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For all the stunning sights of Devon in the UK, the character of Exeter adds a new flavor to the scene. Not only will your eyes be wooed by the impressive structures and quaint little pubs, but the story behind each one that makes the city of Exeter what it is today will charm you into visiting.
Location
Exeter, located in the county of Devonshire in the United Kingdom, is but a small area. But it managed to become the Heart of Devon which also means being the county’s capital.
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Contrary to how it is regarded, Exeter is not in the center of Devonshire. Instead, it is situated to the far west near the south of the county where it is near the River Exe.
Climate
There’s no barrier to visiting the city at any time of the year. It is classified as both temperate and maritime, making up for a mild and damp climate overall. However, most visitors still prefer to visit the country when the sun is at its highest. If you’re one of these people, you should plan your trip between May and August when the summer season is in full blast.
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However, visiting when the weather is slightly chilly can be good as well. This is a good time to be familiar with the pubs and restaurants that can be found anywhere in the city. On the other hand, Exeter is still in Britain, so be ready for abrupt changes in weather.
Transportation
Being the heart of Devonshire is to be surrounded by numerous tourist hotspots. As such, Exeter has its own international airport and excellent roads that connect the city to the rest of the county and other major cities in the south of the UK.
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The international airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It has a special agreement with Air France, which is why there are many flights to many major cities in France like Paris. From the airport, reaching the city center is possible through buses or taxis that take around half an hour of travel time.
Attactions
Exeter: It’s Music, Art and Culture
Known as the cultural metropolis of the South West, the events and festivals in Exeter are packed all year round. The Devon County Show is the most anticipated festival of the year in the city happening in May to celebrate the country’s rich culture.
Other major events and festivals include Vibraphonic that features music is held in March, the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink celebrating the city’s love for food and Animated Exeter featuring top of the line films, animations, workshops, and seminars.
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With numerous events going on in the city, the places hosting these events are also impressive. They have one each specifically for music, theater, drama, ballet, opera, and contemporary performances. You must spend a large quantity of your time exploring outside in order to see every notable venue in the vicinity. However, don’t forget to conserve some of your energy, as the night life in the city is equally entrancing.
A Trip Down Memory Lane in Exeter
Rich in culture, the same could be said for its history. The city has its fair share of historical sites that have witnessed the growth of Exeter and serve as long-standing reminders of the old times with brick walls and ancient architecture. One pride of Exeter is its cathedral with its gothic structure. The other is its castle quarter called Rougemont Castle that dates back to 1068.
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While these are impressive sights to see in the city, don’t miss visiting the historic Quayside and the West Quarter of Exeter. The West Quarter displays the rapid growth of the city with many interesting artifacts and catacombs. On the other hand, the historic Quayside is a popular place for both locals and tourists due to its picturesque view teeming with stories of the past and the smell of food from the numerous pubs and restaurants located in this area.
The Modern Exeter
Visiting the city, you will definitely see how time has been gracious to Exeter. The city has many modern buildings such as the Princesshay shopping center lying side by side with old structures, and this makes quite an interesting scene. The High Street of Exeter, a main corridor used in navigating the city, links these structures to each other.
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However, you should also experience how Exeter comes alive at night with how the city erases traces of the past and enjoys what is graciously given at present.
See More:
Exeter City Council : Tourism and travel
http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9784
Exeter holidays
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/exeter
Images:
(1.) https://commons.wikimedia.org/
(2.) http://www.artistsagainstwindfarms.com/
(3.) https://www.flickr.com
(4.) http://www.shipspottersteve.com/
(5.) http://www.triggerfish.co.uk/
(6.) http://www.murchandbaker.com/
(7.) https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Amber Donato
