Exeter City Guide

Whether Exeter is your intended destination or just a brief stopover on the way to your new home, we have compiled this guide to help you get your bearings on arrival. To obtain more details about the city check out the websites listed at the end of this profile.

Population

Exeter, according to mid-2006 estimates, is home to 119,600 people.

Geography

Situated on the River Exe in the county of Devonshire in the South West England, Exeter is a relatively small city with strong rural connections and a long established character. The hills to the north and west of the city, particularly the ridgelines, give the city a distinctive character. The green hedges, which separate the east and west of the city along the riverside and which separate areas within the city, show the uniqueness of each part of the city.

Economy

The city is one of the fastest growing economic centres in the South West region. Exeter’s economy supports 86,000 jobs, 20,000 of which are located in the city centre. The Met Office, the main weather forecasting organisation for the nation, relocated to the city in early 2004. Along with the University of Exeter, (which is rated amongst the UK’s top universities), the Devon County Council and the MetOffice are the three largest employers in Exeter.

Dining Out

Plenty of restaurants and cafes around the city centre or the Quayside offer special delicacies to be savoured. The Historic Quayside has a great mix of cuisine from home made West Country specialities to Italian, Latin American and of course the traditional Devonshire Cream Tea. Most cafes and restaurants use fresh local produce wherever possible.

Transport

Exeter has good road, air and rail communications. The city has its own international airport, which is situated approximately 20 minutes from the city centre. Two main-line stations link the city to major UK cities. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach London by rail.

Arts & Culture Combining history and heritage, the city has a wealth of attractions. From the magnificent Cathedral and Historic Quayside, to the Guildhall and Royal Albert Memorial Museum there is so much to see and do in this fascinating city. A wide range of arts and arts festivals promoted across the city include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, painting, crafts, and fashion design.

Lifestyle & Outdoor Recreation

There is a regular programme of waterside, musical and charity events throughout the summer months. The Quayside is also the location for monthly markets, heritage walks and the opening celebration of the Exeter Summer Festival. Many sporting events are organized all year round. Whether it is rugby, football or one of the other various sports, thousands of fans and spectators attend matches from all over the country. Local sports centres and facilities are also at hand for the more active person who would rather partake in their chosen activity. With no closed season, the river Exe and the canal are a paradise for anglers, requiring a permit from the Civic Centre.

On the Net

Exeter City Council
www.exeter.gov.uk

Devon Tourist Guide
www.discoverdevon.com

Weather

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Avg. Max.

8°C

8°C

10°C

12°C

16°C

19°C

21°C

21°C

18°C

14°C

11°C

9°C

Avg. Min.

3°C

3°C

3°C

4°C

7°C

11°C

12°C

12°C

10°C

8°C

5°C

4°C

Mean

6°C

6°C

7°C

8°C

12°C

14°C

17°C

17°C

14°C

11°C

8°C

7°C