English country cottages in Exeter,
holiday cottages and accommodation in The South West

Exeter

Exeter, Devon's ancient capital, is situated just to the north-east of Dartmoor and can be reached by air, rail or road. There's a dramatic cathedral, historic keyside, Roman City walls and the impressive Guildhall - reputedly the oldest civic working building in England. There are also plenty of modern bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs which give Exeter a lively feel in the evenings.

With a population of around 110,000, many of whom are students, Exeter is a city which happily combines its historic origins with a modern vibe. Mol's coffee house and the Ship Inn were favourite haunts of Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. The Exeter Phoenix is a thriving contemporary arts centre; regularly hosting high quality theatre, dance and live music productions from around the world. There are also visual art exhibitions to be enjoyed, and a trendy café bar to relax in. For shoppers, the narrow streets winding away from the beautiful cathedral lead to one of the best shopping centres in the South West. If you arrive in Exeter before heading off to a more remote spot, consider staying the night at one of its many hotels or B&Bs or rent a self-catering holiday cottage in Exeter for a short break or longer holiday.

Devon's great for family holidays, and if you're in the Exeter area then Crealy Adventure Park, just outside the city, is worth a trip. There's a pet's corner, magic demonstrations, shows, rides, boats and nature trails to enjoy. While you're in this area you can also have a boat ride on the River Exe and the Exe Estuary. From Exeter itself you can take a trip four miles down the river to Topsham, which specialises in antiques and galleries. With an unusual, complex ecosystem the Exe Estuary is known for its wildlife and is home to many wetland birds and a population of resident seals. For serious birdwatchers there are dedicated birdwatcher cruises which include commentary from ornithologists. You can also go walking along one of the many paths around the edge of the estuary; at low tide you'll gaze across the huge area of mud bank known as cockle sand, which becomes covered by a vast expanse of water at high tide. There are a range of holiday homes to rent near Exeter - great if you are visiting a child studying at the university or want a superb base for exploring the city or the rest of Devon.

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