Gastro Delights Itinerary

Exeter has been undergoing a food revolution. Some years ago the city was voted one of the top places to eat out in the UK by Which Good Food Guide, and has since continued to grow into the renowned gastro destination that it is today. The region is rich in high-quality artisan foods, and many of the city's cafes and restaurants proudly feature local produce on their menus. Experience some of the city's gastronomic highlights with our suggested foodie itinerary.

Day 1

Morning

The best way to start the day is with a good breakfast, and this is easily found in Exeter. Try the national award-winning Darts Farm to try their excellent all-day breakfast, featuring locally reared meat. Afterwards browse the farm shop, an explosion of colour with mouth-watering produce on display in every corner.

Walk off your breakfast by following the signposts through the peaceful Clyst Valley to Topsham, approximately 20 minutes away, looking out for rare birds along the way. Once in Topsham, wander the quaint, narrow streets to discover a wealth of independents. Topsham is locally renowned as the place to go to buy local food and drink from an extraordinary range of independent shops. Stop for a coffee in the secret garden at No 3 Topsham.

Afternoon

There is an increasing number of food producers in the town, one of which is Pebblebed Wines, producing award-winning wines at their vineyard just outside Topsham at Clyst St George.

Visit the Pebblebed Tasting Cellar, located in an old warehouse near Topsham Quay, to taste some of the wines accompanied by a platter of local cheeses and meats, and surrounded by the latest vintages lining the walls.

Evening

Hop on a train to travel a short distance on one of England's most scenic rail routes, to Lympstone Manor, the ultimate foodie destination, and vision of renowned chef Michael Caines. Dine in the Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views across the River Exe Estuary.

Day 2

Morning

Brush up on your culinary skills at the Exeter Cookery School situated in a converted 1830s warehouse on Exeter's historic quayside. Why not embrace the fact you're in Devon, and have a go at making the county's most traditional dish - scones!

Enjoy lunch al fresco at one of the waterside pubs, cafes and restaurants lining Exeter's quayside, such as the Gold Taste of the West award winning On the Waterfront.

Afternoon

Walk up to Exeter's city centre, to discover some of the historic attractions this beautiful, 2,000 year old city has to show off. Join a roof tour of Exeter Cathedral - the climb up the narrow, winding steps to the north tower will help work up your appetite again! From the roof of the city to the depths, visit Exeter's Underground Passages to discover an extraordinary network of subterranean passages, originally built in medieval times to house fresh water pipes.

Evening

Exeter has some fantastic artisan cocktail bars, using high quality spirits and the freshest ingredients to create carefully crafted concoctions. Try Doctor Ink's Curiosities for Victorian-inspired craft cocktails, or the oasis of indulgence that is the Speakeasy cocktail lounge at the Oddfellows.

Exeter has a huge choice of restaurants, with cuisines to suit all palates. Highlights include the rooftop restaurant at The Terrace, and independents Harry's Restaurant, and Rendezvous.

Find out more about food and drink in Exeter.