Exeter, often referred to as the "capital city of Devon," presents a distinctive fusion of historical richness and contemporary dynamism. Strategically positioned between the expansive Dartmoor National Park and the picturesque Blackdown Hills, with the serene River Exe gracefully flowing through its core, the city offers unparalleled access to both the rugged beauty of the countryside and the tranquil allure of the coast. This unique geographical advantage, coupled with its welcoming atmosphere and bustling energy, cultivates a relaxed, friendly and progressive environment, establishing Exeter as a highly desirable place to reside.

The city's population of over 130,000 residents benefits from excellent transport connectivity, including direct rail links to London in just over two hours and its own international airport. Exeter's economy thrives on a range of sectors, from the prestigious University of Exeter's academic excellence to thriving business districts and a robust tourism industry that capitalises on Devon's natural attractions.
 

About Exeter

Exeter's appeal to prospective residents is underscored by several compelling attributes. Its deep historical roots are evident in its magnificent Gothic cathedral, ancient Roman walls and well-preserved medieval structures, providing a tangible connection to centuries of heritage. Beyond its historical charm, Exeter boasts an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Residents benefit from immediate proximity to Dartmoor National Park and the Blackdown Hills, alongside numerous city-based green spaces and direct access to the River Exe.

The city is recognised as a thriving economic and educational hub. The presence of a prestigious Russell Group university and a network of highly-rated schools significantly enhances its allure, attracting talent and fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Furthermore, Exeter offers a vibrant lifestyle characterised by an excellent cafe culture, a mixed culinary scene, bustling shopping districts and a rich cultural calendar filled with theatres, museums, galleries and festivals. Finally, Exeter's strategic connectivity, facilitated by extensive road and rail networks and its own international airport, ensures seamless travel both locally and across the United Kingdom.

As a cathedral city with over 2,000 years of history, Exeter seamlessly blends its Roman foundations with Norman architecture and modern developments. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident through its comprehensive green infrastructure, while its status as a Cycling Demonstration Town reflects progressive urban planning that prioritises environmental consciousness and quality of life for residents.

Property Market in Exeter

Exeter's property market is characterised by its dynamic nature, presenting an array of housing options that range from historically significant homes to sleek, contemporary new-build properties. This variety caters to a broad spectrum of preferences and budgets, reflecting the city's continuous growth and its status as a prominent educational and business centre.
 

Popular Residential Areas

St Leonards

A highly sought-after area known for its desirable location and community appeal.
 

Topsham

Particularly esteemed for its desirable properties and charming village atmosphere, benefiting from its proximity to the River Exe with independent shops and excellent artisan food offerings.
 

The Quay

A beautiful and historically significant part of the city, renowned for its watersports activities and wide selection of dining and drinking establishments.
 

Heavitree

Offers a variety of housing options and benefits from convenient access to local shopping facilities and hospitals.
 

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The Best of Exeter: Things to Do

Exeter offers an exceptional blend of lifestyle and leisure opportunities, perfectly balancing vibrant city life with immediate access to magnificent outdoor activities. The city's unique position provides residents with the cultural richness of a historic cathedral city alongside unparalleled access to some of England's most beautiful natural landscapes.

Whether seeking indoor cultural pursuits or outdoor adventures, Exeter caters to a range of interests throughout the year. The city's calendar is packed with festivals and events, from the annual Exeter Craft Festival and Respect Festival to the Great West Run and international rugby fixtures. Residents enjoy immediate access to both the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dartmoor National Park, while the city centre offers world-class dining, shopping and entertainment venues.
 

Parks & Green Spaces

Exeter is celebrated for its verdant landscape, offering a wealth of peaceful parks and historically significant gardens that contribute to its reputation as a "green city". The city's green infrastructure is notably managed through its six Exeter Valley Parks, which were transferred from Exeter City Council to the Devon Wildlife Trust in May 2019.

This strategic partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, ensuring that Exeter's significant green spaces are professionally managed for both ecological health and public benefit. All Valley Parks are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no entry fee, ensuring constant accessibility for residents. The parks collectively offer walking trails including the extensive 12-mile Exeter Green Circle, cycling routes and amenities such as benches, picnic areas and dog bins throughout.
 

Ludwell Valley Park

A sprawling 200-acre country park teeming with wildlife such as butterflies, wildflowers and various bird species, featuring a 1.5-mile self-guided trail that offers picturesque views and ideal spots for picnics.
 

Riverside Valley Park

Covering 40 hectares, this park is conveniently located near the city centre and the historic Quayside, providing stunning river views, well-maintained walking and cycling paths and expansive flood plain meadows.
 

