History, Shopping & Dining – A Visitor’s Guide from the Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth
For guests staying in Sidmouth, Exeter makes an ideal day trip. Just a short and scenic journey away, the city offers a completely different atmosphere to the calm of the coast — vibrant, historic, cultural, and full of life — while still feeling compact, walkable, and easy to explore in a single day.
This guide is designed to help first-time visitors enjoy Exeter at a relaxed pace, combining its rich history, excellent shopping, and diverse dining scene into one easy, rewarding day out.
Why Visit Exeter?
Exeter is one of Devon’s most historic cities, shaped by over 2,000 years of Roman, medieval, and modern history. Yet it also feels contemporary and lively, with independent shops, cafés, galleries, riverside walks, and a thriving food scene.
It’s the perfect contrast to Sidmouth:
- City energy without overwhelming scale
- History without feeling heavy
- Shopping without sprawl
- Dining without rush
Compact, walkable, and welcoming, Exeter offers the richness of a city with the ease of a town.
Getting to Exeter from Sidmouth
Travelling to Exeter from Sidmouth is simple and stress-free.
By Bus
Direct bus routes connect Sidmouth to Exeter, offering a scenic countryside journey and a relaxed, affordable way to travel. Buses arrive close to the city centre, making it easy to step straight into the heart of the city without parking or navigation worries.
By Car
Driving takes approximately 40–45 minutes depending on traffic. Exeter has multiple central car parks, but city driving and parking can be busier than Sidmouth, particularly at weekends.
By Train
Guests can also travel via nearby stations (Honiton or Exeter connections), though for most visitors the bus is the simplest and most direct option.
Exeter’s History – A Living City
Exeter Cathedral
At the heart of the city sits Exeter Cathedral, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in England. With its striking twin towers, medieval architecture, and peaceful Cathedral Green, it offers a calm and reflective space in the middle of the city.
Roman & Medieval Exeter
Exeter’s story stretches back to Roman times, and traces of its ancient walls, underground passages, and historic buildings remain woven through the modern streets. Unlike open-air museums, Exeter’s history feels lived-in – part of everyday city life rather than something preserved behind glass.
Shopping in Exeter
Exeter offers one of the best shopping experiences in Devon, combining:
- Independent boutiques
- Artisan shops
- Bookshops
- Local designers
- Historic arcades
- High street brands
- Open squares and courtyards
Princesshay
The Princesshay area forms the modern heart of Exeter’s shopping district, blending open-air streets with contemporary retail, cafés, and public spaces.
Independent Streets
Side streets and historic lanes offer smaller independent shops, gift stores, galleries, and specialist retailers — perfect for unique finds and local products.
Exeter Quayside
One of Exeter’s most charming areas is the Quayside, where historic warehouses now house cafés, restaurants, shops, and galleries. The River Exe creates a peaceful atmosphere, with waterside seating, walking paths, and cycling routes.
It’s an ideal place for:
- Lunch by the water
- Coffee stops
- Relaxed walks
- People watching
- Photography
Dining in Exeter
Exeter’s food scene is diverse, vibrant, and relaxed, offering everything from casual cafés to high-quality dining.
Expect:
- Independent restaurants
- International cuisine
- Modern British dining
- Riverside restaurants
- Artisan bakeries
- Wine bars and cocktail lounges
Unlike Sidmouth’s earlier evenings, Exeter offers:
- Later dining options
- Livelier evening atmosphere
- Broader choice of cuisines
- Flexible dining times
Why Exeter Works So Well as a Day Trip
Exeter offers everything a good day trip should:
- Easy access from Sidmouth
- Walkable layout
- Clear landmarks
- Variety of experiences
- Calm and lively balance
- Culture without pressure
- Choice without overwhelm
You can experience the city fully — without feeling rushed or exhausted.
Returning to Sidmouth
One of the pleasures of visiting Exeter from Sidmouth is the contrast. After a day of city life, shopping, history, and dining, returning to the calm of the coast feels grounding and restful – the perfect balance between stimulation and stillness.
A Natural Pairing
Sidmouth and Exeter complement each other beautifully:
Sidmouth offers:
- Calm
- Nature
- Coast
- Walking
- Slowness
- Stillness
Exeter offers:
- Energy
- Culture
- History
- Shopping
- Dining
- City life
Together, they create a balanced, rich, and varied visitor experience.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Exeter offers the perfect complement to a coastal stay in Sidmouth. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant shopping streets, riverside walks, and diverse dining scene, the city provides variety, culture, and energy — all within easy reach of the coast.
From quiet moments on Cathedral Green to relaxed lunches by the Quayside and shopping in the city centre, Exeter is a place to explore.
For guests staying at the Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth, Exeter adds depth and contrast to your holiday — offering the excitement of a historic city by day, and the calm of the coast by evening. It’s not just a day out; it’s a perfectly balanced extension of your stay.
