Exeter’s layers show in its spaces, Roman walls beneath streets, old warehouses turned creative hubs. Quayside blends riverside brickwork with cafés; Cathedral Close brings together civic and spiritual life. On Gandy Street, independent galleries and music rooms thrive in historic buildings. These places reflect the city's quiet inventiveness.
Quayside sits near Exeter’s Roman City Walls and The Underground Passages, subterranean routes used since medieval times for trade. Overbeck’s Garden hosts family events like Tell Me A Story and the Christmas Market in the Heart of Exeter, where mulled wine is sold under banners along pathways near St Davids Railway Station. Gandy Street runs weekly academic sessions from University of Exeter staff and January Sessions, low-alcohol evenings at independent venues on Streatham Road. The mix of residential energy in Heavitree and commercial activity on Queen Street supports this culture, with walking tours departing daily near Bishop’s Palace Gateway.
A short drive away, Powderham Castle hosts the Gone Wild Festival each year, a music and adventure event along Exwick’s riverbank, where flood risk remains a concern due to outdated defences. Princesshay offers modern shopping access for City Centre residents via Park and Ride sites on M5 junctions. The city's network of services, Northernhay Gardens’ public green space to the event halls beneath Torre Abbey, reflects civic effort across neighbourhoods stretching from University Campus to St James Park, home of Exeter City FC.
Venue details are refreshed daily to mirror real-time activity, including seasonal events like the Exeter Floral Trail and weekly market traditions dating back to 1213.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Restaurant
Richie's South Indian RestaurantRichie's South Indian Restaurant is a family-run spot serving authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine. It’s on Braddons Hill Road West in Exeter, just outside the city centre. The restaurant is known for its Masala Dosa and Idly, made fresh to order with spice-level choices.
View Info →Cafeteria / Food Hall
The Forum KitchenThe Forum Kitchen is a student-focused food hub on Streatham Campus at the University of Exeter. Its industrial style and bright lighting create a practical, modern space built for daily use. Rotisserie chicken is served regularly with consistent quality.
View Info →Restaurant
Oh My KimchiOh My Kimchi is a Korean restaurant on Blackboy Road in Exeter. It’s known for serving kimchi fried rice, a dish that draws people throughout the week. Locals use it for quick lunches or as an evening spot to enjoy fresh meals with friends.
View Info →Pub
The Chevalier InnYou can find The Chevalier Inn on New North Road in Exeter. It's a short drive from the city centre and serves as a regular spot for locals after work or before weekend plans. The pub offers straightforward drinks, evening meals, and late-night conversations over pints.
View Info →Food & Drink
Exeter GrillExeter Grill on Fore Street offers hearty grilled meals with robustly seasoned steaks and sausages cooked over open flame. The venue operates daily from 4pm to late hours, staying open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a dependable spot for midweek dinners or weekend gatherings, especially if you're looking for immediate availability after work.
View Info →Quick Service Restaurant
PopeyesPopeyes Exeter is a quick service restaurant on High Street in Exeter. It's just outside the city centre, near Exeter Cathedral and Royal Albert Memorial Museum. The venue opened in 2013 as part of a modernist commercial building typology.
View Info →259 total places
Restaurant
Oh My KimchiOh My Kimchi is a Korean restaurant on Blackboy Road in Exeter.
View Info →Exeter Grill on Fore Street offers hearty grilled meals with robustly seasoned steaks and sausages cooked over open flame.
View Info →Quick Service Restaurant
PopeyesPopeyes Exeter is a quick service restaurant on High Street in Exeter.
View Info →Fish And Chip Shop
Hook Fish & ChipsHook Fish & Chips is a contemporary fish and chip shop at No 88 South Street in Exeter.
View Info →Restaurant
BrownsBrowns Exeter is a contemporary brasserie on Haven Road in Exeter.
View Info →Restaurant
VinoVino Exeter is a restaurant on South Street in central Exeter.
View Info →85 total places
Pub
The Chevalier InnYou can find The Chevalier Inn on New North Road in Exeter.
View Info →Pub
The Turks HeadYou can find The Turks Head on High Street in Exeter city centre.
View Info →Pub
The ShipThe Ship in Exeter dates back to 1587 and holds Grade II listed status for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
View Info →You can find Arcadia on St David Street in Exeter, a central spot for music-driven evenings.
View Info →Restaurant
The Seven Stars HotelYou can find The Seven Stars Hotel on Alphington Road, just outside the city.
View Info →Rumours Exeter is a long-running nightlife spot known for its regular music events.
View Info →62 total places
49 total places
Restaurant
Richie's South Indian RestaurantRichie's South Indian Restaurant is a family-run spot serving authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine.
View Info →Sports Facility
St Luke's Sports CentreSt Luke's Sports Centre Exeter is an indoor sports facility on St Luke's Campus.
View Info →Private Event Venue
Cosy ClubCosy Club is on St.
View Info →Fitness Centre
Quay FitnessQuay Fitness Exeter is a fitness centre located on City Industrial Estate, just outside the city.
View Info →Fitness Centre
Lloyds GymLloyds Gym Exeter is a fitness centre focused on bodybuilding.
View Info →Swimming Pool
Northbrook Swimming PoolGo to Northbrook Swimming Pool on Beacon Lane in Exeter.
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