A city with several centres
Exeter is easier to understand as a collection of connected places than as one shopping street. Cathedral Green, the High Street, Queen Street and the historic Quayside each offer a different starting point. Leave time to explore the lanes between them rather than treating the cathedral as a quick stop on the way to somewhere else.
The cathedral’s west front includes rows of carved figures and is a good place to begin looking closely at the city’s architecture. It remains a working place of worship: check the cathedral’s own visitor information before planning an interior visit or attending an event.
Down to the Exe
The Quayside brings together former trading buildings, waterside businesses and routes alongside the river. The Custom House helps explain the area’s commercial past. Walking here gives a different view of Exeter from the busier streets above; plan for the climb back into the centre as well as the downhill journey.
Choose the right local area
St Thomas, St Leonards, Heavitree, Pinhoe, Alphington and Topsham all matter when looking for everyday services. Marsh Barton is another useful search area for vehicle and trade businesses. Nearby places such as Exminster, Cranbrook and Broadclyst are separate communities; a business serving Exeter may have its actual base there.
These areas give the directory its local range: city-centre shops sit alongside Marsh Barton trades, neighbourhood services and businesses in nearby towns and villages. Use the area and service filters to narrow a search to the part of Exeter you need.
Arrive with a simple plan
Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s serve different arrival points. RAMM’s own travel notes place Central close to its Queen Street entrance, while St David’s requires a longer walk or onward journey. Check your actual destination before choosing a station.
For a day around Queen Street, RAMM and the High Street, Exeter Central is a useful arrival point. The Quayside sits downhill from the centre, so allow for the climb back when putting the two together.
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