Things to Do around Exeter

Exeter offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The region has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 190 komoot visitors. These activities span urban green spaces, riverine environments, and ancient woodlands.

Popular hiking options include the Exeter Green Circle, a 12-mile (19 km) circular route, and trails within Haldon Forest Park. Ludwell Valley Park also offers walking opportunities. For a comprehensive list, consult the Hiking around Exeter guide.

Exeter provides diverse cycling routes, from flat, traffic-free paths like the Exe Estuary Trail to more challenging road cycling routes. Cycle hire services are available for exploring the canal towpath. Detailed routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Exeter and Cycling around Exeter guides.

The Exeter Green Circle is a 12-mile (19 km) circular walking route that encircles the city. It guides visitors through countryside valley parks and tranquil, leafy suburbs. The route is divided into five distinct sections, allowing for shorter walks.

The Exe Estuary Trail is a largely traffic-free, 26-mile (42 km) cycle route and walkway. It encircles the entire Exe Estuary, connecting Exmouth, Exeter, and Dawlish. The trail offers views along the River Exe and passes RSPB reserves known for wintering bird populations.

Exeter offers several easy and family-friendly walking options, including sections of the Exeter Green Circle and paths within Ludwell Valley Park. The canal towpath also provides a flat surface suitable for leisurely strolls. The Easy hikes around Exeter guide provides further details.

Haldon Forest Park, located a short drive from Exeter, is an expansive 3,500-acre woodland. It offers numerous well-marked trails for both walking and cycling. The park also features a treetop adventure course.

Komoot offers several guides for Exeter, including Hiking around Exeter, Road Cycling Routes around Exeter, and Cycling around Exeter. There are also guides for Easy hikes around Exeter and Running Trails around Exeter.

Exeter provides various options for jogging, including paths within city parks and gardens like Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens. The Exeter Green Circle and the canal towpath also offer suitable terrain for runners. Consult the Running Trails around Exeter guide for more information.

For general inquiries to Exeter City Council, most questions can be resolved online. The Customer Service Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm. The official website is exeter.gov.uk.

Exeter is close to diverse natural landscapes, including Dartmoor National Park with its moors and tors, and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This AONB features ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and a section of the Jurassic Coast. The South West Coast Path also traverses this area.

Within Exeter, Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens offer historical significance and green spaces. Killerton House and Gardens, a National Trust property, also provides extensive parklands for exploration. Ludwell Valley Park is known for its wildflowers.