Clear your diaries! Exeter is bursting at the seams with unmissable events, outdoor fun and family activities to keep you busy throughout the summer! It's time to have yourselves an unforgettable Exeter summer...
Go for a stroll and stop for a picnic
Even though Exeter is a compact city, we also have many wide open spaces for a peaceful stroll and a delightful picnic. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Exeter, look no further as we’ve put together a selection of locations across the city and beyond which boasts fascinating history and spectacular views for the most picture-perfect picnic - click here for inspiration.
Chill at the Mojito Beach Bar at Princesshay
Need a break from your shopping trip? Roll up to Princesshay's Mojito Beach Bar! Packed to the brim with all the holiday vibes - beach hut styled umbrellas, cocktails, real sand, palm trees, live music and more, you can find the beach in the heart of Exeter this summer until 29th August.
Watch movie classics in Northenhay Gardens
Exeter Phoenix’s Big Screen in The Park returns to Northernhay Gardens from 10th-13th August! This year you will travel through time, visit microscopic landscapes, publish manifestos and even save the world. Which film will you choose?
Get your dancing shoes on with Jazz on the Quay
Jazz on the Quay has returned for the summer! Don't miss the FREE fun from 12.30pm – 3.30pm at the Transit Shed, just adjacent to Exeter’s beautiful Custom House on Exeter’s historic Quayside.
Enjoy outdoor theatre with Exeter Phoenix
This July and August, expect outdoor theatrical entertainment from Shakespearean comedy, to exciting family adventure - we can't wait! Find out more and grab your tickets here.
Let RAMM inspire you
From LEGO activities and exhibitions, art workshops, Exeter Chiefs appearances and more - the Royal Albert Memorial Museum will keep the entire family busy this summer! Check out their What's On page and take your pick.
Escape the heat at Exeter's Underground Passages
Psssst... visiting Exeter's Underground Passages is a great way to escape the heat! These fascinating passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into Medieval Exeter. In fact, these are the only passages of its kind open to the public in Britain! Guided tours have taken place here since the 1930's. Read our blog for what to expect during your visit.
Take part in the Summer Art Camp
This August, three Exeter arts venues, Exeter Phoenix, Positive Light Projects and Make Tank, are hosting Summer Art Camp, a programme of over 30 creative events in Exeter with something to offer for everyone – accessible to all ages, all abilities and all experiences. The programme includes a wide variety of workshops, film screenings, free events and creative social get-togethers. Find out more here.
Get muddy at the Bear Trail
The whole family is guaranteed a muddy good time at The Bear Trail! Packed full of obstacle courses and colourful events, this year visitors will also benefit from a brand-new amenity block, complete with warm indoor showers and private changing rooms. Check out their guest blog to find out all about their exciting summer activities!
Explore Exeter's markets
Grab your shopping bags and visit Exeter's fabulous markets! Whether you're looking for a gift for a special someone, a treat for yourself or simply want a browse, be sure to visit:
- Exeter Independent Market on 30th July
- Young Market Traders Awards on 6th August
- Exeter's Farmers Market - every Thursday
- Indoor Market - 13th August
- Topsham's Saturday Market
- Brillsville Market - every second Saturday of the month
Find out more about Exeter's markets.
Cool off at Exeter's splash pads
Enjoy a cool, family day out at Heavitree Pleasure Grounds and the Splash Pad at St Thomas Pleasure Grounds!
Take a dip in the pool
Fancy a dip in the pool this summer? Visit St Sidwell's Point! Here you'll find three pools - a 25 metre, 8 lane competition pool, a 20 metre learner pool, all of which has a moveable floor to suit various activities. Exploring Topsham? Jump in Topsham's 25m outdoor pool, heated to at least 28 degrees!
Embark on the Paws Around Exeter Trail
The Paws Around Exeter Trail will take you on an adventure to visit our twenty fabulous dog sculptures located all around Exeter. In the process you can discover all that this wonderful, accessible city has to offer and of course all the locations are dog friendly! Find out more here and download your very own map.
