Summer in Exeter

Summer has well and truly arrived in Exeter, and come rain or shine there's lots going on across our city to keep everyone entertained. Whether it's a day visit, weekend break or something a little longer, visit Exeter for a truly memorable experience this summer season.

Summer at the Quayside begins on 26th July, bringing free family activities to the quayside every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday over the school summer holidays. There's also Jazz on the Quay every Sunday in July and August in the Transit Shed, a free afternoon of music featuring some of the best local jazz bands.

Don't miss live sporting action on the big screen in Princesshay this summer, where you can catch 6 weeks of live coverage from Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the Olympic Games from 1st July – 11th August. Pick up some food and drink from the nearby cafes and restaurants to enjoy al fresco on the turfed space adorned with deck chairs and picnic benches in Princesshay Square.

Pack your picnic and join Exeter Phoenix outdoors this summer as Theatre in the Park is back, with performances of theatre & spoken word in the beautiful setting of Rougemont Gardens. 

Arriving in August and there's a Dragon Boat Festival (11th August) on Piazza Terracina and the Gone Wild Festival Devon (22nd - 25th August) returns to Powderham, where you can dance, explore and adventure through a variety of different exciting activities for all the family. Rounding up the summer season and Exeter's first Quayside Shanty Festival takes place on the 14th September, promising a fantastic day and evening of folk songs of the sea, performed by some colourful characters and suitable for all the family.

For those lazy summer days, and a little escapism, Exeter offers plenty of green and open spaces that make for a perfect picnic spot and surrounded by historic architecture. Alternatively there's a great choice of cafes and restaurants ready to welcome you this summer, many of which have outdoor space for al fresco dining, and showcase locally produced food and drink on their menus - follow the Exeter Food & Drink Trail to discover some of the best Devon produce in and around Exeter!

There is plenty to do indoors too - check out Exeter's award-winning museum RAMM's programme for an exciting range of events and activities, including 'Are we nearly there yet? A history of transport' - an exhibition exploring how transport has developed over the centuries and the people and events which have shaped it, as told through objects in RAMM’s collections. For a truly unique and memorable Exeter experience then you can venture beneath the city's streets on a guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages! 

Head out of the city to cool off at Devon's muddiest family assault course, at the Bear Trail, near Cullompton! Even on dry days, there is guaranteed mud as you tackle the 30 obstacles! High on Haldon Hill, overlooking Exeter is the 3,500 acre Haldon Forest Park, where you can follow the family-friendly walking and cycle trails, or swing through the trees and brave the high ropes at Go Ape! If the summer weather plays kind then the 65 acres of magical gardens at RHS Rosemoor make for a wonderful day out while Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon, and home to the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park.

Exeter is just a short journey from the coast, explore the amazing coast and countryside right on our doorstep. If it's a trip to the seaside you're after than check out our 'City to sea by train' blog and from Exmouth you can also set sail with Stuart Line Cruises for a relaxing and scenic cruise around the waters of the River Exe.

Scroll down to see a list of what's on in Exeter this summer!