Welcome to Exeter
Exeter's stunning Gothic cathederal at night
Browse the unique shops along Gandy Street
Princesshay is perfect for a spot of retail therapy
Download our Full Guide to Exeter here
Welcome to Exeter and the Exeter Northcott Theatre. We hope you will enjoy finding out about our beautiful city and its surrounding areas.
The compact and friendly city of Exeter is the capital of Devon and boasts a stunning 12th century cathedral, Elizabethan streets and a beautiful quayside area. Indeed, the latest edition of the Devon, Cornwall and South West England Lonely Planet Guide describe the city as having a "youthful vibe", "ultramodern construction" and a "thriving arts scene". It also heralds Exeter as being a "relaxed but lively touring base" and having "super-stylish places to stay and eat".
WHERE TO EAT
Exeter and Devon are fascinating places for eating out and buying locally produced food and drink. There are numerous options, whatever you fancy, and a local ethos that emphasizes quality Devonshire produce. Whilst it's true that this plays a large part in food in Exeter, cuisine from all around the world in available for your delectation.
We are very fortunate to have Spires, an excellent cafe bar right here in the theatre, open throughout the day from 10am right through to the start of the show. There is also a special Back Stage menu available, offering very reasonable nibbles for company members. Feel free to have a chat with the friendly staff should you have any special requests.
Spires are pleased to offer you a 10% discount on any purchases up to 5.30pm – just tell the staff when you are ordering that you are with the visiting company. At the bar you will get 20% off – look out for local Devon beers and 100% fruit juices with no additives, made in Exeter and Buckfastleigh.
THINGS TO DO
TOP 5 TIPS FOR HISTORY LOVERS
- Exeter Cathedral is one of the finest examples of decorated Gothic work in England today. Admission Charge. www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk. Charming cathedral cafe also worth a visit.
- Red Coat Guides offer a series of FREE 90 minute history walks taking in the likes of Medieval Exeter, Ghosts and Legends, Cathedral Close and Palace Garden, Exeter’s City Wall, Cathedral to Quay and Murder and Mayhem. Visit www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours for programme
- Exeter’s Underground Passages were built in the 14th & 15th centuries to bring a supply of fresh drinking water into the city. Includes a 10 minute film presentation, a 25 minute tour underground and an opportunity to explore the exhibition. Admission charge. www.exeter.gov.uk/passages
- Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) – Exeter's largest museum reopened in 2012 following a multi-million pound refurbishment. The seriously impressive venue offers free entry and a diverse and fascinating range of collections. Visit www.rammuseum.org.uk
- Self guided heritage trails. Explore Exeter’s rich and varied past on one of three self-guided heritage trails. Leaflets from Exeter Visitor Information & Tickets. Free. www.exeter.gov.uk/heritagetrails
WHERE TO PLAY
MUSIC
In the city centre the Exeter Phoenix (Bradninch Place off Gandy Street), draws some big acts and attracts a lot of famous names, but for arena tours the largest names drawn to Exeter’s burgeoning music scene tend to perform at Westpoint Arena. Based slightly outside of town, it’s a taxi ride or take bus 52A or 52B from the bus station (Some events have specific travel provision, check with Westpoint), in recent years it’s seen Kaiser Chiefs, Robbie Williams, and Oasis, among others.
The Cavern is host to many up-and-coming acts, and has acquired a certain respect and gravitas as one of the places that first gave Muse and Coldplay an opportunity to perform. It remains the city’s main alternative rock venue and is the place in Exeter to get your name known if you want to make it big.
Mama Stone’s, (owned by Joss’s mother) on Mary Arches Street is the place to go if you’re after something in the area of jazz/funk/soul; they also serve Mexican food.
The Amber Rooms on Sidwell Street sometimes have live music – look out for the weekly Monday Music Union sessions hosted by the Roots Union’s supremely talented slide guitarist Phil Henry.
The North Bridge Inn (located near the Iron Bridge, past the City Gate Hotel, heading towards the top of St David’s Hill) is a real local’s treasure – over the years this independent pub has built up a great reputation for its friendly, intimate atmosphere and acoustic music nights, including open mic on Wednesdays. (Also see the Angel Bar, below in the Pubs section.)
CINEMA & THEATRE
Whether it’s action, romance, fantasy or art-house, Exeter provides for the film-lover. If it’s mainstream you want, Odeon (Sidwell Street) and Vue (Summerland Gate) show all the major new releases. If you’re into art-house cinema then the Exeter Picturehouse on Bartholomew Street West shows independent and foreign films, as well as classics. They also show the mainstream, big release blockbusters, and it’s probably the nicest place to watch a film in Exeter.
In the city centre, on Gandy Street, the impressively fronted Exeter Phoenix is one of the main city locations for contemporary dance, theatre, live art, music, spoken word, film and visual art. It hosts multiple events in a packed schedule over the fortnight of Exeter Summer Festival, and attracts a very varied programme, including evening classes in dance and other arts, throughout the rest of the year.
Also in the city centre is The Bike Shed Theatre (Fore Street), which is dedicated to producing new writing, productions and innovative work with some of the most talented artists in the South West and beyond. It's a great place for students who are interested in comedy, theatre, music and new writing to get involved and it also hosts the Exeter Fringe Festival.
Other venues include Exeter Barnfield Theatre (Barnfield Road), home to Exeter Little Theatre Company and Exeter Corn Exchange (George Street) which hosts a weekly comedy club and programmes a wide range of music and variety acts.
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