Five Things To Enjoy In Exeter (Plus One More)

Sirona Spa

You’ve just come to Exeter, eager to start your well-diserved vacation. Is there a better way to do it than by releasing all the stress accumulated over the year in one of the best spa places you have ever been to?  Sirona spa will enable you just that! From manicure and pedicure stations and hair salon to the lava sauna and thalasso steam room, or Caribbean storm shower, Sirona spa will take all your stress away and prepare you for experiencing Exeter relaxed and joyfully.

 

Haldon Forest Park

For outdoor activities fans Haldon Fores Park is the perfect location. Made up of 3500 acres of woodland, just 15 minutes from Exeter, it is an exciting place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Anyone can find something in which to enjoy in Haldon Forest Park, since it has miles and miles of trails for cyclists, runners, walkers and horse riders, as well as tree top adventures and orienteering courses. All of that accessible throughout the whole year. If you decide to come by car, you can park it in front of one of the entrances and pay a daily parking fee. Regular visitors can save money with a Forestry England membership for Haldon Forest Park. For just £38 you can use parking for a whole year and have access to a range of exclusive benefits and discounts.

 

Powderham Castle

Powderham castle is not just an Exeter’s 600 years old historic site. It is also a modern, whole family entertainment center in which every member of the family can find something interesting to take part in.

Guided tours inside the castle take you through secret doors and passages and even across a hounted landing! Outside of the castle there are acres of land to explore and a lot of discoveries to be made. Children can take an arts and crafts class in the Nature Nook, plant a seed for them to take home as a souvenir, or even win themselves a Powderham medal on Powderham Nature trail.

 

In the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner, play with Powderham’s friendly pets or go through adventure play castle, get close to the deer on a deer park safari (available daily in the school holidays) or simply take time to relax and enjoy the stunning views. The best news is that, since there are so many activities that you simply can not engage in all of them in one day, if you return to the castle for more fun, within seven days, your entrance will be free!

 

The Exe Estuary Trail

It is a newly constructed 16 miles long, mainly flat cycle and walkway which runs around the entire Estuary of the river Exe, linking Exmouth, Exeter and Dawlish Warren, with fantastic views along the River Exe.

The route provides an exciting opportunity for people to experience cycling or walking around the entire Exe Estuary, appreciating the wildlife and passing through some beautiful riverside towns and villages steeped in maritime history.

The different habitats on the Estuary allows a diverse and plentiful range of flora and fauna including wintering waterfowl and waders. As a result, the Exe Estuary has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Ramsar Site (internationally important area for birdlife).  The Estuary has very strong historic and cultural interests many of which are linked to the coastal and marine environment and provides a valuable setting for walking, boating, fishing and bird watching.

 

Exeter’s Historic Quay

For those who, when on vacation, like to immerse themselves into the local atmosphere of the place they are visiting, the place to do it in Exeter is difinitely Exeter’s Historic Quayside. It is one of the most attractive areas of the city, popular with locals and visitors alike for its fascinating history, interesting architecture and lively pubs and restaurants.

The Quayside has been enhanced to provide a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary design. It is the ideal place to browse in antique shops, walk and cycle, take a relaxing boat trip or find something good to eat. A wonderful place for everyone who likes to spend some time wondering around the city and finding out intersting places that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Along the quay is an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars where you can enjoy goodfood, people watch and soak up the lovely atmosphere. Definitely a great place to spend a sunny afternoon, or to grab a table and watch the world go by through a rainy window, if the day is not so sunny. If you would like to find out more about the quay, visit the Custom House Visitor Centre.

 

Red Coat Guided Tours

Red Coat Guided Tours are free guided tours run by experienced qualified volunteer guides and  provided by Exeter City Council. They are a perfect way to get to know Exeter, which is one of the oldest cities in England, dating from pre-Roman times. Variety of tours are avalable and each one is focusing on a different aspect of Exeter’s history and culture enabling the visitors to discover city’s sites of interest and hidden treasures. No dogs, except assistance dogs are allowed on tours and, since tours are on foot, visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear.

If you decide to take one, or more of these tours, be sure to grab a friend, or a family member with you, because a minimum of two people is required for the tour to take place. Also, all tours must be booked in advance and by 4.00 PM of the day before.