Get on the water
In Exeter, we’re blessed to be surrounded by glorious canals, rivers, estuaries and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast that are perfect for watersports! Your journey opportunities are endless, there are plenty of areas to suit all abilities. Check out our handy guide for where to hire your gear and safety equipment before you begin! Before you set off on your adventure, please make sure you've hired a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
Go back in time at St Nicholas Priory
Ever wondered how the Tudors lived at St Nicholas Priory, or about the arms and armour of the militia in the Tudor West Country? Check out St Nicholas Priory's summer programme, packed with exciting discovery!
Hop on a bike and explore the city
If you’re anything like us, you believe that there’s nothing better than hopping on your bike, feeling the wind blowing through your hair and experiencing magnificent views along the way to gorgeous destinations. If you’re staying in Exeter, you’re very lucky as you’ll have endless cycle routes on your doorstep! Here are some of our favourite trails for you to follow on your next visit. Check out our Adventurous Cycles around Exeter blog for inspiration.
Hire a bike and safety equipment from:
- Saddles & Paddles - bicycle and canoe hire from Exeter quayside
- Co-Bikes - a network of electric bikes available to hire by the half-hour
- Haldon Forest Park – bikes on site available to rent from Forest Cycle Hire
- Darts Farm Cycle Hire – hire your bike from Darts Farm and immediately join the exe estuary trail
- Route 2 Bikes, Topsham – Choose your bike for the day and enjoy a refreshment before you head out on your adventure
Visit foodie heaven
Foodies Festival, the UK's biggest touring gourmet food festival, is coming to Exeter for the first time, with celebrity chefs and music stars. Check out their guest blog for what to expect - you're in for a treat!
View fascinating artefacts from the Titanic
Don't miss the Titanic Museum Exhibition - a limited two-week experience coming to Exeter's Corn Exchange from 10th-22nd August! View artefacts from the Titanic, explore the city's connection to the ship, learn about the people that travelled on board, and come face-to-face with items from the wreck site. Find out more here.
Drop by a free summer cycling festival
Exeter and Cranbrook residents looking for something to do this summer are in for a treat thanks to a series of free cycling festivals taking place in the city during the school holidays. There are six events taking place throughout the summer, each one in a different location across the city and Cranbrook and all are free for the whole family! Read the full story here to find out more.
Explore Canonteign Falls gorgeous grounds
If you haven't visited before, Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Here you can enjoy peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes plus family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Don't miss their exciting summer events, from visits from Belle the Shetland pony, to live music and a BBQ!
Dine alfresco
The sun is shining and the temperature is rising, which means one thing - alfresco dining! Take a look at our outdoor dining guide for Exeter, from British classics, to italian-inspired grub, hearty pies, Vietnamese flavours and more - you're in for a real treat in our city!
Release your wild side
Nature Valley's Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls, the ultimate fun, family event, returns this August bank holiday! Take part in thrilling outdoor activities by day and dance to music acts including The Darkness, The Script, Ministry of Sound Classical, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Reef, Ella Eyre and more by night! Check out our blog to see what we got up to last year, we had a blast.
Indulge in delicious gelato at Chococo
Cool down with a tub or cone of Chococo's luxury gelato - which flavour will you choose? Also during the summer months - decorate your own delicious chocolate lollies with a variety of toppings! £4.75 each, available during opening hours. No booking is required.
Solve the clues at Mission Impawsible
Prodigy Escapes needs your help to find their missing pets in 'Mission Impawsible'! This exciting activity is aimed at providing families and first timers a supportive introduction to escape rooms - we bet you'll be itching to complete another mission after this! Find out more.
Get creative with summer activities on the quay
Did someone say free family fun at Exeter quayside this summer? Don't miss the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust's jam-packed activity schedule this July and August - completely free of charge. What more could you want during the 2022 summer holidays?
Take part in Princesshay’s busy bees trail
With 8 clues to solve, Princesshay's busy bees trail is a great way to spend a few fun hours in the city with the kids. All correct entries will receive a certificate and prize in the post plus you'll be entered into a draw to win a £50 Princesshay gift card! Click here for more info.
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