Exeter Area Guide

Exeter is the jewel in the south-west crown, a lively city in Devon which is steeped in history dating back to Roman times. With much to offer within the city and with sandy beaches in one direction and the moors in the other, it is easy to see why Exeter is one of the most popular cities in the Westcountry. 

Exeter is the county town of Devon and has all the benefits of a big city while maintaining its rural town charm. Exeter is renowned for its good coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and nightspots, but is surrounded by stunning countryside meaning there is something for everyone whether you are young, a family or retired. 

There are lots of walking spots in the area, most with stunning views and scenery. The Green Circle walk on the outskirts of the city introduce you to historic buildings, flower meadows, lanes and the picturesque Exeter Ship Canal and the River Exe. More adventurous walks and recreational activities can be found at the famous Dartmoor National Park and nearby Haldon Hill. 

Entertainment is available in abundance to cater for any taste. Renowned as a hub for arts and culture, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum holds significant and diverse collections in areas such as zoology, anthropology, fine art, local and overseas archaeology, and geology. 

If sport is your thing, Exeter is the proud home of the Exeter Chiefs, the south west’s premier rugby team, who play their home games at Sandy Park and have won The Premiership and European titles. Sandy Park was host to several international matches at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Football is represented through Exeter City who currently play in the 4th tier of English football. Exeter is also renowned for its racecourse and speedway team and is home to a cricket club, squash club, rowing club and numerous golf courses. 

Entertainment for the younger generation is on your doorstep. The popular theme park and resort of Crealy and The Donkey Sanctuary are a short drive from the city centre. It is home to over 40 schools and The University of Exeter which regularly appears in the top 20 Universities in the UK. 

In the centre of the city sits Exeter Cathedral, a vibrant and active cathedral, with services every day. Shopping is available in abundance with many national chains on the high street and located at the impressive Princesshay and Guildhall Shopping Centres. Exeter retains many of its independent shops in more hidden streets like Gandy Street. 

Exeter holds numerous events across the year, mainly celebrating arts, culture, agriculture and food including the famous Devon County Show and Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. Exeter was recently placed in the top 5 safest cities to live across England and Wales and named in the top 10 of places to live in 2017 by the Sunday Times, based on criteria like crime rates, schools and employment. In fact, Exeter is regularly near the top of lists for quality of life and a thriving lifestyle, as well as being identified among the top 10 most profitable locations for a business to be based. Exeter is home to the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, and Devon County Council. 

Exeter boasts arguably the best travel links in the Westcountry. The city sits as the A30 and A38 join the M5 motorway meaning easy road access if you wish to explore Devon and Cornwall or travel further North and into Wales. There are 3 main railway stations, and Exeter airport offering flights around the UK and Europe. 

Exeter has a population of just under 130,000 but, keen not to stand still, there have been lots of housing development and city investment in recent years with more planned for the future. 

Kivells Area Manager Sam Turner adds, “Exeter has so much to offer and is perfectly located in the heart of Devon. Whether you are looking for a rural farm, townhouse or detached bungalow, Exeter has it all.” 

Selling your property in Exeter? Kivells have unrivalled experience selling property in Devon and Cornwall since 1885. Contact us today for your free market appraisal on 01392 252 262 or email exeter@kivells.com, or book via the website.