Living in Exeter: area guide - Zoopla

Your guide to moving to Exeter

Why Exeter is a good place to live

The second largest city in Devon, Exeter city has a welcoming vibe and a bustling energy.

Just 36 miles from the city of Plymouth and 65 miles south west of Bristol, Exeter enjoys lively markets and a rich cultural scene, with plenty of theatres, museums, galleries and festivals.

The scenic River Exe runs through the centre of the city and the Barley Valley Nature Reserve is just next door.

Shopping here is excellent, with independent boutiques, antique and food markets and all the high street faves.

The city also has plenty of green spaces to enjoy, including the Flowerpot Playing Fields, River Exe Country Park and the Riverside Valley Park, while offering easy access to beautiful beaches, Dartmoor National Park and the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What's Exeter famous for?

Sometimes known as the 'capital city of Devon', Exeter is famous for its huge Gothic cathedral, built in 1342, which looms over a row of medieval terraced houses near the city's ancient walls.

Exeter Quay is a beautiful part of the city that's famous for watersports and great places to eat and drink.

Exeter also boasts a prestigious university that's part of the Russell Group and famous alumni include J K Rowling, Radiohead's Thom York and Zara Tindall.

Things to do in Exeter

Exeter's proximity to beautiful areas is one of the things that makes it so special.

The Dartmoor National Park and Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all within easy reach, as are Exmouth beach, Budleigh Salterton Beach, Branscombe Beach and Dawlish Warren.

Culture vultures will love the Cathedral and former monastery Exeter Priory, as well as the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Exeter Quayside.

And be sure to check out the narrowest street in the country: Parliament Street, alongside The House That Moved - a medieval building currently positioned on West Street, at the bottom of Stepcote Hill, but it’s original position was at the corner of Edmund Street and Frog Street. 

Shopping here is excellent, head to Cathedral Yard, Gandy Street, Fore Street and Castle Street for some cool boutiques, while Princesshay has lots of high street faves. Topsham Quay Antiques Centre is great for rare finds, while the Topsham Saturday Market is great for artisan food.

Being a city, Exeter of course has plenty of delights on offer for foodies, and the Exmoor Food Festival should not be missed.

For fine dining, head to Lympstone Manor, Rodean Restaurant or The Conservatory, while great cafes include The Daisy Cafe, The Flat, The Exploding Bakery and Harry's Restaurant.