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Exeter & East

Why Go? ...... 43 Heritage city, rural idyll, spectacular shores – Devon’s east- Around Exeter...... 52 ern corner delivers them all. On the , wave- carved cliffs range from russet-red to creamy-white. In be- ...... 54 tween sit long pebble beaches, genteel resorts and quaint Topsham...... 55 fishing villages; perfect for hiking, kitesurfing, fishing or ...... 57 strolling along the prom. In history-rich Exeter discover ...... 59 Roman walls, a fine cathedral and lively arts scene. The Beer & Around...... 61 snaking is ripe for exploration by boat, bike or on foot. Behind, rolling red-soil hills shelter tucked- away villages and stately homes. Fine food and drink abounds, from vineyards and celebrity-chef-run eateries to the beach barbecue of mackerel you’ve just caught yourself. Best Places to Sleep in Mongolian yurts, luxury safari tents or chic city re- Eat treats. It’s also a place to really experience other ways of life ¨¨River Cottage HQ (p61) as they’re lived, whether at a livestock market, village beach ¨¨Salutation (p57) party or rural pub. ¨¨Rusty Bike (p50) ¨¨River Exe Cafe (p59) When to Go ¨ ¨Pebblebed Wine Cellar ¨¨Jul–Aug In theory, warmer, dryer weather. School holidays (p57) swell visitor numbers, accommodation costs rise, roads and resorts become congested. Beer holds its fiesta-like village regatta. Best Places to ¨¨Jun & Sep Prime visiting time: fewer crowds and less Stay traffic, but all attractions are open. September brings the ¨¨Magdalen Chapter (p49) warmest seas, and the weather is often quite good, too. ¨ ¨¨Wood Life (p53) ¨Apr–May The holiday season gets underway from Easter; sights, campsites and boat trips swing into action. In late April ¨¨Reka Dom (p57) foodies flock to Exeter’s South West Food and Drink Festival. ¨¨Salty Monk (p60) ¨¨Oct–Nov Many attractions close, but accommodation ¨¨Bay View (p63) prices plummet. A great time for coastal storm-watching, too. 43 Exeter & East Devon E xeter - m 0 k 2 iles

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