A trip to Exeter doesn’t have to break the bank! 🏛️
There’s plenty of culture, history and adventures to discover in this great city for £10 or less. Plus, you’ll save even more when you stay at one of our hotels near Exeter! From Roman walls and secret underground passages to forest walks and beach days, here are 10 things to do for £10 or less in Exeter.
1. Visit Exeter Cathedral
£10 for adults, £8 for students and seniors, under 18s go free
Exeter’s magnificent cathedral is over 900 years old and steeped in fascinating history, with beautiful architecture to match. Inside, you’ll find stunning Gothic features, Norman towers and the longest Gothic vaulting in the world (measuring 100 metres!).
The cathedral is also home to the largest and highest bishop’s throne canopy ever constructed, as well as an astronomical clock and medieval tombs. In other words, this place is a must-visit if you want to marvel at record-breaking feats of architecture and craftsmanship.
2. Walk the Exeter City Walls
Free
Did you know that over 70% of Exeter’s original Roman walls are still standing? Constructed almost 1,800 years ago, the walls are built from a range of local stone and are completely free to explore. Grab a leaflet from the Exeter Custom House Visitor Centre and take a self-guided tour around the City Wall Trail.
Information panels help bring Exeter’s medieval history to life, but if you’d prefer a free guided walking tour, check out the Red Coat Guides timetable. As the walls form a near-complete circuit around the original city, they’re a great way to get your bearings if you’re visiting for the first time.
3. Explore Exeter’s Underground Passages
£9 for adults, £7 for seniors and students, £6 for children
Underneath Exeter’s streets lies a network of medieval passages that once housed pipes that carried clean drinking water into the walled city. As the only tunnels of this kind open to the public in Britain, they promise a thrilling morning or afternoon of exploration packed with history. Don your hard hat and prepare to learn about everything from world wars to plagues as you explore one of Exeter’s most fascinating attractions.
4. Explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Free
Explore the whole world and journey back through time – for free! The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery is the ultimate family day out, with everything from natural science collections to historic costumes and textiles. Don’t miss the taxidermied animal collection, which includes giraffes, tigers and elephants. And there are plenty of exhibitions for the culture vultures too, with internationally renowned collections ranging from fine art to antiquities. With a cosy cafe on site, it’s the ultimate rainy-day destination!
5. Picnic in Rougemont Gardens
Free
Tucked behind the remains of Exeter Castle, the Rougemont Gardens are a Grade II listed green space that once helped defend the royals who lived there. After being converted into a garden in the late 18th century, the historic charm of the stonework still stands, only now it’s surrounded by beautifully-kept flowerbeds. Admission is free, so grab a blanket and a good book, pack some picky bits and head to Rougemont Gardens for the perfect picnic.
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6. Browse Exeter Farmers’ Market
Free
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On the third Saturday of each month, head to Piazza Terracina to peruse Exeter’s only farmers’ market. Chat with producers and browse a fantastic array of locally grown and sourced meats, vegetables, pies and flowers. The market is open from 9am to 1pm and there are plenty of lovely cafes nearby to grab a drink before you go for a mooch.
7. Catch a cult classic film at Exeter Phoenix
£9 for standard tickets, £7 for members, £5 for students/under 25s
Exeter Phoenix is the city’s creative hub, where you’ll find art galleries, gigs, comedy nights, expert talks and more. It’s also home to Studio 74 – a solar-powered cinema whose solar panels have powered the screening of over 4000 films so far! And the place isn’t just eco-friendly, it’s wallet-friendly too. Standard tickets are £9, but students and under-25s pay just £5 for a seat. Enjoy a locally-sourced bite to eat or pre-show drinks at the venue’s vibrant cafe.
8. Browse Exeter’s Quayside Antiques Centre
Free
Love to thrift? You never know what you’ll find at Exeter’s Quayside Antiques Centre, situated in a huge waterside warehouse. This place is a genuine treasure trove, where dealers sell everything from glassware and jewellery to furniture and books. Rummaging through the vintage stalls and chatting to the knowledgeable sellers is all part of the fun. And when you’re done, you can wander along the quayside and watch paddleboarding enthusiasts glide by.
9. Cycle or walk the Exe Estuary Trail
Free
Stretching a huge 26 miles around the Exe Estuary, this beautiful trail links Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish. It’s mostly flat and mostly paved, making it great for cyclists and walkers of all abilities. Plus, it’s dotted with quaint riverside villages, bird reserves and open countryside, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained on your trip around. Tackle the full loop if you’re feeling active, or enjoy a more leisurely stroll, stopping off at the various waterside pubs en route.
10. Discover the Exeter Guildhall
Free entry, £7.50 for a guided tour
The Exeter Guildhall is like the Westminster of Exeter and has been the centre of local council and civic life for over 800 years! Its beautiful architecture and opulent Victorian interiors make it a must-visit for design lovers. You’ll find intricate wooden panelling, statement chandeliers and classical artworks inside. Entry is free, but you can upgrade to a guided tour for £7.50 to learn more about the building’s colourful history (with tea, coffee and biscuits included!).
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