Exeter claims to be the liveliest city in the South West of England. It has a high student population most of whom attend the University of Exeter.
It is an historical city situated on the River Exe with plenty of places and buildings to visit. Just a few miles out of town is beautiful countryside with the added benefit of being both near to the Dartmoor National Park and also some lovely beaches.
The city has major road links with the A38 to Plymouth and South Cornwall. The A30 is a direct route to London via the A303 and M3 motorway. The M5 motorway leads to Bristol and Birmingham and connects to the M4 for London.
There are two stations serving Exeter, Exeter Central for the fast route via Taunton to Paddington and the slower trains via Salisbury to Waterloo. Trains also run locally from Exeter St. David’s to nearby towns.
Exeter International Airport lies east of the city and the local airline, Flybe, is one of the city’s major employers. There are seasonal flights to Toronto, Canada and regular flights to Paris, Amsterdam, other UK airports and Ireland.
The city has Celtic origin with the Romans following in 50AD. Parts of the Roman Wall still remain and a Roman Bath complex was found in the 1970’s but it was decided not leave it for public viewing as it was too near the Cathedral.
Exeter was captured in 876AD by the Danes and in 1067 by William the Conqueror.
The Livery Dole Almhouses were built at the end of the 16th century. They can still be seen today in the street of the same name.
The railway came to Exeter in 1844 and in 1860 the line to London was completed.
There are, in the city, ruins of Rougemount Castle that was built after the Norman Conquest. The later parts of the castle were used until 2006 as the Assize Court.
Northernhay Gardens, just outside the castle is the oldest public open space in the whole of England. It was designed in 1612 now is of Victorian design and well stocked with trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers.
Underground passages run beneath the city and the entrance to these can be found next to Boots, the chemist, in the High Street. They are medieval aquaducts and built to provide constant fresh water from the local springs. Although they are closed at the moment due to redevelpment of the new shopping centre they will be open in the autumn of 2007.
Exeter’s Cathedral dates back to 1114 but its present form was finished in 1375. It has two original towers and a long gothic vault. The hotel in the grounds was Englands’ first inn to be called a hotel. Mols Coffee House was often visited by Sir Francis Drake. In the grounds can be found other historical buildings selling crafts, books and antiques.
The quay is full of historical buildings and monuments. Quay house was built in 1680 during the height of the woollen cloth industry. Custom House is the oldest brick building in the city.
The mint is one of Devon’s oldest buildings and the Guildhall is the oldest, still used, Municipal building in England.
Exeter has a large tourist trade but is not totally reliant on this. The University of Exeter and Devon County Council are two of the main employers as is the Met Office since 2004 when it relocated from Bracknell.
Property for rent is available with prices for a l bed flat £460 - £525pcm, for a 2 bed flat £550 - £695pcm and for a 3 bed house £850 - £950pcm.
There are plenty of sports facilities in the city and these include clubs for football, rugby, rowing and squash.
There are, in the city, an abundance of cafes, restaurants, wine bars and public houses.
Boat trips can be taken from the quay along the River Exe.
Exeter Phoenix is a modern arts media having daily programmes of music, literature, film, dance and cabaret.
Exeter is home to three museums all of which are very interesting and worth visiting.
The Estuary is the place to be for people who are interested in natural history.
Guided tours of the city can be taken, they last approximately ninety minutes and are given by the Red Coat Guides who give all the facts and visit the places of interest in the city.
Shops in Exeter High Street are mainly the usual high street stores but more independent shops can be found in Gandy Street. Shopping streets are mainly pedestrianised with plenty of car parking spaces and park and ride facilities are also available.
The redevelopment of Princesshay Shopping Centre is to keep the city competitive with Bristol and Plymouth. It is due to open before Christmas 2007 and will give the area a further fifty shops. Shops in Exeter include Coast, Chikara, Top Shop, Top Man, Bay Trading, Gap, H&M and Susan M. Larger stores include Bhs, Dingles, Woolworths and Marks and Spencer.
The Harlequins and Guildhall Centres are out of town retail parks.
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