Mincinglake Valley Park

This tranquil area extends from Stoke Hill, featuring dense woodlands in its lower sections and upper meadows rich with wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, offering serene circular paths and panoramic views across the city.
 

Northernhay Gardens

Distinguished as the oldest public open space in England, established in 1612, incorporating significant stretches of Roman and Saxon city walls and featuring various historical monuments.
 

University of Exeter Botanical Garden

The Streatham campus is set within 300 acres of botanical gardens, widely considered the finest university botanical garden in the UK, with guided tours available to explore its flora.
 

Killerton Estate

Located a short drive from the city, this National Trust property features extensive landscape gardens, parkland, a Georgian house and a notable fashion collection.
 

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Spanning 65 acres, these magical gardens are nestled between Dartmoor and Exmoor and include a well-stocked garden centre, featuring two dedicated play areas for children.
 

Local Attractions & Cultural Highlights

Exeter's rich historical tapestry is woven into its key attractions and landmarks, which are actively integrated into the city's contemporary life. This approach ensures that history is a vibrant, experienced element of daily living, offering unique leisure activities and fostering a strong sense of place for residents.

The city's cultural scene thrives with venues hosting everything from classical concerts at the Cathedral to contemporary performances at Exeter Phoenix. Notable venues include the Exeter Northcott Theatre on the University campus, the versatile Exeter Corn Exchange and the intimate Cygnet Theatre above Exeter Quay. Museums such as the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery and specialised venues like The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum provide year-round cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike.
 

Exeter Cathedral

Standing prominently at the city's heart, this outstanding example of Gothic architecture features the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling globally, with guided tours available and panoramic views from the towers.
 

The Underground Passages

Hidden beneath the city streets, these medieval tunnels were originally constructed in the 14th century to supply fresh water to Exeter, representing one of the few places in the UK where such historic underground passages can be explored.
 

Exeter's Historic Quayside

One of Exeter's oldest and most picturesque districts, having served as a bustling hub since Roman times and playing a pivotal role in the city's medieval trade, now thriving with independent shops, cafes and galleries.
 

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM)

Exeter's premier, award-winning museum, recognised as Museum of the Year following a major refurbishment in 2012, featuring 16 captivating galleries with collections spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era.
 

Powderham Castle

This magnificent 14th-century fortress has been the ancestral home of the Courtenay family for over 600 years, offering guided tours through historic halls and beautifully landscaped gardens.
 

Exeter Northcott Theatre

A prominent venue for local, national and student productions, encompassing family shows, music and comedy, actively collaborating with artists and communities.
 

Exeter Phoenix

A dynamic arts venue serving as a hub for gigs, theatre, galleries, cinema, comedy and workshops, presenting a vibrant programme of exhibitions and performances.
 

Schools and Education

Exeter offers a robust and highly-rated educational ecosystem that supports residents from early childhood through to university and beyond. This comprehensive educational pathway is a significant unique selling point for potential residents, assuring them of excellent schooling options for all ages and needs.

The city's commitment to educational excellence is reflected in its Ofsted ratings, with numerous schools achieving 'Outstanding' and 'Good' classifications. The presence of the University of Exeter, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, not only provides higher education opportunities but also contributes to the city's intellectual atmosphere and economic vitality. Additionally, Exeter College holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked general further education college in England and offers specialised provisions for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
 

Outstanding Primary Schools

Ladysmith Infant & Nursery School

Achieved an 'outstanding' rating in all areas, recognised for 'rapid progress', a 'can-do culture' and 'overwhelming confidence of parents'.
 

Stoke Hill Infant and Nursery School

Achieved an 'outstanding' rating in all areas, with teaching of all abilities and needs praised as outstanding and pupil achievement "well above average in reading, writing and mathematics".
 

St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy

Received 'outstanding' ratings in all areas, known for its "family atmosphere" and teachers who demonstrate "high levels of professionalism, enthusiasm and subject knowledge".
 

Westclyst Community Primary School

Rated 'outstanding' in all areas, with inspectors noting strong pupil progress, a love of learning and pupils being "avid readers".
 

Notable Secondary Schools

St Peter's Church of England Aided School

Boasts an "Above Average" Progress 8 score and a "Good" Ofsted rating, with 95% of its students continuing in education or employment and 63.1% achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs.
 

Private School Options

Exeter School

A co-educational day school with 966 students, noted for its excellent academic achievements, including a 100% A Level pass rate in 2019 with 54% of grades being A*-A.
 

The Maynard School

An all-girls day school with 432 students, providing specialised educational opportunities.
 

Exeter Cathedral School

A co-educational day school with 177 students, affiliated with the Christian faith and located at The Chantry, Palace Gate.
 

