Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXETER
201 miles SW of London; 46 miles NE of Plymouth
Exeter was a Roman city founded in the 1st century a.d. on the banks of the River
Exe. Two centuries later it was encircled by a mighty
stone wall,
traces of which
remain today. Over the subsequent centuries, numerous invaders—including Saxons,
Vikings, and Normans—stormed the fortress. None was more thorough than William
the Conqueror, who brought Exeter to its knees in 1067.
As time passed, the city grew and prospered. By the 17th century, it was an eco-
nomic powerhouse, and a leading trading place for wool. But in the 19th century, as
wool became less profitable and industrialization powered other cities forward, its
importance waned.
In the 20th century, the city became a favorite target of the German Luftwaffe,
which flew 18 raids over Exeter between 1940 and 1942, flattening much of the city's
historic architecture and killing many of its inhabitants. In May 1942, in response to
the British bombing of Lubeck, 16 hectares (40 acres) of the city were leveled in a
devastating attack. The town was rebuilt in the 1950s, but its grand Georgian cres-
cents and priceless timbered Tudor buildings were replaced by utilitarian, modern
shops and office towers. Fortunately, some of the city's historic structures were
spared, and Exeter still has a
Gothic cathedral,
a renowned university, and several
historic houses.
Its location makes Exeter a good base for exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor National
Parks (see “Dartmoor National Park,” later in this chapter).
Essentials
GETTING THERE
First Great Western trains travel from London's Paddington
Station to Exeter St. David Station every hour; the trip takes 2
1
⁄
2
hours. One-way fares
cost £40 to £50. Trains also run every 20 minutes between Exeter and Plymouth; that
trip takes 1 hour.
A
National Express
bus departs from London's Victoria Coach Station every 2
hours during the day; the trip takes 4
1
⁄
2
hours. One-way fares cost £28. For informa-
tion and schedules, call
&
0871/781-8181
or visit
www.nationalexpress.com
.
You can also take
Stagecoach
bus no. X38 or X39 between Plymouth and Exeter.
During the day, two buses depart per hour for the 1-hour trip.
If you're driving from London, take the M4 west, cutting south to Exeter on the M5.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The
Tourist Information Centre
is at the Civic
Centre, Paris Street (
&
01392/665700
). It's open from September to June, Mon-
day to Saturday 9am to 5pm, and in July and August, Monday to Saturday 9am to
5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The
Exeter Summer Festival,
held over 2 weeks in June
or July, includes more than 150 classical music performances and events—from
concerts and operas to lectures. The schedule varies from year to year. Information
about this year's event is posted on the town's website by April or May
(
&
01392/265200;
www.exeter.gov.uk).
Exploring Exeter
Exeter Cathedral
CATHEDRAL The Anglican cathedral at Exeter can
trace its history to 1050, when the Bishop of Devon and Cornwall was transferred
9
