Best things to do in Exeter

Exeter Essentials

Exeter’s 2,000-year history is showcased through its architectural landmarks, from the 11th-century Gothic cathedral with the world's longest vaulted ceiling to the Norman-era Rougemont Castle. The city features unique medieval structures like the 14th-century Guildhall and the timber-framed "House That Moved," which was relocated in 1961. Cultural highlights include the Victorian-era Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the functional 13th-century Cricklepit Mill. Historical ruins and riverside pubs like The Mill On The Exe complete this look at the city's heritage.

Exeter Essentials — Map

Phillip Capper / CC BY 2.0

A

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral, properly known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is an Anglican cathedral, and the seat of the Bishop of…

Chris Downer / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

The House That Moved

This 14th-century timber-framed merchant's house was physically moved 70 meters in 1961 to make way for a new road. It is one of the oldest residential buildings in Exeter.

C

Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Housed in a Victorian Gothic building, this museum contains diverse collections covering zoology, anthropology, and local history, including Roman artifacts discovered within the city.

D

Guildhall

A Grade I listed building dating back to the 14th century, used as the center of Exeter's civic life for over 600 years. It features a distinctive Tudor frontage and an ornate timber roof.

Totnesmartin / Public domain

E

Rougemont Castle Gatehouse

Built shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1068, this gatehouse is the oldest surviving part of Rougemont Castle and is famously mentioned in Shakespeare's Richard III.

F

Cricklepit Mill

A restored watermill and the headquarters of the Devon Wildlife Trust. It features working waterwheels and a wildlife garden on the site of a mill dating back to the 13th century.

Michelle Harding / CC-BY-SA

G

St Catherine's Almshouses

The ruins of a 15th-century almshouse and chapel, partially destroyed during the 1942 Exeter Blitz. The site provides a look into medieval social care and city history.

H

St Michael and All Angels' Church

St Michael and All Angels Church, on Mount Dinham in Exeter is an Anglican church in Devon, England. It is a Grade I listed building.

I

The Mill On The Exe

A converted paper mill situated on the banks of the River Exe, now operating as a pub and restaurant with a large riverside terrace and views of the weir.

Michelle Harding / CC-BY-SA

J

The Old Firehouse

A traditional pub housed in a former fire station, known for its rustic atmosphere and candlelit interiors. It is often cited as a local inspiration for the Harry Potter series.

Other Lists

Exeter's Cultural Highlights Exeter's Hidden Gardens & Memorials Historic Sites in Exeter Parks and Gardens