Exeter Food Safari by Train

If it's good quality, locally produced food and drink you're seeking then Exeter will get your taste buds tingling. From small independents showcasing the best of the West Country to international cuisines from all corners of the world, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrating some of the fantastic food and drink producers in the region, the Exeter Food & Drink Trail is a great place to begin your culinary adventures. To help you explore the area, here's our very own food safari which combines some of the finest foodie experiences with a scenic rail journey starting from Exeter. All aboard and we hope you've got a big appetite!

Day 1

Nothing beats a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead and Eat on the Green serve up an array of English classics, with stunning views of Exeter Cathedral. If you like your eggs then be prepared for a fantastic choice, served on a toasted English muffin with Hollandaise sauce.

From here it's just a short stroll to Exeter Central rail station, where its destination Topsham is just a 15 minute rail ride out of the city and alongside the River Exe. This quaint historic port town is an absolute foodie's delight.

From Topsham's station, build up your appetite with a stroll to Darts Farm Shopping Village, where you’ll find the freshest, local produce from our corner of the country. Browse the colourful farm shop and stop for a coffee in the Cow & Cacao Cafe, where you can try delicious homemade treats. In the summer months you’ll see their beautiful herd of Ruby Red Devon Cattle grazing on the banks of the River Clyst.

Walk back to Topsham and have a wander around the town, where you'll find an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants, amongst the elegant 17th century Dutch-style merchant houses.

If fresh seafood is your thing then  don't miss a visit to The Galley Fish and Seafood Restaurant. Overlooking the River Exe estuary and serving the very best of Devon on a plate, for over 30 years The Galley has been welcoming guests with fish and shellfish caught on dayboats that pass the shores daily.

Head back to the train station to continue your journey along the Avocet Line to the end of the line at Exmouth, gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Take a stroll along the promenade, breathe in the fresh sea air and treat yourself to an ice cream. You're at the seaside after all! Pop into the cafe at Exmouth Pavilion for a light snack and you can check out what theatre performances are on.

The return journey back to the city is only half an hour but that's enough time to make your evening dinner plans. For a relaxed and sophisticated dining experience then The Ivy Exeter presents an extensive menu and is beautifully located overlooking Exeter Cathedral, while The Hour Glass is a tastefully eccentric pub and restaurant in a 19th century building which maintains many of its original features.

After dinner it's time to explore Exeter's nightlife, with a great choice of pubs and bars. The Turk’s Head, one of the region’s oldest and most unique pubs, pours a selection of beers and ales produced in their on-site micobrewery while a former hospital houses the rather quirky Cosy Club where you'll find plenty of creative and classic cocktails to end the night on.

Day 2

Start your day the healthy way with breakfast at Sacred Grounds, a vegan cafe in the heart of Exeter’s independent West Quarter. Priding themselves on fresh, delicious, considered food, the seasonal menu is made from scratch in their open kitchen.

A short walk back up to Exeter Central Station and today's destination is Teignmouth, a 30 minute journey along what can only be described as one of the UK's most stunning rail journeys. Hugging the dramatic South Devon coastline, in places it will feel like you're about to ride off into the sea! Upon arriving in the seaside town then the next few hours are all about getting in the (gin) spirit...

Choose from a tour and tasting experience at the Exeter Gin School, where you'll have the opportunity to taste their full range of seven delicious gins and Exeter Rum. For true gin lovers then there's also the option to develop and distil your very own 35cl bottle of gin in a beautiful mini copper pot still. With an extensive range of citrus, herbal, floral and spice botanicals for you to choose from you'll be guided through the whole process whilst enjoying a G&T!

In high spirits, catch the train back along the coast and hop off at Exeter St Thomas, just a short walk away from Exeter's historic quayside and home to a wonderful choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants.

For those with a big appetite then head to On the Waterfront and indulge in their famous dust-bin lid pizzas. Crave serve up a relaxed dining experience with a surf and turf vibe, while Venezia presents traditional Italian cuisine.

For sunset drinks then Exeter Quayside is the place to be and during the summer months look out for events and live music, including Jazz on the Quay to soundtrack your lazy Sunday afternoons. A truly perfect way to round off your Exeter food safari.