Higher Education

University of Exeter

A distinguished member of the UK's prestigious Russell Group of leading research universities, awarded a triple gold rating by the Teaching Excellence Framework, attracting over 30,000 students from more than 150 countries.
 

Exeter College

The highest-ranked general further education college in England as of 2017, holding an Ofsted Outstanding rating and providing a wide array of courses including Apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Education.
 

Dining in Exeter

Exeter's culinary landscape is characterised by a strong emphasis on local provenance and a wide variety of cuisines, from Michelin-starred experiences to casual farm-to-table options. This focus on local sourcing supports regional producers and promises residents fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The city's dining scene has gained national recognition, with The Michelin Guide for 2025 listing 11 restaurants in and around Exeter, including three with prestigious 1 Star ratings and two with Bib Gourmand distinctions. Beyond fine dining, Exeter's food culture embraces diversity with Vietnamese pho restaurants, independent cafes like Boston Tea Party housed in Grade II listed buildings and innovative venues such as Board, the city's dedicated board game cafe. The Guildhall Street Food Market operates year-round seven days a week, while traditional British pubs maintain their historic character, with some like The Turk's Head boasting famous patrons such as Charles Dickens.
 

Michelin Guide Selections

Lympstone Manor

Awarded 1 Michelin Star, offering Modern French cuisine within a luxury manor house hotel near Exmouth, set on 28 acres with sweeping views of the Exe estuary.
 

The Galley (Topsham)

Recognised with a Bib Gourmand distinction, offering exceptional seafood cuisine in the charming village of Topsham.
 

Stage (Exeter)

Features Modern Cuisine and is a Diners' top pick for its immersive tasting menu experience.
 

Popular Casual Dining

The Farm Table – Darts Farm

Top-rated for its food and recognised as the "Best Newcomer" restaurant, operating on a farm-to-table concept emphasising locally sourced ingredients.
 

Pho Exeter

A Vietnamese restaurant in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, specialising in pho noodle soup with a menu that is 40% vegan and almost entirely gluten-free.
 

Bill's Restaurant & Bar

Serves British cuisine featuring a sunny outdoor seating area and providing gluten-free and allergy-friendly options.
 

Traditional British Pubs

The Turk's Head

Famously known as a favourite watering hole of Charles Dickens, located in the city centre next to the Guildhall and recently restored to its former glory.
 

Double Locks

A popular waterside pub with a large beer garden and summer BBQs, easily accessible by canoe or paddleboard along the canal.
 

The Turf

A unique waterside pub accessible only by bike, boat or on foot, also offering a large beer garden and summer BBQs.
 

Transport and Connectivity

Exeter is a well-connected city, offering a comprehensive range of transport options that facilitate both local commutes and national travel. The city's strategic location ensures efficient access to major destinations across the UK.

Recent investments in transport infrastructure include £14.1 million in Bus Service Improvement Plan funding received by Devon County Council in 2022, which has led to approved schemes aimed at improving bus reliability and reducing journey times. The city's recognition as one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns in England reflects its commitment to sustainable transport, while comprehensive Park & Ride services and well-maintained road networks ensure multiple travel options for residents. All three Park & Ride sites are equipped with electric vehicle charging points, demonstrating Exeter's forward-thinking approach to environmental considerations.
 

Rail Services

Exeter is served by two main-line railway stations: Exeter Central, conveniently located less than a 5-minute walk from the High Street and Exeter St David's, approximately a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from the city centre.
 

Major City Connections

London Services

Train services from Exeter St Davids to London Paddington average 2 hours and 9 minutes, with the fastest journeys taking 2 hours and 7 minutes, running hourly.
 

Bristol Services

Train services from Exeter St Davids to Bristol Temple Meads run hourly.
 

Plymouth Services

Train services from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth run every 30 minutes.
 

Local Services

Riviera Line

Offers direct journeys from Exeter Central to popular destinations such as Torquay and Paignton.
 

Avocet Line

Provides direct services from Exeter Central to Exmouth.
 

Tarka Line

Connects Exeter Central directly to Barnstaple.
 

Bus Services

Exeter benefits from an extensive bus network, primarily operated by Stagecoach, providing regular routes within the city and connecting to regional destinations. Devon County Council received £14.1 million in Bus Service Improvement Plan funding in 2022, leading to approved schemes aimed at improving reliability and reducing journey times.
 

Major Road Networks

M5 Motorway

The Devon Expressway seamlessly connects to the M5 motorway, with its terminus located near Kennford, just south of Exeter.

A38 Road

This significant A-class trunk road is locally known as the "Devon Expressway" for the section connecting Plymouth to Exeter.
 

A30 Road

The A38 intersects with the A30 south of Exeter, providing key connections across the region.
 

