Exeter

About Exeter

Exeter is a city with a history that dates way back to Roman times when the Romans established the fort of Isca Dumnoriorum. Growing modestly during the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods, Exeter became a commercial and administrative centre that still serves much of Devon today. The early settlements are still visible in the city’s Roman wall, medieval streets and buildings scattered throughout the city.

The city is particularly well known for Exeter Cathedral, historic quayside and its large university. The lively atmosphere is complimented by its compactness, adding a charming, almost metropolitan flair on certain busy days.

Getting Around Exeter

Exeter is easy to experience simply by walking. Most of the city’s many hotels, restaurants and pubs are centrally located, offering good transport routes further afield. The city centre is a bit hilly, so it’s a good idea to pack a pair of comfy walking shoes.

Exeter St Davids acts as the city’s principal railway station. There you can catch direct services to London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads and destinations further west towards Plymouth and Cornwall. The other main station is Exeter Central, located on Queen Street. It connects Exeter with destinations towards London Waterloo and many other local rail stations.

You can also travel to Exeter via the local and national bus network. Services within the city link the centre with other areas, from the university to the airport and surrounding suburbs.

If you’re arriving for a project management training course by air, you might land at Exeter Airport. Located east of the city, it offers bus services connecting the airport to the city centre. If you’re driving, then the M4 is typically your best pick for a quick route to Exeter.

Famous Places and Landmarks

Exeter Cathedral, located at 1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS, dominates the historic centre and provides the city’s most recognisable landmark. Construction of a purpose-built cathedral on the present site began in 1114, while major rebuilding between 1270 and 1350 created much of the Gothic building visitors see today. The cathedral also contains what is described as the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic vaulted ceiling.

A short walk away on Queen Street (Exeter EX4 3RX), the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) bring together collections covering archaeology, local history, fine art and natural sciences. Its galleries are a fun option for spending an hour or two after a busy project management training session or before dinner.

Exeter Quayside offers a different side to the city. It is home to many restaurants and cafes, and is a popular place to absorb the city’s history alongside modern inspirations.

Exeter provides a good mix of chain hotels, boutique options, and budget-friendly accommodation. Here are some options:

Premier Inn Exeter City Centre hotel

2 Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1SG

A practical option on Southernhay Gardens. The location puts you close to the business district, the Exeter Central railway station, and the High Street, while keeping costs more manageable than at many premium hotels.

Holiday Inn Express Exeter – City Centre by IHG

Tudor Street, Exeter EX4 3FL

Located on Tudor Street, this hotel suits delegates who want straightforward business accommodation near Exeter Quay and the western side of the city centre. Paid parking is available and a good breakfast selection.

Hotel Indigo Exeter by IHG

3 Catherine Street, Exeter EX1 1EU

Hotel Indigo Exeter offers a boutique alternative with a historic setting. The 4-star hotel is housed in the historic former Colson’s department store, with roots dating back to 1792. Located on Catherine Street, it offers great access to the main city shopping area.

Premier Inn Exeter Central St Davids hotel

Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 4BG

If you’re taking the train to Exeter St. David’s, this hotel is right opposite the station, making it an excellent choice to avoid dragging luggage. There’s also easy walking access to the city centre, and the rooms are clean and spacious.

Leonardo Hotel Exeter

Western Way, Exeter EX1 2DB

Leonardo Hotel Exeter is another budget-friendly option with straightforward access to the city centre. The Princess Hay shopping quarter is just a two-minute walk away, rooms are spacious and there are good breakfast options.

You do not need an ambitious sightseeing schedule to enjoy Exeter during a training week. The city lends itself to shorter activities after the day’s work is done, whether that means dinner near Cathedral Green, a film, a theatre performance or an evening walk beside the River Exe.

Restaurants

Harry’s at 86 Longbrook Street, Exeter EX4 6AP caters to all with its excellent seasonal menus. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of Queen Street and the northern city centre. Great for solo diners or bigger groups.

For those who enjoy French cuisine, visit Cote Exeter at 9-21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HB. This brasserie chain is open all day with excellent outdoor seating for summer days.

For those who want to enjoy riverside scenes, Crave is a modern, quirky establishment offering seasonal dishes and known for its impressive cocktails. Find it at 38 Commercial Road, Exeter EX2 4AE.

For something more stylish (and more expensive) try Stage at 31 Magdalen Rd, Exeter EX2 4TA, which is featured in the Michelin Guide. Perfect if you like modern, tasting menus with seasonal and foraged ingredients.

Finally, Bill’s at 32-33 Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS is another popular pick for an uncomplicated meal. They have separate menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can either start your day or finish it off with their excellent food.

Entertainment

Aside from historic sightseeing options, Exeter offers plenty of entertainment.

Exeter Northcott Theatre, located at Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QB on a University of Exeter campus, has a varied programme of theatre and live performance to choose from. Although slightly outside the immediate centre, buses regularly run close by. A more central venue on Market Street, Exeter EX1 1BW is the Exeter Corn Exchange. For art lovers, head over to Exeter Phoenix at Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS to experience live music and art exhibitions.

We also recommend Exeter’s medieval Underground Passages for a unique outing. Builders created these passages to carry pipes supplying fresh water to medieval Exeter, and they remain the only passages of their kind open to the public in Britain.

If you would rather keep the evening itinerary carefree, walk from Cathedral Green down towards the Quayside and River Exe. Exeter’s compact centre means you can see some of its most attractive historic areas, get fresh air and still return to your hotel without turning the evening into a scheduled outing.