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We know the school holidays can be an expensive time, so we have put together our top 15 ideas for things to do in Exeter this summer, completely free! Whatever the weather (although we're hoping this wonderful Devon sunshine lasts the whole summer!), there is plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. Plus there are some great free family events in Exeter over the summer holidays.
1. Visit Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and go on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day through 16 galleries of displays. With free entry & summer holiday activities, workshops and drop-in sessions, there is something for all ages.
2. Visit the library... Exeter Central Library runs regular family activities for all ages and is easily accessible from the city centre.
3. Join the famous Red Coat Guides on a walking tour of Exeter, to discover more about the fascinating and turbulent history of the city. Tours run daily throughout the year, with a wide range to choose from. It is advisable to book in advance, tours last approx. 90 minutes.
4. ...Or if you prefer to do things at your own pace, follow one of Exeter’s self-guided heritage trails – kids can solve puzzles and quizzes along the way.
5. On warm days, pack your swimming stuff and head to Heavitree Park, which has paddling pools in which to play and cool down, or St Thomas Splash Pad, with water fountains, tipping buckets and cannons for plenty of water fun!
6. Visit the Custom House Visitor Centre on Exeter’s Quayside to learn more about the history of the Quayside through fascinating displays, exhibits and a short film - ‘Exeter, 2,000 years of history’.
7. Visit the bird hides at Bowling Green Marsh along the Exe Estuary Trail between Topsham and Darts Farm - perfect for a short, fairly flat scoot or cycle. Make your way to Darts Farm to pick up picnic bits and enjoy a play in their outdoor play area.
8. Film fans, head to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for interactive exhibits for children, or see a favourite film as part of the Odeon or Vue Kid’s Club – whilst not strictly free, tickets are still relatively cheap per person. There are kids screenings every Saturday and Sunday morning, plus every day during the school holidays.
9. Find space to run free! Head out of the city to Haldon Forest Park, where themed walking and cycling routes are well-signposted, or follow special trails aimed at families with small children. You will also find family-friendly marked trails at Stoke Woods, an old forest dating back to the Roman times on the edge of Exeter, or visit one of five Valley Parks in the city, all great for walking, kicking a football around or enjoying a family picnic.
10. Take a family bike ride following the route of the Exeter Canal... this flat, traffic-free route is great for families, plus you can stop off at the Double Locks pub for refreshments in the large, waterside beer garden with an outdoor play area!
11. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, to meet over 500 donkeys and enjoy interactive activities in the fantastic indoor visitor centre.
12. Visit St Nicholas Priory on a Sunday, 12 - 4pm to discover more about the Tudors, with regular free events which ring this historic building to life.
13. Head to the beach! Exeter is just a 20 minute journey by car, or a very scenic rail journey to the coastal resorts of Exmouth and Dawlish.
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14. Follow the Paws Around Exeter Trail to discover 20 large colourfully decorated sculptures of dogs across the city!
15. See the city come to life at a free event or shop at a local market! See the full list of free events in Exeter this summer here.
Scroll down for more free attractions in Exeter.
Number of results: 72
, currently showing 1 to 21.
Sidmouth
Bring out the best in your herd and make memories that last a lifetime at The Donkey Sanctuary. Meet hundreds of adorable rescue donkeys for FREE and discover so much more besides.
Exeter
Exeter's Historic Quayside is the most attractive area in the city, popular with locals & visitors for its fascinating history, pubs & restaurants.
Exeter
Whether you want a gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for everyone at Haldon Forest Park. Open 364 days of the year, there is something for every interest to connect you with the great outdoors.
Exeter
Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities.
The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World…
Exeter
Find out more about the city’s turbulent history on a free guided walking tour with the Red Coat Guides, running daily throughout the year.
Exeter
Explore Killerton, one of Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.
Exeter
Exeter’s oldest building, the original priory was turned into Tudor home and is now a performance and community venue. Come and experience 900 years of Exeter’s history and join us in discovering the secrets of our wonderful building.
Prince of Wales Road, Exeter
A museum dedicated to the audience's experience of the moving image. Explore the visual culture from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe.
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is an ACE Accredited public museum dedicated to our experience of the moving image…
Nr Exeter
Canonteign Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the heart of Devon. Visit us for peaceful walks among the waterfalls and lakes and family fun in the gardens and playgrounds. Escape the crowds and experience the highest waterfall in Dartmoor…
Exeter
The Custom House Visitor Centre is in the centre of Exeter's historic quayside & occupies one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront.
Streatham Drive, Exeter
The University of Exeter’s Streatham campus is set within 300 acres of botanical gardens. Starting in September 2010 the Event Exeter team have been given the opportunity to offer guests a range of seasonal tours for all groups and sizes.
Axmouth
If you're thinking of walking parts of the coastal path then the route from Axmouth to Lyme Regis is a good starting point with great views
Exeter
The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build the adjacent city walls.
Exeter
Riverside Valley Park extends for several miles through the city forming part of a major wildlife highway linking Exmoor to the sea. The character of the park changes down its length, becoming more informal and richer in wildlife. There are some…
Dawlish
Dawlish Warren is a fascinating place. This sand spit at the mouth of the Exe Estuary is not only of geological interest but is also a nationally important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.
Axe Estuary Wetlands
Shaldon
Ness Cove at Shaldon nestles in between magnificent red cliffs and is accessed via an original smuggler's tunnel. At the tunnel's end, you'll discover the perfect get away - life is truly a beach!
Exeter
Aylesbeare Common is a large area of lowland heath. Both wet and dry areas of heath occur, together with small springs and flushes. These habitats support a diverse flora. As well as heather and its relatives, plants such as heath dog violet and…
Newton Abbot
Decoy Country Park provides an opportunity to enjoy exciting wildlife and beautiful countryside. Decoy was once a clay quarry but now supports a wealth of wildlife, with the main habitats found here.
Exeter
A haven for birdwatchers or just nature lovers, spend a day investigating the delights of the River Exe.
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Exeter became the only UK destination in 2019 to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, recognised for its 1,000 year unbroken history of making books and popularising reading since the early 13th century.
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