Airport Links

Exeter Airport

Strategically located approximately 6 miles from the city centre, providing convenient air travel connections to destinations including Cyprus, France, Greek Islands, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and numerous UK and Ireland destinations.
 

Cycling Infrastructure

Exeter is recognised as one of six Cycling Demonstration Towns in England, featuring numerous cycle routes with dedicated bus and cycle lanes. The Exe Estuary Trail is a prominent 26-mile cycle route and walkway linking Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish.
 

Park & Ride Services

Three Park & Ride sites provide convenient alternatives to city centre parking:
 

Honiton Road

Located near M5 Junction 29, convenient for arrivals from the M5 and A30.
 

Sowton

Situated on Sidmouth Road, near M5 Junction 30, ideal for arrivals from the A3052 and A376.
 

Matford

Located on Matford Park Road, convenient for arrivals from the A38, A380 and A379.
 

Shopping in Exeter

Exeter offers a comprehensive and convenient retail experience, catering to a wide range of preferences from major high street brands to unique independent boutiques and local markets. The city ensures residents benefit from large shopping centres with a wide range of offerings while also providing access to unique local businesses.

The retail landscape reflects Exeter's character, with historic streets like Fore Street known for specialty and alternative shops, while Gandy Street combines unique shopping with historic charm and vibrant nighttime atmosphere. The city's commitment to community is evident in the Guildhall Shopping Centre being owned by Exeter City Council rather than private developers. Regular markets, including the weekly Exeter Farmers Market and one of the South West's largest car boot sales at Matford Centre, provide additional shopping variety and support local producers throughout the year.
 

Major Shopping Centres

Princesshay

Recognised as Exeter's primary shopping area, set against the backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, boasting over 60 restaurants and retailers including fashion brands, gifts, homeware and beauty products, featuring excellent accessibility and amenities.
 

Guildhall Shopping Centre

Exeter City Centre's largest concentration of shops, dining establishments and leisure operators, holding the unique distinction of housing a 12th-century church at its heart, featuring brands including Sainsbury's, Primark and various dining options.
 

Shopping Streets

High Street

The primary and most central shopping thoroughfare in Exeter, featuring major retailers and convenient city centre access.
 

Fore Street

Known for its array of specialty and alternative shops, offering a unique retail experience with distinctive character.
 

Gandy Street

A charming street popular both during the day for its unique shops and historic character and at night for its vibrant atmosphere.
 

Queen Street

Features a variety of shops, cafes and bars, providing convenient access to both the Guildhall and Harlequins shopping centres.
 

Markets

Exeter Farmers Market

Held every Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the junction of South Street and Fore Street, featuring local producers of fruit, vegetables and other food items.
 

Guildhall Street Food Market

Operating seven days a week from 11 am to 4 pm in the Market Square, serving as a year-round hub for international street food traders.
 

Exeter Car Boot Sale

One of the largest market and car boot sales in the South West, operating every Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Matford Centre.
 

Conclusion and Why Choose Exeter

Exeter stands as a compelling proposition for prospective residents, offering a harmonious blend of historical depth, natural beauty, robust economic opportunities and a dynamic modern lifestyle. The city's unique appeal provides a high quality of life that caters to a range of needs and preferences.

The property market demonstrates significant rental demand driven by Exeter's inherent desirability and the increasing prevalence of remote work. Exeter's commitment to green spaces is evident in its strategically managed Valley Parks, while the city seamlessly integrates its rich historical landmarks into contemporary life, transforming ancient sites into vibrant cultural venues.

The educational infrastructure is a standout feature, offering a comprehensive pathway from top-rated schools to prestigious higher education opportunities, including a Russell Group university. Culinary experiences emphasise local sourcing and range from Michelin-starred establishments to vibrant street food markets, while the dynamic evening scene ensures a lively social life.

Transport and connectivity are robust, with efficient rail services, extensive bus networks, well-developed road networks and Exeter Airport providing domestic and international access. The city also boasts excellent cycling infrastructure and numerous walking routes, promoting active and sustainable living.

Overall, Exeter successfully balances its rich heritage with modern amenities and forward-thinking urban development. Its unique selling points of historical richness, natural beauty, strong economy, high-quality education and vibrant lifestyle collectively contribute to its attractiveness as a desirable place to live, offering a supportive, engaging and well-connected environment poised for continued growth and vitality.

With its position as Devon's capital city and gateway to some of England's most spectacular landscapes, Exeter provides residents with an enviable lifestyle that combines urban sophistication with natural accessibility. The city's sustained population growth and economic resilience, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and quality of life improvements, position it as an excellent long-term investment for both residential living and property investment opportunities.

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The information on this page was last updated in May 2025.