Car Rental Exeter

From the red sandstone buildings of the city centre to the rugged Jurassic Coast, driving around Exeter is a pleasurable experience. Take to the open road to discover every beautiful attraction.

There are excellent road links between Exeter and the surrounding rural wonders. The primary tourist attractions are clustered around the city’s historic centre, between the B3183 north of Exeter Castle and Bonhay Road by the River Exe.

There are many local parking lots, including several tucked just north of Western Way. Step out of your chosen rental vehicle to explore the traditional eateries tucked along the quay.

From here, Alphington Road winds south across the river. Join the A38 to cruise south where Dartmoor National Park borders quaint coastal towns.

Take the B roads into Dartmoor to witness the idyllic English countryside at its best- rolling green hills stretching for almost a thousand square kilometres. This famous National Park sprawls across an area the size of London.

East of Exeter, the A3052 offers even more scenic drives.The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a wildlife preserve, where wooded valleys sit beside the wild Jurassic Coast.

If you plan to journey further afield, the magnificent beaches of Cornwall are 90-minutes away by road and the M5 motorway begins by the mouth of the River Exe, providing a wide, open route towards Bristol, Birmingham and the north.

On motorways in the UK, the right-hand lane is used to overtake, and undertaking is prohibited. The maximum speed limit is 70mph (112km/h) on motorways, but this can drop to 30mph (48km/h) throughout most towns. Watch out for lower speed limits in residential areas.

A small city with a big personality, Exeter is packed with historical intrigue and beautiful sights. Set on the cusp of the English countryside and the jagged southern coastline, a summer stay in Exeter lets you mix urban exploration with the salty sea air.

Climb the famous cathedral tower, visit regal museums or step into history with the treasure trail of local ruins.

Exeter’s exhibits

This charming city has heritage dating back to the Roman Empire and its museums reflect this ancient heritage. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is in central Exeter, showcasing collections from the prehistoric era.

Set in a building born from a 19th-century architecture competition, this museum will take you on a journey through global history, beautiful paintings and even an Egyptian tomb. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of wonder.

Other fantastic museums include the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum and the old-world Topsham Museum, where you can immerse yourself in 17th-century English life.

If you prefer creativity over history, Spacex is Exeter’s leading contemporary art center. Exeter Phoenix is the city’s arts and media centre, where you can catch regular visual displays, performances and music concerts.

Tunnels, spires and ancient ruins

Exeter has a long heritage as a top vacation hotspot. Fortunately, many precious buildings survived an aerial bombardment in the Blitz of the Second World War, offering fantastic opportunities for history buffs.

Exeter Cathedral is the main attraction, showcasing a vibrant history dating back almost 1,000 years. This Romanesque construction is decorated in Gothic style, with intricate sculptures carved into the walls. Daring travellers can take a mystical roof tour to experience the beauty from above.

The Underground Passages will take you on a journey through even more hidden history. These medieval passageways were once used to transport water throughout the city. Today, tunnels once trod for repairs provide a labyrinthine network to satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Exeter Castle and St Nicholas’ Priory contribute even more charm to the city’s catalogue of historical attractions. Take a grand tour to experience them all.

The roaring Jurassic Coast

A World Heritage Site since 2001, the coastline edging the east of Exeter is a striking sight to behold, with rugged coves, fossils bound in cliffs and idyllic beaches.

There are many beautiful coastal towns speckled along these shores. A colourful location, Topsham has a charming canal filled with river boats which are perfect for an afternoon cruise. From Exmouth to the gleaming chalk of Old Harry Rocks, this edge of England makes a great place for coastal drives.

The Golden Cap is the highest point on the southern English coast and a major highlight, while the golden cliffs at West Bay provide a popular backdrop for summer barbeques.

To the west, the towns of Cockington and Ashburton have colourful and quintessentially English scenery. On this stretch of the English Riviera, you can balance sun and sea with a visit to village markets and thatched houses.

Caper in the Devon wilds

The West Country is known for its distinctive accents and traditional cider mills, but the landscape itself is the understated star of the show.

Dartmoor National Park is a haven for families and nature lovers. Here you can explore local horticulture, be inspired at a visitor centre gallery or see miniature ponies and llamas. There’s a famous zoo for constructed entertainment, plus miles of wilderness to lose yourself in.