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Exeter Cathedral Exeter is the county town of Devon and historically the administrative capital of the south-west peninsula. A historic mid-sized cathedral city with a good blend of arts, education, retail and history.

In AD 50 a Roman military base was built at a strategic crossing point on the banks of the river Exe, seven years after the Roman invasion of Britain. The settlement quickly gained in importance as the administrative centre for the Dunmommi tribe once the legionnaires left. Indeed, its Roman name, Isca Dumnomiorum, means "town of the Dumnonii (Devonian) tribe". Parts of the original Roman walls can still be seen today. The city continued to hold regional significance through the turbulent Dark Ages, being twice captured by the invading Vikings. Following the Norman Conquest, the inhabitants rebelled against William the Conqueror, who laid siege and subsequently built Rougemount Castle to ensure future compliance. During the renaissance period it developed into an economically powerful city through the wool industry, and a period of rapid growth commenced. Later, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, industry was driven by water power from the River Exe. It remained a significant seaport (courtesy of its Ship Canal) until the age of steam, but there was no major industrialisation in the later 19th century. The city was badly damaged in an incendiary bombing raid on the High Street and surrounding areas in 1942, and although post-war reconstruction has been limited, a number of interesting buildings remain.

Now Exeter is the commercial and service centre for a largely agricultural hinterland, with a population of around 110,000. Good facilities for tourists exist, but tourism does not dominate; regularly voted among the top 3 cities in the UK for quality of life.

Exeter Clock Tower

City walls - some date to Roman times and there are easily-accessible remnants next to Rougemont Gardens.
Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, EX1 1HS, +44 1392 255573. And the Cathedral Green; Exeter's top attraction and a very beautiful gothic building. The cathedral lays claim to having the longest unbroken stone roof beam of any building in the world. The Cathedral Green opposite can be a good place to chill out on in the summer, ideal for an inexpensive picnic. Adult £8.50, senior/student £6, child free.
Guildhall, High St, Exeter, EX4 3EB. Claimed to be the oldest municipal building in England still serving its original purpose.
Historic quayside including the 17th-century Custom House., which has been renovated as a headquarters for the city's archaeological service.
Medieval churches in the city centre:
- St Martin's.
- St Mary Arches.
- St Mary Steps.
- St Olave's.
- St Petrock's.
- St Stephen's.
Parliament Street. The world's second most narrow street at 1.22 metres (4 ft) wide.
Rougemont Castle, Castle St, EX4 3PU, +44 1392 420703. The grounds and the remaining Norman structures are open to the public, but the central part of the castle has been retired from service as an Assize Court. It is now a wedding and events venue with holiday lets.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen St EX4 3RX, +44 1392 265858. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. A museum and art gallery. Free.
St Nicholas Priory, Mint Lane EX4 3BL. Su 13:00-16:00. The 900-year-old guest wing of a former Benedictine Priory, furnished as the 1602 home of a prosperous family. Free.
Underground passages, 2 Paris St, EX1 1GA, +44 1392 665887. One-hour tours are easily arranged of the city's unique medieval (and now out of use) water system. Not for the claustrophobic! The entrance can be found next to the Princesshay shopping development. It is open all year, £4.90 adults, £3.40 children.
University of Exeter. Parkland campuses and sculpture walk.
Killerton, Broadclyst, EX5 3LE (8 miles north of Exeter, +44 1392 881345.
Met Office open days, Fitzroy Rd, EX1 3PB, +44 370 900 0100 (inside the UK), +44 1392 885680 (outside the UK). The Met Office hosts occasional public tours via open days for visitors aged 10 and over. Part of the tour includes the Met Office's National Meteorological Library which has a small museum dedicated to the Met Office's history including artifices such as Robert Fitzroy's equipment. Photography and recording is strictly prohibited.

City walls - some date to Roman times and there are easily-accessible remnants next to Rougemont Gardens.

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, EX1 1HS, +44 1392 255573. And the Cathedral Green; Exeter's top attraction and a very beautiful gothic building. The cathedral lays claim to having the longest unbroken stone roof beam of any building in the world. The Cathedral Green opposite can be a good place to chill out on in the summer, ideal for an inexpensive picnic. Adult £8.50, senior/student £6, child free.

Guildhall, High St, Exeter, EX4 3EB. Claimed to be the oldest municipal building in England still serving its original purpose.

Historic quayside including the 17th-century Custom House., which has been renovated as a headquarters for the city's archaeological service.