses to some villages.

More weekend ideas

DartmoorDevon

Granite tors, wild ponies and ancient woodland

TotnesDevon

A bohemian market town on the River Dart, with a Norman castle

ExmoorSomerset and Devon

Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky

Jurassic Coast (Lyme Regis)Dorset

A World Heritage coast of cliffs, fossils and natural arches

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best UK city breaks for a weekend · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.