Exeter's Delight: A Thrilling 3-Day Family Trip!
Discover the charm of Exeter: Where family fun meets UK history!
19 July 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Exeter, United Kingdom offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its charming blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visit the stunning Exeter Cathedral, steeped in history with its intricate Gothic architecture, and explore the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts. Spend a sunny day at the beautiful Exeter Quay, where you can take a relaxing boat ride, enjoy riverside picnics, and even hire bikes to cycle along the canal path.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the family-friendly "Randolph Hotel," located in the heart of Exeter's quirky city center.
- Immerse yourself in history at the awe-inspiring Exeter Cathedral, with its stunning architecture dating back over 900 years.
- Stroll along the enchanting Quayside, where you can admire picturesque boats bobbing in the water and even rent a kayak for some family fun.
- Discover the hidden gems of Gandy Street, a charming, cobbled lane filled with independent shops and delightful cafes.
- Unleash your inner detective at the RAMM Museum, unraveling the mysteries behind ancient relics and captivating exhibits.
- End the day with a magical sunset picnic at Northernhay Gardens, surrounded by Victorian elegance.
- Embark on an adventurous day trip to Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by dramatic moorland and mystical legends.
- Hike to the mesmerizing Becky Falls, where cascading waterfalls and ancient woodlands create an idyllic setting for a family picnic.
- Visit Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, home to stunning landscapes, an enchanting woodland train ride, and a whimsical miniature village.
- Enjoy an exhilarating zoo experience at the World of Country Life, where you can meet farm animals, race ferrets, and bottle-feed lambs.
- Savor a unique dining experience at The Lamb Inn, a historic thatched-roof pub serving mouthwatering Devonshire delights.
- Take a short drive to the charming fishing village of Topsham, where colorful cottages and charming cafes line the picturesque estuary.
- Hop on a river cruise along the Exe Estuary, spotting an array of wildlife including seals, herons, and maybe even a cheeky dolphin or two!
- Indulge in fish and chips at one of Topsham's renowned seafood restaurants, savoring the freshest catch of the day.
- Explore the beautiful Exmouth Beach, building sandcastles, splashing in the sea, and enjoying a delightful ice cream treat.
- Unwind with a leisurely stroll along the Exmouth Marina, admiring luxury yachts and ending the day with a breathtaking sunset view.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Exeter by plane is to fly into Exeter Airport. There are direct flights available from various cities across the UK and Europe.
Car
The best way to get to Exeter by car is to take the M5 motorway and exit at Junction 30 for Exeter. The journey time varies depending on your starting location.
Train
The best way to get to Exeter by train is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Boat
There is no direct way to get to Exeter by boat, as the city is not situated on the coast. The closest port is Plymouth, which is approximately 55 miles away from Exeter.
Bus
The best way to get to Exeter by bus is to take a National Express coach from London Victoria Coach Station to Exeter Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.