The vibrant and historic university city of Exeter, which lies some eight
miles inland from the Exe estuary at Exmouth, is the capital city of Devon
and has roots that go back prior the year 50AD, when the Romans first constructed
their 'Gateway to the South West Peninsular' at the southernmost crossing
of the Exe. Parts of the original sandstone walls and river crossing are still
in evidence today, although Exeter has of course had many periodic 'face-lifts'
since then, such as the building of Rougemont Castle and it's striking gardens,
by King William, after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Construction of Exeter's breathtaking Cathedral
was commenced around that same period, and the original twin Norman towers
still form part of the present awe inspiring building, which dominates the
Exeter landscape. The Cathedral and Cathedral Yard, which is actually not
a yard, but a beautiful green surrounded by a unique array of tearooms, shops,
alehouses and restaurants such as The
Thai Orchid, is one of the focal points of Exeter, and should not be missed
when visiting the city. A visit to the famous Exeter Underground Passages
is also recommended, should the opportunity arise.
The rambling and picturesque architecture of Exeter, which encompasses Roman to Norman, Elizabethan through Regency, to the striking new twenty first Century Met Office Headquarters, is as colourful and varied as the city's many visitors and residents, past and present. Take a look at Mol's Coffee House for example, and it's not hard to imagine the likes of Sir Francis Drake or Sir Walter Raleigh dropping by to 'partake of rest and recuperation' behind it's enchanting semi-timbered Elizabethan frontage. From Jane Austin to J K Rowling, and from Tommy Cooper to Chris Martin of Coldplay, Exeter has played home and host to, and fuelled the imaginations and aspirations of numerous famous people throughout the years.
The name of Exeter has also been proudly linked to a fine heritage of warships, who's battle honours range from the Battle of Beachy Head in 1690, through the Battle of the River Plate in 1939 to the Falklands War in 1982. The brave crews of these ships have taken the name of Exeter and the proud naval heritage of the South West to the far corners of the globe and are also justly commemorated in Exeter's Cathedral.
21st Century Exeter is however, very much a 'Today Place', bristling with life and excitement, and catering for every taste and style. From farmers livestock markets to night clubs such as Club Rococo and Arena, from second hand shops to Ferrari dealerships, and from burger bars to Russian Restaurants, and the highly recommended Hotel Barcelona, Exeter has it all. And the brand new Princesshay Shopping Centre, due to open in late 2007, should further satisfy even the most fastidious shopper. And if you're looking for delicious Devon ice cream, made from the creamy milk of 'South Devonshire' cows, why not pop into the Orange Elephant Ice Cream Parlour at Taverners Farm just a few minutes drive from the centre of Exeter.
Superb free entertainment can be found in many of Exeter's pubs and bars, whilst for the more discerning, The Exeter Phoenix, Barncourt and Nortcott Theatres put on regular productions ranging from stand-up comedy to ballet. And just outside Exeter, WestPoint Arena and Powderham Castle stage concerts by international performers such as Elton John, The Stereophonics and Bryan Adams.
So, with it's excellent road, rail and air links, Exeter really does have something for everyone, and the name of Exeter should definitely be on top of everyone's 'Places to Visit in Devon' list.
| Missed something? |
