Exeter in 2 Days: Cathedral, Old Streets and the Quayside

Destination: Exeter, United KingdomCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 8th October 2026
Exeter suits a relaxed weekend of cathedral architecture, local history and riverside walks. Explore the old centre and museum, then spend a second day around the quayside and the paths beside the Exe.
5
Day 1 — Historic Exeter
Image of Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral

Cathedral, Historic Site
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The long vaulted ceiling and carved medieval details make this the main historic visit. Spend part of the morning inside, then walk through Cathedral Close towards the High Street.

Exeter Guildhall

Historic Building, Government
Look for the pillared entrance projecting over the High Street. The historic council building makes a short architectural stop on the way across the centre.

Underground Passages

Historic Site
A guided tour follows the medieval passages built to carry water beneath the city. The narrow tunnels make this a more unusual history stop than another gallery visit.
Image of Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Museum
Choose RAMM for Exeter history, archaeology and collections from further afield. The galleries give the first day a substantial indoor stop before the gardens.
Image of Northernhay Gardens

Northernhay Gardens

Park, Garden
Finish the central route among the gardens beside the old castle walls. They sit close to RAMM and Exeter Central station.
Day 2 — Quayside & River Exe
Image of St Nicholas Priory

St Nicholas Priory

Attraction, Core Attraction
Start the second day around this former priory, tucked into the old streets west of the cathedral. Its domestic rooms show another side of Exeter’s history.
Image of Old Exe Bridge

Old Exe Bridge

Ruins, History Landmark
See the surviving medieval bridge arches in the open space beside the modern road. They mark the old river crossing on the walk towards St Thomas.

St Thomas Park

Park
A short green break across the river, with neighbourhood shops nearby. Return towards the quayside afterwards for the rest of the afternoon.
Image of The Custom House

The Custom House

Attraction, Core Attraction
The quayside’s historic customs building tells the story of Exeter’s trade. Its position beside the water makes it the natural introduction to this part of the city.
Image of Cricklepit Mill

Cricklepit Mill

Historic Site
Look for the old watermill and its leat just behind the quay. The mill buildings make a short exterior stop between the historic quayside and the riverside paths.
Image of Exeter Quay

Exeter Quay

Monument
Finish beside the old warehouses and waterside paths. Continue along the canal for a longer walk, or stay around the quay for a relaxed end to the day.
Optional extras
Image of Topsham Museum

Topsham Museum

Museum
A separate outing by train to Topsham for maritime history and the Exe estuary. Combine the museum with the town’s riverfront rather than squeezing it between central Exeter stops.
Image of Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

Museum, History Museum
Choose this for cinema and the history of moving images, from early optical entertainment to film memorabilia. It is on the university campus north of the centre.