Local Information
Exeter is the official capital city of the county of Devon and remains one of the UK's
most important centres for education, religion, medicine, culture and commerce. The city
also welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year on the lookout for the essential
Southwest England Experience. Home to the Met Office and countless businesses, Exeter is one
of the most buoyant economies in the country, and the new Science Park is bound to bring
even more high-tech industries to the region.
If nothing else were to be found in the city, a visit to Exeter would be worthwhile for
its stunning Saxon Abbey alone. Exeter Cathedral dates back to the 7th Century when the two
towers were built - the nave then following during the 14th Century. However, the stonemasons
who built this landmark Christian site also hedged their bets slightly too - Exeter Cathedral
has more depictions of the ancient Pagan 'Green Man' than any other church in the UK!
Head into Cathedral Green and discover a wonderful ring of charming historic buildings,
which today house a diverse variety of art galleries, book shops, antique stores and pubs
which appear to have been frozen in time. The area has in the large part remained
practically unchanged in over a century.
Britain's very first hotel can also be found nearby, the famous Royal Clarence. A stay
here makes an ideal base to explore some of the nearby towns and villages such as Newton Abbot
or Honiton
(perfect for antique hunting and its famous lace), or as a gateway to dramatic Dartmoor
just a few miles to the south.
The town centre is simply bursting with history and it is difficult not to picture the
visitors Exeter has played host to over the years, including Clark Gable, Thomas Hardy and
Admiral Nelson to name but a few. Meanwhile, sports fans can catch a thrilling game of
rugby at the Exeter Chief's ground.
This quintessentially English city offers an equally English experience when it comes
to dining options, therefore any visitor looking to sample British classics at their
finest with locally sources produce will be in their element. The region is also
famous for some of the finest ales and cheeses imaginable.